IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Hancock Lakes (Buena Vista, CO)

Hancock Lakes trail leaves from the town of St. Elmo and heads up to the Hancock Lakes, which is past the turnoff for the Hancock Pass trail. Most of the trail is easy, and it gets a little rougher after you pass the Hancock townsite, but nothing a stock high clearance 4×4 vehicle should have trouble with. There are a number of old structures along this route that you should definitely take the time to check out, plus there are a few signs explaining the rich history of the area.

There are also a number of other trails that take off from this road, including Grizzly Lake, Iron Chest and Pomeroy Lakes. You can spend a lot of time exploring this area and taking in the scenery.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Hancock Lakes below.

Hancock Lakes KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.

Cumberland Pass (Buena Vista, CO)

Cumberland Pass is an easy road that connects the towns of Pitkin and Tincup. Any passenger vehicle should have no problems with this road in good weather. This road makes a great connector to make a loop with Hancock Pass and Tincup Pass trails. There are also a number of other trails that can be accessed from Cumberland Pass. The pass is at 12,015 feet and offers great views of the surrounding area.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Cumberland Pass below.

Cumberland Pass KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.

Polar Mesa (Moab, UT)

Polar Mesa trail is a short 10 mile spur off of the Castleton-Gateway Road that takes you up to the top of Polar Mesa where there are some old uranium mining ruins. There are also a great views over Fisher Valley and the Dolores River valley.

There are numerous side trails in this area that can be explored. Some of them may be more difficult and less traveled than the main route, which is generally pretty easy with a few bumpy sections.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Polar Mesa below.

Polar Mesa KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.

Pomeroy Lakes (Buena Vista, CO)

Pomeroy Lakes is a short trail that takes off from Hancock Pass road. While the trail is only about two miles long, the scenery is spectacular. The first section of the trail starts out easily, and gets a little rougher the further along you go. Most high clearance 4×4 vehicles should have no problems with this trail.

Within the first mile of this trail you will pass a very well preserved cabin, and then you will get a great view of the Mary Murphy Mine which was active in 1875. Once you reach the parking area at the end of the trail, it is a short hike to both of the Pomeroy Lakes. This area is very photogenic, and I have heard the fishing isn’t bad, either.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Pomeroy Lakes below.

Pomery Lakes KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.

Yankee Boy Basin (Ouray, CO)

While all of the trails that I have run in the San Juan Mountains have been spectacular, Yankee Boy Basin really sticks out to me as one of the most beautiful areas I have ever explored. This area is well know for it’s wildflower display. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this area, and look forward to getting back there again very soon. Combining this trail with Imogene Pass makes for an excellent day.

Some of the highlights along this trail include the Twin Falls, Atlas Mill and the Yankee Boy Mine. At the end of the trail there is a parking area for the Blue Lakes Hiking Trail. Much of this trail is easy, but once you near the end, it does get a little rocky, and a stock high clearance 4×4 vehicle would be recommended.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Yankee Boy Basin below.

Yankee Boy Basin KML Track
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Open file above in Google Earth.