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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.
Access to the Hancock Lakes is closed due to snow until late June.
At a Glance
| Fees: | No fee is required for this site. |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Special use permits are required for all commercial activities including outfitting and guiding. For more information, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591. |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: | Camping is not permitted along the lakeshore at either lake. |
| Closest Towns: | St. Elmo and Buena Vista, Colorado |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | No |
| Operated By: | Salida Ranger District |
General Information
Accessibility:This is not a universally accessible site.
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.
General Notes:
Visitors can walk the short distance between lower Hancock lake to the upper smaller lake. Both are fishable and stocked with brook trout.
Parking:
Parking is restricted to a small parking area located above the lakes. Do not drive motor vehicles beyond the parking area!
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Camping is permitted at least 100 feet away from the lakeshore. Both lakes are above timberline so campers should plan to bring a sturdy tent and appropriate gear for cool, high altitude camping.
Hancock lakes are some of the most beautiful high elevation lakes in the upper Arkansas valley. They are nestled in an alpine basins just below Shewanee Peak. Alpine wildflowers are best viewing during July and a trip to the lakes is a must in the cool fall months.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Upper and Lower Hancock lakes are some of the areas finest high altitude lakes. Fishing is best in the morning or towards dusk. Flys and small lures are recommended for fishing success!
| Open Season: | July-October |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee is required |
| Permit: | Special use permits are required for all commercial activities including outfitting and guiding. For more information, please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591. |
| Best Season: | Summer |
OHV Road Riding
The road to the Hancock lakes is a popular OHV ride. The scenery is outstanding and riders can pack a fishing pole and try their hand at fishing in an alpine lake.
| Open Season: | October |
|---|---|
| Permit: | Special use permits are required for all types of commercial activity including outfitting and guiding. For more information, contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591. |
| Usage: | This is a high use area for OHV's during the summer months. |
| Best Season: | Summer and Fall |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy to Intermediate |