Thinking of running a couple of easy/moderate trails or passes in central/north central Colorado in late September to catch some fall foliage/color. Would a completely stock 2016 LX 570 on 32" Michelin Defenders (18' wheels) make it from St. Elmo to Tin Cup? I understand there was a massive mud pit that I wouldn't have been able to get around on the St. Elmo side but I understand it was 'repaired' back in May. And I'm hoping Mirror Lake will be within its banks or at least less than a foot deep on the trail. I'm a beginner and I have no interest in tearing up anything on my rig. I do appreciate your opinions! Thank you!
Tin Cup Pass - Fall Color
- Thread starter rustsatz
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Fall color will be no problem if your travel plans are flexible. The Denver TV stations all run advisories on peak colors in the Fall on their websites. For general travel info: Cotrip.org.
As far as route particulars, I'm not much help since I haven't been to Tin Cup in 15 years. The last time I did it was in a bone stock GMC 1500 and I never needed 4wd. The roads are either county maintained or Forrest Service maintained, so not a big concern.
I recommend a loop that covers both Tin Cup Pass and Hancock Pass, with a side trip to the Alpine Tunnel on the West side so you can experience the Palisades.
You can approach from the South off of US50 at Sargents and Tomichi Pass; from the East via Nathrop/St. Elmo; or from the West - heading North out of Gunnison on CO135 and turning Right at Almont towards Buena Vista, then dropping down towards the town of Tin Cup.
Even with stops for the scenery it should only be a day trip. You can use Trailsoffroad.com to plan your route.
As far as route particulars, I'm not much help since I haven't been to Tin Cup in 15 years. The last time I did it was in a bone stock GMC 1500 and I never needed 4wd. The roads are either county maintained or Forrest Service maintained, so not a big concern.
I recommend a loop that covers both Tin Cup Pass and Hancock Pass, with a side trip to the Alpine Tunnel on the West side so you can experience the Palisades.
You can approach from the South off of US50 at Sargents and Tomichi Pass; from the East via Nathrop/St. Elmo; or from the West - heading North out of Gunnison on CO135 and turning Right at Almont towards Buena Vista, then dropping down towards the town of Tin Cup.
Even with stops for the scenery it should only be a day trip. You can use Trailsoffroad.com to plan your route.
Tin cup is one step above a gravel rd most of the way up.
The mud pit is completely repaired and not an issue (did it early this season).
As long as mirror lake is low (always is that time of year), a stock SUV would be fine. Just bring a spare tire.
The mud pit is completely repaired and not an issue (did it early this season).
As long as mirror lake is low (always is that time of year), a stock SUV would be fine. Just bring a spare tire.
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks for taking the time to respond!
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- #5
Thank you!
I was able to grab peak days on Sept 30th, 2023 and Sept 27th, 2024 on Boreas Pass (83miles north of Tin Cup). The aspen viewing window is very short, and depend on temps, wind, and precip. The Southern mountains could be a bit later, possibly in the first week of Oct.
If you're looking for a companion I'd love to do this trip as well in my stock 200 series as I'll temporarily be in CO in September, my window would be more mid September though so not sure that would be late enough for you.
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- #8
Thanks, Willie. Sounds like a good plan making that loop. How would you compare Hancock Pass to Tin Cup
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- #9
I think I will try to work Boreas Pass in as well. I've also got reservations for Maroon Bells. I appreciate the suggestions!
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- #10
Unfortunately my trip won't be until the end of September. I haven't locked in specific dates yet. I will certainly keep you in mind though. Best of luck!
These passes are nothing more than a means to cross from one side of the mountains to the other.
They are equally scenic - once you're at 12,000' everything is either further up or down relatively speaking - the names become just aids to navigation, enabling you to follow the signs to get where you want to go, or to properly orient yourself so you don't wander around too much (though wandering around can be quite enjoyable).
Frankly, this discussion has me wanting to get back down there. Enough time has passed to make the old vistas seem new again.
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- #12
Safe travels, Willie! Thanks again for the info.
Thanks! I think i may copy off your homework a bit myself if I can this will be my first time in the area. I'll make sure to post up here if I do, seems I may be early for good fall color though.
