The Alpine Tunnel Trail has it all: a historic ghost town, railroad history, primitive high alpine singletrack and a fantastic descent. The trail is a 6.3 mile out and back hike on an old railroad bed that was once the highest railroad tunnel in the world (11,523 ft.) and the first to be built through the Continental Divide. Plagued with train accidents, the railroad stopped running this stretch in 1910. This was an easy trail to hike, with not much elevation gain and scenic views!
Above: remains of a saloon in one of the mining towns, Hancock - established in 1880 had a poplulation of 200. Elevation of 11, 027 feet.
Below: The Mary Murphy Mine was the principal gold mine of the Chalk Creek mining district of Chaffee County, Colorado, United States, near St. Elmo, Colorado.
On our first full day in Buena Vista went on a nice hike, but not before driving through several former mines.
Foster made some new friends...the three amigos made their daily visit.
We arrived at the campground, Valley Mobile RV Park in Buena Vista around 10pm....challenging back but made it happen. Not many ameneties here, however there is plenty to do in Buena Vista!
Great!
ReplyDelete