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High alpine singletrack that is almost entirely above treeline.


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Map Key

7.5

Miles

12.1

KM

Singletrack

12,295' 3,747 m

High

11,082' 3,378 m

Low

1,279' 390 m

Up

1,312' 400 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

The Tunnel Lake Trail is high alpine singletrack accessed from just outside of the ghost town of St. Elmo or from FS 839 Alpine Tunnel 4x4 Road near the top. Technically this is part of the CDT (Continental Divide Trail), but this segment in particular has its own name.

The views are fantastic along this primitive trail as it meanders through the high alpine tundra ending in a fast flowy switchback descent.

The trail is very rocky at times above tree line with a few sections of hike-a-bike unless you're a very strong rider in terms of leg strength and lung strength. The descent and switchbacks through the dark timber near the ending has a very well maintained and non-technical nature.

Shared By:

Adam Kagy

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 11 votes

#1

in Hancock

#2161

Overall
  4.5 from 11 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
9%
3 Star
18%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Hancock

#408

in Colorado

#2,161

Overall
5 Views Last Month
2,527 Since Oct 9, 2014
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
22%
78%
0%

Photos

Buff and scenic. The Alpine Tunnel Trail is great.
Jul 16, 2018 near St. Elmo, CO
Fall time at Tunnel Lake.
Sep 19, 2015 near Buena V…, CO
Fall time at Tunnel Lake
Sep 19, 2015 near Buena V…, CO
Quick 100yrd hike a bike from the CDT and Alpine Tunnel junction
Sep 19, 2014 near Buena V…, CO
Reaching the saddle
Sep 19, 2014 near Buena V…, CO
High above- on the CDT Alpine Tunnel trail
Sep 19, 2014 near Buena V…, CO

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