St. Elmo: Hancock Pass Loop
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Way too difficult for beginners with a line too ugly for advanced riders, this ride will appeal to few. The steeps are too steep and rocky to ride, so expect a little-no, make that a lot-of hike-a-bike. The descent from Hancock Pass back to the start of the loop is an excellent technical challenge, but you may have to dodge energy-drink-aggressive ATV and motorcycle riders along the way.
If you're still with me, I must say, however, that the scenery is among the best anywhere. Tunnel Gulch is breathtaking and the Middle Quartz Creek Valley is so spectacular that you'll have to fight to keep your bike on the road. In addition, the old Alpine Station and Palisades are definitely worth more than a few snapshots.
This is a very popular area for jeeps, motor cycles, and ATVs. Stay alert!
If you're still with me, I must say, however, that the scenery is among the best anywhere. Tunnel Gulch is breathtaking and the Middle Quartz Creek Valley is so spectacular that you'll have to fight to keep your bike on the road. In addition, the old Alpine Station and Palisades are definitely worth more than a few snapshots.
This is a very popular area for jeeps, motor cycles, and ATVs. Stay alert!
USGS Quadrangles:
St. Elmo, Cumberland Pass, White Pine, Garfield
Ride length: 10.1 miles
Ride type: loop
Riding time: 2-3 hours
Surface: jeep/dirt roads (9.2 miles); single-track (0.9 miles)
Elevations: start/end 11,050'; max 12,175'; min 11,050'
Total climbing: gain/loss 2,200'
Aerobic level: advanced (very strenuous steeps and lots of hike-a-bike)
Technical level: 5 (long, rocky steeps)
Season: July through October
Getting there: from the intersection of US 285/24 (2.4 miles south of Buena Vista), drive 5.5 miles south on US 285 to the intersection with CR 162. Turn right on CR 162 and drive 15.6 miles west to the intersection with FSR 295. Turn left onto FSR 295 and drive 5.6 miles to the Alpine Tunnel trailhead parking area. The ride starts at the Alpine Tunnel trailhead.
Ride type: loop
Riding time: 2-3 hours
Surface: jeep/dirt roads (9.2 miles); single-track (0.9 miles)
Elevations: start/end 11,050'; max 12,175'; min 11,050'
Total climbing: gain/loss 2,200'
Aerobic level: advanced (very strenuous steeps and lots of hike-a-bike)
Technical level: 5 (long, rocky steeps)
Season: July through October
Getting there: from the intersection of US 285/24 (2.4 miles south of Buena Vista), drive 5.5 miles south on US 285 to the intersection with CR 162. Turn right on CR 162 and drive 15.6 miles west to the intersection with FSR 295. Turn left onto FSR 295 and drive 5.6 miles to the Alpine Tunnel trailhead parking area. The ride starts at the Alpine Tunnel trailhead.
The Ride:
-0.0 - Ride onto the Alpine Tunnel Trail from the trailhead.
-0.2 - Stop to sign the trail register on your right.
-0.4 - Pass the intersection with the Williams Pass Road on your left as you make your way around the infamous Sawmill Curve.
-2.6 - Turn left, following the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), to start the burly climb to the crest of the Continental Divide. Consider turning pro if you clean this line. Note- to see the East Portal of the Alpine Tunnel, continue straight past the CDT intersection for approximately 100 yards. The tunnel is collapsed, so don't even think about entering it.
-3.1 - Continue straight toward the Alpine Tunnel West Portal as you cross the Continental Divide. Note- turning right will lead you to Tunnel Lake and Tin Cup Pass Road along the CDT.
-3.5 - Arrive at the tunnel's West Portal. Turn left to continue the ride. Note - to view the portal, turn right and ride approximately 100 yards.
-3.6 - Pass the Wooden Turntable (constructed in 1907) on your right.
-3.8 - Arrive at the Alpine Station and Western Union Telegraph office. Stop to take a few pictures and explore this historic landmark.
-4.6 - Stay on the road and avoid the edge as you pass above the Middle Quartz Creek Valley. Amazing.
-5.3 - Pass the intersection with Williams Pass Road on the left as you continue descending on the Alpine Tunnel Road.
-6.2 - Turn left and ride toward Tomichi Pass and Hancock Pass along FSR 888. The road surface is very poor for the next 0.5 miles. Be prepared to walk.
-6.9 - Turn left and start the steep climb to Hancock Pass. Note- turning right leads to Tomichi Pass.
-7.9 - Reach the summit of Hancock Pass. Start the steep and rocky drop back to the trailhead.
-10.0 - Turn left to return to the trailhead. (Right leads to Hancock Lake along the CDT.)
-10.1 - End of the ride.
Options: conserve gas and start this ride from St. Elmo to add about 5.6 more miles of moderate spinning to the start of the loop. Expect to be buzzed by many ATVs, motorcycles, and jeeps as you work your way to the Hancock town site.
-0.2 - Stop to sign the trail register on your right.
-0.4 - Pass the intersection with the Williams Pass Road on your left as you make your way around the infamous Sawmill Curve.
-2.6 - Turn left, following the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), to start the burly climb to the crest of the Continental Divide. Consider turning pro if you clean this line. Note- to see the East Portal of the Alpine Tunnel, continue straight past the CDT intersection for approximately 100 yards. The tunnel is collapsed, so don't even think about entering it.
-3.1 - Continue straight toward the Alpine Tunnel West Portal as you cross the Continental Divide. Note- turning right will lead you to Tunnel Lake and Tin Cup Pass Road along the CDT.
-3.5 - Arrive at the tunnel's West Portal. Turn left to continue the ride. Note - to view the portal, turn right and ride approximately 100 yards.
-3.6 - Pass the Wooden Turntable (constructed in 1907) on your right.
-3.8 - Arrive at the Alpine Station and Western Union Telegraph office. Stop to take a few pictures and explore this historic landmark.
-4.6 - Stay on the road and avoid the edge as you pass above the Middle Quartz Creek Valley. Amazing.
-5.3 - Pass the intersection with Williams Pass Road on the left as you continue descending on the Alpine Tunnel Road.
-6.2 - Turn left and ride toward Tomichi Pass and Hancock Pass along FSR 888. The road surface is very poor for the next 0.5 miles. Be prepared to walk.
-6.9 - Turn left and start the steep climb to Hancock Pass. Note- turning right leads to Tomichi Pass.
-7.9 - Reach the summit of Hancock Pass. Start the steep and rocky drop back to the trailhead.
-10.0 - Turn left to return to the trailhead. (Right leads to Hancock Lake along the CDT.)
-10.1 - End of the ride.
Options: conserve gas and start this ride from St. Elmo to add about 5.6 more miles of moderate spinning to the start of the loop. Expect to be buzzed by many ATVs, motorcycles, and jeeps as you work your way to the Hancock town site.
Topo with elevation profile:
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