GC2ZX53 Traditional Cache RM ORS #18-02: Rusty Tram House
Type: Traditional | Size: Regular Regular | Difficulty: 2 out of 5 | Terrain: 3.5 out of 5
By: Team Red Rubicon @ | Hide Date: 07/09/2011 | Status: Available
Country: United States | State: Colorado
Coordinates: N38° 40.457 W106° 21.905 | Last updated: 08/30/2019 | Fav points: 0

Rocky Mountain (RM) Off Road Series (ORS) #18: Hancock Pass, Alpine Tunnel
A series by: Team Red Rubicon.

This cache is the second of seven caches in the #18 series of Rocky Mountain off-road caches located along the scenic Hancock Pass Trail. The Hancock Pass Trail starts out about 20 miles south-west of Buena Vista near the cool little ghost town of St. Elmo. This trail is a rated moderate with a few sections of shelf road. The trail ends near the historic Alpine Tunned (a full trail description is incuded below)

Cache Information
This cache is located near an old Tram House that was used in mining operations. There is a closed bridge with a dirt bypass right before the tram house. It's best to park on the far side of the bridge.

RM Off Road Series #18 Compete Cache Listing

1. Don't Do It
2. Rusty Tram House
3. Hancock
4. Got Trees?
5. Snowfield's Last Stand
6. Tomichi Pass View
7. Alpine Turntable

Trail Information

Rating/Description
Hancock Pass Trail originates from CR-162 just east of the little ghost town of St. Elmo
. The trail is easy for the first 5 1/2 miles up to the townsite of Hancock. Just past the townsite of Hancock, take a right at N38 38.287 W106 21.675 where the trail becomes moderate and starts to climb on your way up to the pass. At N38 37.458 W106 22.059 you will start to climb up the final switchbacks to the pass where the road becomes a shelf road. Bear right at N38 36.684 W106 22.717 to stay on Hancock Pass Trail (a left will take you to difficult Tomichi Pass). Turn right on 839 at N38 36.827 W106 23.401 to get to Alpine Tunnel. Park at N38 38.286 W106 24.483 to take the short hike to the tunnel. On the return trip, you can come back the way you came, head to Pitkin on the trail that starts at N38 36.831 W106 23.401, or head up over difficult Tomichi Pass.

This trail is rated moderate and can be done in most 4WD vehicles with low range and a little bit of clearance. The trail is rated a 4 (easiest routes) to 4 (most difficult routes) out of 10 on the traildamage website. Disclaimer: You need to decide for yourself if it is safe to make the trip in your vehicle and if you have any doubts, don't do it.

To get to the trailhead, head south on US 285 from Buena Vista. Turn right on CR-162 at N38 44.396 W106 05.044 and travel approximately 16 miles to the trailhead for the Hancock Pass trail at N38 42.349 W106 20.411.

Note: All coordinates in the above description are included on the waypoint list on the first cache page.

Winter Months
Because this trail is at a relatively high elevation, it is not accessible in the winter months. Hancock Pass is generally accessible to off road vehicles from late July though late September although conditions can vary greatly from year to year.

Time/Distance
The trail is 11.5 miles from the start at the trailhead to the parking area for Alpine Tunnel. The trail can be run in 3-4 hours if you don't make many stops, but make sure you leave a bunch of extra time to have lunch on the trail, find the caches and to do some exploring. To reach the trailhead from the Denver area takes about 2.5 to 3 hours so leave the house early.

Trail Waypoints
See waypoint list on the first cache page.

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 Nearby Caches

GC307WJ Colorado Spirit Quest #389 - Pomeroy Gul (2.30 kms SE)
GC2ZX4W RM ORS #18-01: Don't Do It! (3.72 kms NE)
GC2ZX54 RM ORS #18-03: Hancock (3.75 kms S)
GC2ZX56 RM ORS #18-04: Got Trees? (4.88 kms S)
GC31C33 RM ORS #18-07: Alpine Turntable (5.15 kms SW)

   


Driving Directions

 Logs

7 Logs: Found it 7  

Found it 07/03/2019 By coloradoseekers
TFTC!

Found it 07/03/2019 By TheCanClan
Yes!!!!!! Found it.

Found it 08/11/2017 By PKPirates
Great little hike! TFTC

Found it 08/06/2016 By KingJR
Just realized I never logged this! Found on the TRR mountain 4x4 cache extravaganza event. Nice parking for the group on this one. Some interesting history up here.

Found it 08/06/2016 By Takes the Hard Way
Found the cache with the group on the 4X4 run for the Mountain 4x4 10th Annual Caching Adventure.
It was a fun...and eventful day!

Love exploring the old mining buildings we find along the trails.

SL

Found it 08/06/2016 By Team Laxson
Found this one with the 4x4 event crew. This was our first stop of the tour, and wound up being one of the few caches we were able to stop for. The day's plan quickly went out the window :-) This was a great spot to stop for the group, exploring the bridge, building, and even the cache.

TNLNSL
(2997)

Found it 08/06/2016 By mnst
A great first stop on the 4x4 adventure. TNLN SL