It’s all about the great outdoors in Colorado and we’re fortunate to have countless trails for hiking, biking and off-roading. No matter what mode you choose for your backcountry adventure, a Jeep rental from RMAR/BV Jeeps is one that almost anyone can enjoy. Weather, mobility issues and dust allergies are non-issues with a Jeep rental. With dozens of Colorado Jeep trails to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you and your group? We’re going to share our top 3 best Jeep trails in the Buena Vista area.
St. Elmo/Tincup: A full-day trip featuring one of Colorado’s best-preserved ghost towns and many miles of quintessential Rocky Mountain scenery is at the top of our Jeep trails list. Make this trip in the fall and the incredible aspen tunnels along sections of this route make the trip that much more special.
Since the Tincup trail is a bit more technical than the ATV trail, our suggested route is taking 295 to Hancock Lake and the area known as the Hancock ghost town. The first 1-1/2 miles is the most technical portion of this trail and takes about one-half hour to traverse in a Jeep. There is a parking lot at Hancock Lake and a short hike to the lake itself. This entire route features relics from Colorado’s rich mining history and the first large structure that will take you back in time is the Mary Murphy aerial tramway. This ore mine was built in the late 1800s and is surprising still fairly intact to this day. The road up is steep and rocky requiring a slow ascent and descent.
From the Hancock area, this Jeep trip continues on to St. Elmo where you will want to spend some time exploring the main stretch of this former gold and silver mining town which once bustled with up to 2000 residents in 1881. Although St. Elmo is now technically a ghost town, there are a few year-round residents still residing in St. Elmo along with a thriving chipmunk population who are tourist friendly and will expect you to come bearing sunflower seeds. After exploring St. Elmo and checking out the general store and outdoor antique yard, the trail continues on for more adventure.
The summit of Tincup Pass peaks at 12,154 feet, just above treeline. This portion of the Jeep trail includes the beauty of Mirror Lake. There’s not many places better for photo ops and a picnic than an alpine lake. The town of Tincup is also dubbed a ghost town, but there are a handful of living residents along with the “spirits” from the turbulent mining era. The Tincup cemetery is a fascinating piece of that history. Built upon knolls separated by religion, there are multiple foot bridges and a single race-segregated grave hidden in the woods.
With so much to see on the St. Elmo Jeep trail, you’ll want to dedicate a full day for the adventure.
Cottonwood Lake: From the BV Jeeps parking lot, this trail requires about 3-4 hours and is a nice half-day Jeep trail outing. The Cottonwood Lake trail highlights include an optional but scenic hike to Mineral Basin, some old mine shafts, a gulch for some technical off-roading, and another alpine lake. The climb to Ptarmigan Lake is the end portion of the Grassy Gulch section and is the most technical with tight and rocky switchbacks. The road eventually ends just beneath the summit of Jones Mountain at 12,000 feet. This is an in-and-out trail meaning you’ll turn and go back the way you came from Buena Vista. Spotting things you missed on the way in is part of the fun when traveling an in-and-out trail.
Lost Canyon: Another great half-day trip which takes approximately 3-4 hours out of the BV Jeeps parking lot and back is the Lost Canyon Jeep trail. The first leg of this adventure passes through the tiny town of Granite, Colorado which sits on the banks of the Colorado River. If you like solitude and quiet trails, you’ll love this hidden-gem area of Chaffee County where the roads are less traveled once you leave Hwy 24. Lost Canyon is an easy-to-moderate trail with intermittent rocky and steep sections. Enjoy stunning vistas of Mt. Elbert, Twin Lakes and Clear Creek reservoir. Along this trail you will also stumble upon more of Colorado’s rich mining history and some old log cabins. The panoramic overlook of Clear Creek Reservoir is a great stop for a picnic, photos and shore fishing.
The Rocky Mountain Adventure Rentals guides live, work and play in Colorado and always have the best insider tips to make the most of your adventure. We have 35+ years of traveling the Rocky Mountains in Jeeps. Our guests head out equipped with knowledge and a well-maintained vehicle. You likely won’t need a rescue, but if you do, RMAR/BV Jeeps will always have your back. The fall months are some of the very best to get out on the trail and we hope to get you out there soon!
