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Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free dispersed camping at 11,027 feet, this site requires 4x4 access on a dirt and gravel road roughly an hour from Nathrop. No services are provided. Rock fire pits mark the flat sites, and a mountain stream runs near the camp for filtered water. Cell service is unreliable at this elevation. Nearby, Hancock Ghost Town Dispersed sits about a mile south along the same corridor. The Alpine Tunnel Trail, several hikeable lakes, and 360-degree mountain views make this a solid base for those ready to pack in everything they need.

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Map & DirectionsAlpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed is located in Colorado near Pitkin

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

38.65600969999997 N
106.36190418 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&T
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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Perfect location for scenery, hiking and off-roading

My husband and I found this location on Dyrt and couldn’t believe how amazing it was! We had access to off-roading, which is the only way to get all the way up there...you need four-wheel drive. We find many additional historic, scenic trials to hike, with the chance to fish at several lakes at then end of your destination. We will definitely be back, and felt like we found a hidden treasure in an area we love traveling to!

  • Review photo of Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed by Courtney G., August 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed by Courtney G., August 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed by Courtney G., August 3, 2020
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Incredible Alpine Site

This is a USDA Forest Service dispersed camping site at the start of the Alpine Tunnel Trailhead. The camp is about 5 miles northwest of St Elmo Colorado near the ghost town of Hancock Colorado. The siteS are very primitive and can only be accessed by 4x4 vehicles or hikers. The sites are flat areas with rock fire pits and no other amenities. The conditions here are not for the beginner. The site is at 11,027 elevation and the weather can be extreme even in the summer. The road is inaccessible in the winter except by snow mobile. The site has 360 views of the mountains and has to be one of the most beautiful places we have visited in Colorado. The drive up from Nathrop takes about 1 hour along a dirt and gravel road. This would be a great spot for hikers traveling along the Alpine Tunnel trail. A mountain stream runs near the camp. So hikers can filter their water. However, you will need to pack in everything else including food, waste, and trash.

  • Review photo of Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed by Steve & Ashley G., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed by Steve & Ashley G., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed by Steve & Ashley G., October 1, 2019
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping along the Alpine Loop in Colorado?

Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed offers primitive camping sites along the Alpine Loop in Colorado. These dispersed camping spots are located in the USDA Forest Service area, about 5 miles northwest of St. Elmo near the ghost town of Hancock. The sites are situated at the start of the Alpine Tunnel Trailhead, providing excellent access to hiking trails and scenic areas. Keep in mind these sites can only be accessed by 4x4 vehicles or on foot due to the rough terrain. The camping areas are flat, making for comfortable tent setup.

Is there dispersed camping available near St. Elmo along the Alpine Loop?

Yes, Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed camping is available approximately 5 miles northwest of St. Elmo along the Alpine Loop. These primitive sites are situated near the ghost town of Hancock, providing a rustic camping experience in proximity to St. Elmo. The sites are flat and suitable for tent camping, though access requires a 4x4 vehicle due to rough roads. This location serves as an excellent base for exploring both St. Elmo and the surrounding alpine terrain.

Can I visit the Alpine Tunnel when camping near the Alpine Loop?

Yes, camping at Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed gives you direct access to the Alpine Tunnel area. The campground is located at the trailhead itself, making it an ideal base for exploring this historic site. You'll need four-wheel drive to reach the camping area, which serves as a perfect starting point for hiking to the tunnel and exploring the surrounding historic and scenic trails. The location offers not just tunnel access but also opportunities to visit nearby lakes for fishing.

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