Mountain pass · trail guide
Tincup Pass
Ride back in time with the thrilling RZR journey through the Tincup Pass, an ancient wagon route linking two towns in the late 1800s. Now a popular off-road adventure site, Tincup Pass presents beautiful sceneries, historical insights, and adrenaline-filled experiences.
No current report from the Trading Post — call the counter or check the Forest Service before you go.
- Elevation
- 12,154 ft
- Above the Trading Post
- +2,854 ft
- Difficulty
- ◆ Challenging
- Distance
- 10 mistraight line · the drive is longer







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Tincup Pass, located in the Gunnison and San Isabel National Forests, provides an engaging off-road adventure steeped in history. Built in 1881 as a wagon road for supplies transportation, Tincup Pass is a well-known RZR trail for enthusiasts seeking to explore the high-altitude Colorado landscape and absorb the remnants of its mining history. The pass is named after prospector Jim Taylor, who carried his gold strike back to camp in his tin cup in 1860.
The Tincup Pass journey starts in either Tincup or Nathrop, CO, each providing a different set of experiences and views. However, regardless of your starting point, you'll find yourself on the Continental Divide with breathtaking panoramas at the pass. The Tincup Pass road runs along the edge of Mirror Lake, providing picturesque views and perfect photo ops.
As you navigate the trail, you will find relics of the past, from the suspended power lines of the 1880s St. Elmo hydroelectric plant to the footprints of early-stage lines. Today, the Tincup Pass road serves as a testament to human resilience and ingenuity, keeping its history alive while providing thrilling RZR adventure opportunities.
Moreover, Tincup Pass is known for its challenging yet thrilling terrains for RZR rides. The trail varies from moderate to challenging, and riding to the top of the pass requires keen skills and a capable vehicle. It's an exhilarating experience that every off-road enthusiast should try.
Please note that trail conditions can vary widely depending on weather and other factors, so it's important to check the current trail conditions before setting off on your adventure.
Where it is
Base camp· 10 mi as the crow flies to Tincup Pass
Fuel, food, a RZR and a bed — at the bottom of the hill.
The Trading Post has been outfitting this valley since 1940. Fill up and ride out from your cabin door.
- Gas & diesel, groceries, licencesOpen daily from 8 am in season
- RZR rentals2 or 4 seats · from $415 a half day
- Nugget CafeOpen todayClosed today (mondays) · open tomorrowOpens Memorial Day, May 31, 2027Closed for the season · reopens Memorial Day, May 31, 2027
- Log cabins & RV parkCabins from $175 a night · RV from $75
We book by phone. Ask the counter about conditions before you ride.