Trail Overview
Tincup Pass is a scenic 12.4-mile offroad route connecting the historic ghost town of St. Elmo to Tincup. Crossing the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range, the trail climbs from 10,110 feet to a peak of 12,158 feet. The drive requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle with low-range gearing, skid plates, and tough tires to navigate steep grades, loose dirt, and sharp, tire-damaging rocks near the summit.
A narrow shelf road near the pass usually remains blocked by snow until early July. Once clear, the route offers views of Mirror Lake, Emma Burr Mountain, and Fitzpatrick Peak. Starting from St. Elmo, the trail crosses a wooden bridge before climbing County Road 267 through switchbacks and rocky sections.
Difficulty
Difficult. Sharp rocks near the top may cut tires. One short section of narrow shelf road often remains snow covered into early July. After the snow clears, this trail is suitable for SUVs with high clearance, low-range gearing, skid plates and good tires.
History
St. Elmo was settled in 1878 and grew to a population of about 2,000. Like so many mining towns, the most prosperous businesses were saloons, dance halls and bawdy houses. In 1881, St. Elmo became an important railway stop. During the construction of the Alpine Tunnel, St. Elmo was a bustling supply center. When Mary Murphy Mine closed in 1920, St. Elmo was finished. Contrary to popular belief, Tincup is not a ghost town. Most of the old cabins in town have been restored to their original condition and are occupied during the summer. No visit to Tincup is complete without a stop at the Tincup General Store.
Offroad