Hancock Lakes
Upper and Lower Hancock lakes are located south of the historic townsite of St. Elmo. The route to the lakes follows the Denver, South Park and Pacific railroad grade to the site of Hancock. Hancock was a boom town that boasts a population of 1,500 in the 1880's. The railroad and nearby mines employed rough and ready miners and railroaders who plied the line between St. Elmo and Gunnison via the Alpine Tunnel. High clearance 4-wheel drive recommended.
Access to the Hancock Lakes is closed due to snow until late June.
General Information
Visitors can walk the short distance between lower Hancock lake to the upper smaller lake. Both are fishable and stocked with brook trout.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.61960295
Longitude: -106.35514188
Directions
From Buena Vista, travel south on Highway 285 for 7 miles to County Road 162. Turn west at Nathrop on CR 162 and travel west for 15.5 miles to the junction of Forest Road 295 and County Road 162 just outside of the historic townsite of St. Elmo. Turn left onto FR 295 and travel south for 5 miles to the townsite of Hancock. Nothing is left of the town but a small Forest Service sign marks the location. Stay on Forest Road 295, passing a parking area for the Alpine Tunnel trail. The road continues for approximately one mile and terminates just before the lake.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
