Travel guide to the top of Tincup Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
20.43 km
3,710 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Tincup Pass in Colorado! This stunner of a road sits at a whopping 12,171 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it chilling west of the ghost town of Saint Elmo, right on the line between Chaffee and Gunnison counties.
Heads up: this is a 12.7-mile unpaved adventure on County Road 267, linking the town of Tincup to the eerie St. Elmo. The season's short – typically mid-June to early autumn, snow permitting. Because, yeah, even early July can see snow up here!
You'll definitely want a high-clearance 4x4 with low-range gearing for this one – it's easier going from the east. The road's generally decent, but expect eroded sections with rocks, especially on the west side. There are a few steep spots and narrow areas, and near the top, it gets seriously tight with cliff edges. Rocky at the summit, and that shelf road at 12,000 feet can hold snow well into summer. Usually, you'll have enough room to pass other vehicles (mostly ATVs).
This old wagon road (built back in 1881) cuts through the Gunnison and San Isabel National Forests and puts you right on the Continental Divide. The pass gets its name from a prospector who toted his gold home in a tin cup back in the day!
But the real reason to come? The views! High alpine scenery galore. Plan on a 2-3 hour trip with photo stops. You'll cruise through aspen forests at lower elevations and get insane views of the Rockies. Keep an eye out for marmots and other wildlife, and don't miss Mirror Lake. Trust me, it's a four-wheeling paradise.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Tincup Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.2117, -96.6892
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,710 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.2117, -96.6892
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Ghost Road Scenic Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for a spooky adventure on Bragg Road (aka Ghost Road Scenic Drive) in Hardin County, Texas! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a dive into local legend, deep in the Big Thicket, about 75 miles northeast of Pasadena. Forget the GPS for a second and listen up: this stretch of road is supposedly THE most haunted in Texas. The whispers center around the "Light of Saratoga," a ghostly glow that pops up randomly at night. Some say it's the lantern of a railroad worker who lost his head in a wreck and is still searching for it! Spooky, right? This super-straight road used to be part of the Santa Fe railroad line, built way back in 1901. The trains stopped running in 1934, but the old track became a road. Now, heads up: it's unpaved – think dry and dusty, but potentially muddy after a good rain. It's a long, isolated 7.8-mile (12.55km) stretch running from Farm-to-Market Road 1293 (near the ghost town of Bragg) to Farm-to-Market Road 787, near Saratoga. Keep an eye out for other vehicles, especially at night!
hardWhat are the technical challenges of the Cherokee Orchard Road ascent?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna hit up the Smokies, huh? Well, Cherokee Orchard Road is your on-ramp to adventure! This little stretch of asphalt is the lifeline between Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and let me tell you, it's more than just a road – it's a climb! Expect a serious workout for your vehicle as you leave Gatlinburg behind. We're talking a steady uphill battle, steep grades that'll test your engine's cooling system, and enough vertical gain to make your ears pop. Now, keep your eyes peeled! This road is popular, and you'll be sharing it with plenty of hikers heading to the trails. The lanes can get narrow, especially near the Rainbow Falls trailhead, so be ready to share the road. Watch out for wildlife, too; bears and elk are known to stroll along the shoulders! Make sure to give your car a breather at the Noah "Bud" Ogle Cabin area. This spot is the perfect chance to check your fluids, make sure everything's running cool, and decide whether your rig is suitable for the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail loop. Oh, and one more thing: shade from the dense forest means the road can be damp, especially on those banked turns. Engine braking is your friend to avoid brake fade. Cherokee Orchard Road isn't just a road; it's a taste of the Smoky Mountains. Gear up, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
hardIs the road to Monroe Peak in Utah unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Monroe Peak in Utah! This beast of a mountain, clocking in at 11,223ft, is nestled in Sevier County and boasts some serious views. You'll be cruising on Forest Road 183 (aka Monroe Mountain Road), a pretty sweet gravel road that winds its way to the top. While a 4x4 is recommended, most 2WDs can handle it—just take it slow. Be warned: if it's been raining, this narrow road can get a little dicey with erosion, so tread carefully. Heads up: this road is typically closed from November through June, so summer is your prime time. And if you're looking for a less crowded experience, weekdays are your best bet to avoid the ATV rush. Starting from Forest Road 078, you've got a 2.9-mile climb ahead of you, with an elevation gain of 964 feet. That's an average gradient of 15.33%, so buckle up for a steep one! The summit itself is dotted with communication towers, but hey, it's also a famous spot for free flight launches in the US. Get ready for panoramic vistas and bragging rights!
moderateWhere is Kennaday Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Carbon County, Wyoming, itching for a view that'll knock your socks off. Kennaday Peak is calling your name! Perched way up high at 10,826 feet, this beauty's nestled east of Saratoga, deep inside the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Getting there is half the adventure. Forest Road 215, your path to glory, is a rugged dirt track. We're talking steep climbs and some seriously rough patches, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best friend. Four-wheel drive? Probably not necessary unless you're tackling it early in the season or after a storm – and honestly, maybe skip it then. The road itself? A 6.5-mile climb from NFSR 100, gaining over 2,100 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of around 6%, but be ready for some ramps that hit over 11%! At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout, a 1960's flattop structure sitting atop a concrete foundation. There's a small interpretive area at the base, but the real star is the 360-degree view. Seriously, it's unreal – mountains for days and the Platte River Valley stretching out below. Keep in mind this is high country! The road is usually open from June/July through September/October. Summer days might be warm, but nights can get chilly, and those afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast. High winds are a common occurrence too, so pack accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable Wyoming experience.