An off-roader framed by Tincup Pass’ striking vista. Photo by Nick Taylor.
The Chaffee County Visitors Bureau has announced the official opening of Tincup Pass and the Monarch Crest Trail as of July 13.
Trail maintenance organizations such as Salida Mountain Trails (SMT), Central Colorado Mountain Riders (CCMR), the Buena Vista Singletrack Coalition (BVSC), and Core Trail Crew worked diligently to clear the backcountry trails of snow and other obstacles.
Tincup Pass, situated at an elevation of 12,171 feet, borders Chaffee and Gunnison County. It stretches 12.7 miles between Emma Burr Mountain and Fitzpatrick Peak. The gravel road, strewn with rocks, is accessible to high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive SUVs, although it is considered moderately challenging for drivers. Travelers along Tincup Pass will be rewarded with a picturesque view of Mirror Lake.
Monarch Crest Trail runs for 14.5 miles along the Monarch Crest, beginning on the east side of Monarch Pass. Although trail organizations typically aim to have the trail fully cleared by July 4, this year’s heavy snowfall and cloudy spring allowed the snow to hang around longer than usual. However, SMT and CCMR deployed shovel crews to clear all remaining sections of the trail that were rendered impassable by the snow.
Of course, despite the lingering snowpack, these backcountry trails are obstructed no more. Between Tincup Pass and Monarch Crest Trail, there is adventure to be had in anything from a pair of running shoes to a Jeep. Happy trails!
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