Tomichi Pass
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| Maps: |
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| USGS 7.5' Map: |
Whitepine, Garfield |
| Statistics: |
| Difficulty: |
Number: |
Miles: |
Altitude: |
Obstacles: |
Time: |
| Easy 4 |
FR888 |
3.50 |
10,270 - 12,020 ft. |
NA |
1-2 hours |
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| County: |
Gunnison |
| Adopted by: |
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| Managed by: |
Grand Mesa/Uncompahgre/Gunnison National Forest
Gunnison Ranger District |
216 N. Colorado
Gunnison, CO 81230 |
970-641-0471 |
| Summary: |
Tomichi Pass is a short, easy 4WD
road the takes you from Brittle Silver Basin to the town of Tomichi and
Whitepine (north to south crossing). You gain the pass quickly from the
north side passing a few old mine remains crossing between Paywell
Mountain and Central Mountain. The north side is a ledge road that
requres your attention where as the south side following Tomichi Creek
down a wide valley.
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| Attractions: |
Mountain pass, Scenery, History
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Seasonal
Closure: |
Natural - The Tomichi Pass 4WD road is closed by snow.
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| Best Time: |
June - The upper section is usually still closed by snow
July - Possible opening depending on snow level
August - Best
September - Best
October - Early in the month |
Trail Heads
Accessed: |
Canyon Creek Trail - FT481
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| Camping: |
There are no dispersed campsites on the north side of Tomichi Pass. The south side in the lower part of the valley offers a few sites on public lands. Be aware of private property.
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| Base Camp: |
This would be a good area to base camp with the large number of 4WD roads including Hancock Pass, Black Sage Pass, Old Monarch Pass, and Wuanita Pass.
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| Fall Colors: |
Average - Views of distant aspen groves are possible from the pass. The lower creek area around Tomichi and Whitepine offer the best views.
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| Navigation: |
From Pitkin, CO head northeast on Main Street for 0.4 miles. Turn left onto State Street and continue on Cnty Road 76 for 0.7 miles. Continue on Forest Service road 765 for 2.0 miles. Make a sharp right turn onto Forest Service road 839. Go 8.2 miles to a hairpin turn and continue straight onto FR888. Go 0.5 miles on FR888 to the head of Brittle Silver Basin. Continue on FS888 around a hairpin turn, this is the start of the Tomichi Pass 4WD road.
From Sargents, CO head east on US Hwy 50 for 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Cnty Road 888 and go 11.9 miles passing through Whitepine. Continue on FS888 past Tomichi following Tomichi Creek.
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| History: |
Tomichi is the Ute word for "hot water". The road was used to connect the mines of Tomichi and Whitepine. It was a rough muddy route that did get improved enough to allow wagons to cross.
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| Description: |
Tomichi Pass divides Middle Quartz Creek to the north from Tomichi Creek to the south. From Brittle Silver Basin the top of Tomichi Pass is reached quickly. The 4WD road comes out of Brittle Silver Basin near a mine and heads up a narrow ledge road toward Tomichi Pass betwen Paywell Mountain and Central Mountain.
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Mine on North side of Tomichi Pass
photo by:
Adam M |
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From Brittle Silver Basin (north) up Tomichi Pass road
photo by:
Adam M |
As you climb higher past timberline the road becomes a single lane. There are two very off camber sections that are just past timberline. Be aware of oncoming traffic.
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Tomichi Pass from Brittle Silver Basin (north) side
photo by:
Adam M |
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Heading down the Brittle Silver Basin (north) side
photo by:
Adam M |
The top of Tomichi Pass is short with very little room for vehicles. You will have a great view of the west side of Hancock Pass and Middle Quartz Creek.
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Tomichi Pass
photo by:
Adam M |
Continuing over the pass the road follows a valley down to timberline and ties in with the Tomichi Creek drainage.
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Tomichi Pass road down to Tomichi Creek (south)
photo by:
Adam M |
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Heading from the Tomichi Creek (south) side
photo by:
Adam M |
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Tomichi Creek (south) side just before the top
photo by:
Adam M |
Coming up from the south side of the pass the road has become more rough and rocky over the years. The road is narrow in spots through the trees. You will find a few challenging sections to navigate before reaching timberline. The road above timberline is narrow, but not as off camber as the north side. At the southern end of Tomichi Pass is the old Tomichi Cemetary and the townsite of Tomichi. Today there are newer homes going in along Tomichi Creek here.
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Data updated - November 2, 2022
4WD Road driven - September 4, 2017
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