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Pitkin to AlpineTunnel

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RichB

March 18, 2001 10:11PM

After looking at a map of the area fairly closely, you don't need 4wd to get from Pitkin up to the tunnel, altho high ground clearance is nice to have. This trip is over FR839.
From the east side, it is an easy drive to St. Elmo. No problem at all for a car. FR295 from St. Elmo to Hancock is a "pain in the butt", in more ways than one. Very rough, ungraded, chug holes (bigger than a pot hole), etc. Definitely a high ground clearance and slow going road. After reaching Hancock, the old roadbed to teh tunnel has been blocked by the Forest Service so you have to walk it.
If you meant FR 299, FR266, and FR888 (as shown on the map I'm looking at) over Hancock Pass, then it is definitely a 4wd trip. This is one of the roughest passes that I've ever had the "pleasure" of traversing. It's best done in late summer as there is a boggy mess on the east side.
Hope this answers some of your questions. If not drop me a line.

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Subject	Author	Posted
Creede - Wagon Wheel Gap/ Alpine Tune	Steffen Rosmus	March 18, 2001 04:44PM
Re: Creede - Wagon Wheel Gap/ Alpine Tune	R.E. Hess	March 18, 2001 08:10PM
Pitkin to AlpineTunnel	RichB	March 18, 2001 10:11PM
Re: Pitkin to AlpineTunnel	Fred T	March 19, 2001 12:43AM
Which way to the pass?	Sam March	March 19, 2001 10:07AM
Re: Which way to the pass?	Steffen Rosmus	March 19, 2001 10:34AM
Williams pass	Don Richter	March 19, 2001 11:02AM
Re: Williams pass	TOM CASPER	March 19, 2001 02:20PM
Re: Williams pass	RichB	March 19, 2001 05:16PM

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488 stops for water at Los Pinos tank on closing day Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy Don Richter

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