Trail Overview
Scenic Cumberland Pass is a scenic 15.8-mile route climbing from 9,744 feet to a peak of 12,027 feet near Napoleon Mountain. The trail follows narrow, steep, and rocky historic mining roads parallel to the main pass, offering panoramic high-alpine views, pine forests, and remnants of Colorado’s mining history.
Rated a moderate 6, the trail features steep gradients, loose rock, and tight clearances. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and four-wheel drive is helpful for steep sections or lingering snowpack, which can block the pass through July.
Difficulty
4WD is not usually needed, but these are narrow, steep, rocky mining roads. Some may be covered in snow through July.
History
Cumberland Pass had a pack trail originally, where burros hauled supplies in, and ore out, of the Tincup mining district. In 1882, the trail was widened to a wagon road over the 12,000-foot pass. This allowed direct access from the Tincup area to the Denver, South Park, and Pacific railroad that came over the Alpine Tunnel to Pitkin. There were mines on both sides of the pass, which used Cumberland Pass, to transport ore and bring in supplies. Past the first switchback on the Pitkin side was the Bon Ton Mine. The first automobile crossed Cumberland Pass in 1905, but it had to be pulled by a team of horses part way. In 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps improved the road. In the 1950s it was upgraded again.
Access Description
Please stay on the designated mining roads and respect private property lines along the route. High-altitude snowpack can block the pass through July, so check current local conditions before heading out.
