Alpine Tunnel
Alpine Tunnel (Pitkin, CO)
The Alpine Tunnel trail is not only very scenic to drive, but is also very interesting as it takes you to the Alpine Tunnel and the Alpine Tunnel Station which contains a number of structures that are still standing. This trail takes off from the Cumberland Pass Road, however it is also accessed from the Hancock Pass trail which intersects it near the middle by the Sherrod Loop. Coming from Cumberland Pass you will pass the Tunnel Gulch water tank which was restored by the Mile High Jeep Club.
On your way to the end of the trail you will also drive across a section of shelf road called The Palisades. This section was built from hand cut stones without any mortar. It’s amazing that they have lasted this long without any serious damage! When you reach the parking area, it is just a short hike to the Alpine Tunnel Station.
The Alpine Tunnel was built by the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad in 1881 at an elevation of 11,600 feet. The total length of the tunnel is 1,800 feet and it goes right through the Continental Divide. The tunnel was in operation until 1910 when it caved in. It was never reopened after that. The entrance to the tunnel is closed off by a rock slide.
When you make it to the Alpine Station, make sure you go inside, sign the log book and check out the restored building. There are also a number of other structures still partially standing in the area worth checking out including the stone engine house and the wooden turntable.
Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from the Alpine Tunnel trail below.
Alpine Tunnel KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)
Open file above in Google Earth.
