Getting Oriented
Tincup Pass sits in the Sawatch Range, between the Arkansas River drainage (eastern, Chaffee County) and the Taylor River drainage (western, Gunnison County). St. Elmo is 16 miles southwest of Buena Vista; Tincup is north of Almont. Both towns are mining-era settlements that survived as small communities — St. Elmo has roughly 30 year-round residents and a general store, Tincup has roughly 15.
Trail Overview
From St. Elmo on the eastern side, the route climbs west on County Road 267 through old-growth spruce forest. The first miles are graded gravel; the road steepens and roughens as it climbs above timberline. The summit at 12,154 feet sits in a saddle with panoramic Sawatch Range views. The western descent drops through Mirror Lake to Tincup, with the road's most challenging rocky sections between the lake and Tincup.
Driving the pass takes 2 to 3 hours one-way without stops. With St. Elmo and Tincup ghost-town visits, plan a half day or longer. The route is heavily trafficked by ATVs and UTVs in addition to 4WD vehicles.
Points of Interest
- St. Elmo. A well-preserved 1880s mining town with the Pat's Place General Store, the Stark Hotel, and several restored buildings. Photo destination.
- Mirror Lake. Alpine lake on the western descent with primitive camping and trout fishing.
- Pass summit. 12,154 feet with panoramic views.
- Mary Murphy Mine. Historic gold mine ruins near St. Elmo.
- Continental Divide Trail crossing. Hikers cross the area near the pass.
- Tincup town. Small mountain settlement on the western descent.
- Garfield ghost town. A separate ghost town near the eastern access.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is allowed in the surrounding national forest with the standard 14-day stay limit. Mirror Lake offers primitive camping near the alpine lake. The St. Elmo area has informal camping near the ghost town. Buena Vista on US-24 has commercial RV options.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Travel mid-July through September. Snow blocks the pass most of the year.
- The St. Elmo-to-Tincup direction is most popular; either direction works.
- Watch for ATV and UTV traffic. Pass them carefully.
- Carry water; the route has no potable water at the pass itself.
- Cell coverage is absent.
- Acclimate to altitude before driving.
- Lightning hits the summit regularly in summer afternoons.
- St. Elmo is a partly-inhabited town. Respect private property.
- Stay on designated routes. Off-road driving in the alpine damages tundra.
- Contact the San Isabel National Forest at 719-553-1400 for current conditions.
