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Hancock Lake
Saint Elmo,
Colorado
(Chaffee County)
Last Updated:
06/26/2023
Trail Information
Highlights
Alpine tundra, pristine lakes, epic fishing and high mountain valleys are just some of the rewards that await at the end of the Hancock Lake Trail. The trail begins at the old townsite of Hancock, Colorado and from there heads south into the Chalk Creek Pass Valley. You will traverse through conifer forests, willows and tundra on your way toward the parking area that sits at just over 11,600' of elevation. A short hike from the parking area brings Lower Hancock Lake into view, and a more focused hike will take you to Upper Hancock Lake that sits just a bit higher in the valley. Be sure to respect this pristine area and pack out everything you pack in.
Trail Difficulty and Assessment
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Trail Reviews
Open
Visited: 09/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Fun trail and mostly pretty easy. There is a short section after waypoint 7 where some large rocks have been exposed, most likely from a combination of runoff and the buggies digging them out. A left turn with a large differential grabber in the middle of the trail makes this section a little bit technical. I would say you either need modified ground clearance to clear it or a fairly narrow vehicle so you can put the wheels on it. My mostly stock '93 4Runner was able to do it. I think a stock full size would struggle here. Nice fairly flat hike to the lakes. It's worth walking up to the upper lake. Beautiful!
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Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 06/26/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
We busted through the last snow drifts to fully open the road. The lake is also open and ready for fishing.
Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 06/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Hit snow still at 11700ft. Gonna be a few more weeks.
Partially Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 06/12/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Open for about 1.25 miles, .25 miles short of the parking area for the lake. Deep snow still present on the road, will be another couple weeks before it's good and melted out.
Partially Open
Rated
5/5
Visited: 05/21/2023
Difficulty Accuracy:
Spot On
Open for .5 miles with deep snow.
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