4WD to Camping and Day Hiking at Hancock Lake

***4WD AND HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE REQUIRED***

This adventure consists of a 4WD drive to the area north of Hancock Lake where camping areas are located. From this point there is access to the lake (0.7 miles south) as well as an 8.8 mile out-and-back day hike to the continental divide. 

This camping area is located just north of Hancock lake at an elevation of 11,000 ft (The marker on the location map is the location of one but not the only commonly used campsite). There are no facilities (restrooms etc.) The lake itself is filled with crystal clear water and is stocked with trout. The trailhead for the Hancock Lake Trial which takes you past the lake and up to the contenental divide is located just south of the location marker towards Hancock Lake (detailed directions are provided below).

• Features:
• Large wild flower population.
• Excellent stargazing. 
• Hiking to the continental divide.
• Hancock Lake stocked with trout.
• Abandoned mines (DO NOT ENTER but great for photography!)
• Off-roading 

Things to consider:

At an elevation of ~11,000ft it is likely that you will feel the effects of altitude. Temperatures drop to ~40F at night in the summer. Although there are usually a fair amount of people in the area, rescuing a damaged or stuck vehicle would be difficult. Old mines are cool, but some are on private property. It can get windy near the lake so dress appropriately. This can also make fly fishing difficult at times. 

Directions:

Following Hwy. 285 through Nathrop Co. take the turn off onto Chalk Creek Dr. (162). Remain on Chalk Creek Dr. for 15.6 miles. At this point you will see a fork in the road. Take the left fork onto Forrest Road 295. If you find yourself entering the town of St. Elmo you have missed the turn off. Follow Forrest Road 295 for 5.4 miles until you reach another fork in the road just after crossing chalk creek. Take the left hand fork to remain on Forrest Road 295. At this point, the terrain becomes the more difficult and a 4WD vehicle is definitely required. Be prepared for large loose rocks and standing/flowing water. After about 1.5 miles there will be a few areas to camp. (It is national forest so camping is permitted everywhere but there are a few places that have been consistently used throughout the years and are more "established", one of which is indicated by the location marker). Hancock Lake and the trail head are located approximately 0.7 miles south of the campsite location marker along 295. It is possible to drive this stretch of 295, but it tends to be more difficult than previous sections so walking may be necessary. 

You must bring all of the water you plan to use as there is no source of drinking water. (Unless you plan to purify water from nearby chalk creek.) Keep in mind that all campsites here are devoid of any man-made items beyond an occasional stone fire pit. Remember to take out everything you take in, trash included.