Napoleon Pass?

[Java]

Has anyone run this? I'm planning to run trails there around mid-july this year, tincup, cumberland, hancock... looks like a good addition.

https://www.4x4explore.com/rds/n_rds/napoleon_ps.html


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ceeqY5JCds

[Jim]

Has anyone run this?

Yes. Tom's 2015 S/W Colo trip had this as a Day 1 item

www.JimWilliamson.net/automobile/2015-08-01-five-days-in-southwest-colorado/2015-08-01--sat/ (http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2015-08-01-five-days-in-southwest-colorado/2015-08-01--sat/index.html)

If I have the pass correct, I recall it as being "tippy"

Edit: Yes - at the 5 min mark in the vid - they took the right fork, up the "canyon". The left fork is what we decided to take - and the trail leans to the low side enough to make one think.

http://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2015-08-01-five-days-in-southwest-colorado/2015-08-01--sat/img_0251.jpg

[Java]

That does look tippy, the lower one looks easy enough. Is it worth doing the pass, or maybe as an in-out just to the Gold Cup Mine?

[Jim]

I don't recall it as overly scenic (it was a cloudy / drizzly visit though). Above timberline for wide views at least. YMMV

[Tom]

Yep. Very tippy. Crawling forward it fell like the tires were sliding downhill. Iirc My inclinometer said 35 degrees.
IMO that stretch was more intimidating than anything on Black Bear pass.

The mine was the most interesting part for me. Cumberland is just a dirt road so not very exciting except for lots of old mines. Have driven it probably 20 times starting at age 16. Grew up in Gunnison. Had friends in Pitkin, Taylor Park, and Spring Creek.

Napoleon makes Cumberland into loop rather than an out and back if staying near St Elmo.

Be aware that the Alpine Tunnel and Tomichi Pass are permanently closed due to slides. If you haven’t run any of the Mt Antero trails that by itself is a looong day trp if starting in the vicinity. It is also spectacular.

Our Tincup and Napoleon vid. Napoleon starts about 2:15.

https://youtu.be/UnbrbHcFTXU

[Java]

Looks like the mine is worth it, but I actually like Cumberland Pass rd a lot even though it's so easy. I did Tincup / Cumberland / Hancock solo in my old FJ60 on 31s / open and it was all easy enough. Really beautiful country there.

[JandDGreens]

What time in July? I would love be to join if it’s earlier two weeks have
plans for the later weeks.

[Java]

Hopng for the second week, during the week, would love to have you along. When it's planned solidly I'll post it up.

[Getaklu]

I may be interested as well.

[open_circuit]

I'm interested, but likely unavailable =\. I'll keep an eye on this thread anyway, in case things change.

[Java]

the more the merrier!