RM ORS #18-03: Hancock

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

This cache is the third 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 behind the townsite of Hancock. Take some time to read the historical information signs in the area. The views from here are awesome.

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. Tomchi 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.