St. Elmo to Mirror Lake Loop

This 51.9-mile loop in the Sawatch Range of central Colorado offers a rugged backcountry adventure with big alpine views, dense forests, and expansive meadows. Starting near the historic ghost town of St. Elmo, the route connects sections of Tin Cup Pass Road, the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), Texas Creek, and the Timberline Trail, forming a full loop with varied terrain and remote campsites. With wide open ridgelines, creek crossings, and miles of solitude, it’s a solid pick for experienced backpackers looking for a multi-day adventure in Colorado’s high country.

Start your journey near Iron City Campground and St. Elmo, a once-bustling mining town that now serves as a quirky summer outpost. The loop begins on Tin Cup Pass Road, a rugged 4x4 road that climbs steadily into the mountains. You’ll follow this road west, following North Fork Chalk Creek, as it winds past lakes and open basins, eventually connecting with the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

Head north on the CDT, which offers some of the best high-elevation walking in the area. Expect rolling terrain, occasional rocky climbs, and big views down into the valleys on both sides of the Divide. The alpine wildflowers in mid to late summer can be especially spectacular.

From the CDT, take a turn west toward Texas Creek, where the trail dips down into forested drainage. This section is quieter and more sheltered, following the creek past waterfalls, campsites, and potential wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes open for deer, elk, and moose in this area, plus the usual marmots and pikas keeping watch from the boulders.

Connect with the Timberline Trail and continue south, climbing gradually back into alpine terrain. This section features open ridges, grassy tundra, and more views of the Collegiate Peaks in the distance. Eventually, you’ll descend toward the Mirror Lake area, where you’ll rejoin Tin Cup Pass Road and follow it south and then east to complete the loop.

FLORA & FAUNA

This loop winds through aspen groves, dense fir and spruce forests, and classic Colorado tundra. Expect wildflowers like Indian paintbrush, columbine, and lupine in summer. Wildlife may include marmots, pikas, deer, elk, black bears, and even moose in wetter sections like Texas Creek.

PERMITS & ACCESS

• Permits: No permits are required for backpacking, but dispersed camping is subject to Leave No Trace principles.

• Start: Tin Cup Pass Road near Iron City Campground (west of the St. Elmo General Store). Parking is available near the campground, and 2WD vehicles can usually make it this far in dry conditions.

• Season: Snow lingers late, plan for July to early October for best conditions. Mosquitoes can be intense early season.

SAFETY & CONSIDERATIONS

• Altitude: The route stays mostly between 10,000 and 12,000 feet.

• Navigation: Trails are intermittently marked, bring a GPS and offline maps.
  Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common, start early and be off exposed ridges before noon.

• Water: Several reliable water sources along Texas Creek and the Timberline Trail, but always filter or treat.

Road Conditions: Parts of Tin Cup Pass Road are 4WD only—double-check trailhead access depending on your vehicle.