Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Dispersed

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!

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.