Attractions and Places To See around Pitkin - Top 6
Attractions and places to see around Pitkin, a historic mining town nestled within the Gunnison National Forest, offer a blend of historical sites and outdoor recreational opportunities. The area is characterized by its high-alpine environment, featuring mountain passes, extensive trail networks, and remnants of its mining past. Visitors can explore preserved historical districts and engage with the natural landscape.
Best attractions and places to see around Pitkin
- The most popular attractions is Continental Divide Trail, a trail that meanders through a tundra-like area. The trail is nicely graded and known for marmot sightings.
- Another must-see spot is Alpine Station Historic Townsite, a historical site. This site features the restored station and telegraph office, alongside ruins of the old engine house, part of a protected historic district accessible by trail.
- Visitors also love Cumberland Pass Road (Gravel), a mountain pass. This well-maintained dirt road ventures through the Sawatch Range in the Gunnison National Forest, connecting Pitkin and Tincup since 1882.
- Pitkin is known for its historical sites, mountain passes, and extensive trail systems. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from preserved mining history to high-alpine routes.
- The attractions around Pitkin are appreciated by the komoot community, with 1 upvote and 14 photos shared.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
Alpine Station Historic Townsite
Highlight • Historical Site
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Cumberland Pass Road (Gravel)
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
This pass has been connecting the old mining towns of Pitkin and Tincup since 1882 when it was constructed to enable wagon travel. Along the way, you'll encounter the remnants of old mining houses and artifacts.
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Continental Divide Trail
Highlight • Trail
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Canyon Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Canyon Creek Downhill (Upper Part)
Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
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Popular around Pitkin
Tips from the Community
The Alpine Tunnel station was once the highest railroad station in the United States, serving trains emerging from the west portal of the historic narrow‑gauge Alpine Tunnel. Around the station stood a turntable, water tank, stone boarding house, and an engine house large enough to shelter multiple locomotives, supporting operations in this remote, high‑mountain environment. Today, you can still see the restored station and telegraph office alongside ruins of the old engine house, which together form part of a protected historic district accessible by trail.
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The Continental Divide Trail uses the Tunnel Lake Trail to meander through a stunning tundra-like area. Sassy marmots are running around everywhere and the trail is just nicely graded.
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Cumberland Pass Road also known as Forest Road 765 is a well-maintained dirt road that ventures into the heart of the Rockies. This ultra-high mountain pass weaves through the captivating Sawatch Range in the Gunnison National Forest. This pass has been connecting the old mining towns of Pitkin and Tincup since 1882 when it was constructed to enable wagon travel. Along the way, you'll encounter the remnants of old mining houses and artifacts.
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The Tomichi Creek forest road eventually pours into the Canyon Creek Trail, which is a tough and wild singletrack trail spending a considerable amount of time above treeline. This is a tough backcountry trail with limited access, so you probably won't see a ton of other people out on the trail.
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The views are tremendous – don't forget to look on the trail. :) The descent is rocky, challenging, and super fast with some exposed sections. Enjoy this part of the trail, it is definitely a memorable ride!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Pitkin?
Pitkin offers a rich mining history. You can visit the Alpine Station Historic Townsite, which features a restored station and telegraph office, along with ruins of the old engine house. The broader Alpine Tunnel National Historic District showcases remnants of the highest narrow-gauge railroad tunnel on the continent. Pitkin's Historic Main Street also provides a glimpse into its past with well-preserved buildings from its boom era.
What natural attractions are there around Pitkin?
Pitkin is surrounded by the vast Gunnison National Forest. Key natural features include the high-alpine lakes of Fossil Ridge Wilderness, such as Mill Lake, Lamphier Lake, and Henry Lake. Quartz Creek, flowing through town, is known for its fishing and wildlife. You can also explore the scenic Cumberland Pass Road (Gravel), which offers panoramic views of the Sawatch Range.
Are there opportunities for hiking near Pitkin?
Yes, the area around Pitkin is excellent for hiking. The Continental Divide Trail meanders through a stunning tundra-like area and is known for marmot sightings. For a more challenging experience, the Canyon Creek Trail offers a tough, wild singletrack that spends considerable time above treeline.
Can I go fishing in the Pitkin area?
Absolutely. The cold alpine waters of Quartz Creek provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. Additionally, the high-alpine lakes within the Fossil Ridge Wilderness, including Mill Lake, Lamphier Lake, and Henry Lake, are known for cutthroat trout fishing.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The Pitkin area is rich in wildlife. Deer and elk are commonly sighted, and moose sightings are frequent, especially around wetland habitats like Quartz Creek.
What activities are available in Pitkin during winter?
During the winter months, Pitkin transforms into a hub for snow sports. Visitors can enjoy snowmobiling on groomed roads, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking in the surrounding Gunnison National Forest.
Is Pitkin a good destination for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts?
Yes, Pitkin is a popular destination for OHV enthusiasts. The surrounding Gunnison National Forest offers hundreds of miles of easily accessible trails, including the Canyon Creek Trail, which is popular for off-roading.
What is the best time of year to visit Pitkin for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Pitkin for outdoor activities largely depends on your interests. Summer and early fall offer ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and OHV use, with pleasant temperatures and accessible trails. Winter provides opportunities for snowmobiling and skiing.
Where can I learn more about Pitkin's mining history?
Beyond exploring the historic buildings on Main Street and the Alpine Station Historic Townsite, you can visit the local Pitkin Museum. This museum provides dedicated space to delve deeper into the town's past as a thriving mining community.
Are there challenging trails for experienced hikers or mountain bikers?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Canyon Creek Trail is a tough backcountry singletrack. Mountain bikers can also tackle the Canyon Creek Downhill (Upper Part), which is described as rocky, challenging, and fast with exposed sections.
Can I find unique shopping or local services in Pitkin?
The Silver Plume General Store is a central point in Pitkin, offering provisions, gas, and quick food. It's one of the few businesses open year-round, serving as a vital resource in this historic 'semi-ghost town'.
What is the significance of Cumberland Pass?
Cumberland Pass Road (Gravel) is a high-elevation mountain pass connecting Pitkin to Tincup through the Sawatch Mountains. Historically, it was constructed in 1882 to enable wagon travel between these old mining towns, and today it offers panoramic views and opportunities for off-roading, hiking, and gravel biking.
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