Every time I get into the high country, no matter the means of doing so, I feel a certain bout of exhilaration come over me. Something about the smell of the dense, high altitude forest, the marmot sunbathing high above tree line, or the cool air that comes with a creek crossing. I feel at home when I am in the high country.
I had a longing to explore there when we returned home from Minnesota, and what better way to do so than to get on our new-to-us dirt bikes. I love riding a dirt bike but sometimes it’s hard to concentrate on the vast views without tipping over. Tyson doesn’t love it, but there are times when I just have to stop and look around. It’s too amazing not to.
We had done a similar ride last year and had gotten caught out in the cold and the dark and so this time we felt like we were a bit more prepared. We also left at 1 in the afternoon, brought extra fuel, and packed in some extra warm layers. Just before St. Elmo, there is a road that jets SW (295) which leads up to Hancock Pass. Hancock pass then ties into a dirt road (839) that leads to Pitkin, CO. We could then tie into Cumberland Pass (765) which leads over into Tincup, CO. Once in Tincup, we could get on Tincup Pass (267) and traverse back over the hill into St. Elmo. This loop ended up being about 110 miles from our house in BV and we got into town just as Tyson’s fuel lit rang on.
Hancock Pass has an intimidating start but is very doable on a dirt bike. The road is laced with round river rocks most of the way up. It’s more fun than a dirt road switchbacking through the hills and challenges you to pick an exceed-able line. There are by no means any scary or dangerously exposed portions of this route. The hardest part for me were a couple of rocky sections on Hancock and Tincup Pass. Other than that, simple, fun, and beautiful.
At the top of Hancock Pass you’ll be overcome with vast views of towering mountains. To the South you will eye an exciting looking road that is of Tomichi Pass (which would be a fun road to hit while you’re out). You can jet off 839 and hit Tomichi Pass very easily on this route. I noticed that the brown road signs did not match up with what my map was referring to. For instance, on the map 839 is 839 but on the road sign it is 899. This got a little bit confusing, but just headed West and eventually saw signs for Pitkin. After a few miles you’ll come to a Y in the road. The signage out here is amazing in my opinion and makes getting lost pretty hard to do.
If you take a right at the Y, you will take a road North and end up in the ghost town of Alpine. I would highly recommend this little out and back as it is full of more amazing views, a trip back in time, and appreciation for the historical remnants that is Alpine. The sign at the gate says the tunnel is a 15-20 minute hike up. If you’re in moto gear you will be a little hesitant but it was a short and easy walk that took about 10 min in moto gear. Definitely worth it!
After a quick rip up to Alpine and back, continuing on to 839 will take you down into the valley where Pitkin lies. While evidently we wanted to head North towards Tincup, we thought with Pitkin only being a few miles away and somewhere neither of us had ever been, we should just head into town and see what it is like. There is a gas station (no premium fuel) in Pitkin so if you’re running low, you can definitely hit up this station before heading over to Tincup.
Cumberland Pass is simply a well-kept dirt road. It’s one of those roads that gains a large amount of elevation in a way that you don’t necessarily notice. The summit of Cumberland is absolutely gorgeous and huge clouds combined with evening light made for amazing scenery. I love the high alpine tundra and while we didn’t see any wildlife up there, I could just imagine the animals flourishing high up in the clouds.
The descend of Cumberland Pass is simple. A well-kept dirt roads allows for some relaxed enjoyment of the amazing Colorado views. When you hit the valley floor, to the North, smoke from few cabin chimneys will rise into the atmosphere, a good indication you’ve made it to Tincup.
Once you’ve made it to Mirror Lake, you’re well on your way to getting up and over Tincup Pass. There are a few sections of the pass that are a bit washed out and rocky but is nonetheless very doable on a dirt bike. 10 years ago, my mom and I spontaneously drove over Tincup Pass after a soak at Mt. Princeton. We were in a 2001 Chevy Tahoe and made the pass just fine. Today, I would have to think this would be nearly impossible without doing some damage to the car you’re in.
Don’t forget to stop at the top of the pass because the views are gorgeous, as per usual. The south side of the pass is a pretty nice dirt road, and much less rocky than the north side. There are some nice willow marshes as you get closer to St. Elmo. As we were ripping through the forest, over whoops and rocks, I had an inclination to look to my right. I caught a dark spot in the willows and immediately slammed on my brakes. There was a beautiful moose grazing in the willows. I almost dropped my motorcycle out of excitement! Unfortunately, my new 150-600 mm lens was sitting at home (let’s be honest this lens is a little outrageous to carry on a dirt bike).
With the sun now completely behind the peaks, we continued through St. Elmo into Buena Vista. The sunset exploded just as we were heading up Rodeo Road. We would’ve made it home before dark dark but we decided to fuel up the bikes in town. Spending time up in the high country refreshed my soul and seeing a moose reestablished my never-ending love of being outside. No matter how you do it or where you are, find time to get outside.
