The Sawatch Sky Marathon

Dogs Unknown

Features Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route begins in the historic town of St. Elmo and takes you between towering mountains, over high passes, and across miles above treeline. While some sections follow dirt roads, there's also plenty of singletrack to enjoy. In the summer, the wildflowers are breathtaking, and you might spot moose, hummingbirds, marmots, pikas, and more along the way.

The route officially starts in line with the St. Elmo General Store, though you'll need to park a little before town in the designated parking areas.

From there, head up Tincup Pass Road for about 4 miles until you reach the CDT (which also overlaps with the CT) and turn right. You'll start on a stretch of smooth singletrack, often lined with dense wildflowers in the summer months. The trail climbs above treeline, where expansive views reward your effort. There are water sources along this section, but later in the summer, the creeks before the last pass tend to dry up.

Just after mile 14 (~14.3), you'll spot a striking cluster of rocks jutting from the ground—an unmistakable landmark. From here, look for a trail branching off the CDT toward a pond below. Take that trail, turning a sharp right off the CDT. After passing the pond, you'll connect with dirt roads that descend all the way to the Poplar Gulch Trail, where you'll find another reliable creek for water. There is water again, that's right on the trail, but it's a few steep miles away. A final climb over Laws Pass keeps the adventure going before the Poplar Gulch Trail completes the loop.

Finish with a short jog back to the St. Elmo General Store, where a cold soda or popsicle is the perfect reward for a day well spent in the high country.

You can complete the loop in either direction, but running it this way avoids ATV traffic and dust in the final 4 miles. It also ensures you cover the long stretch above treeline earlier in the day, which is safer if afternoon thunderstorms roll in.