Colorado Trails

Alpine Tunnel East

4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Buena Vista, Colorado (Chaffee County)

Last Updated: 05/10/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude

Forest

Ghost Town

Iconic

Mine

Overland

Situated near the famous ghost town of St. Elmo and within the San Isabel National Forest, this trail will lead you through an area with some of the most historic and beautiful country that Colorful Colorado has to offer. If turn of the century railroads, mining history, and ghost towns are what you are looking for, you will not be disappointed. You will travel through the ghost town of Romley which existed as a service town for the Mary Murphy Mine. Romley was also known as the "red town" because all it's buildings were painted red with white trim. It was originally called Murphy's Switch because of the presence of it's railroad siding. With an even more scenic setting, you come to the ghost town of Hancock, with only its log foundations still showing. Hancock served the workers who built the famous Alpine Tunnel. Its main population peak was in the 1880's and 1890's while the tunnel was being built. The train ran through Hancock carrying miners, passengers and supplies. It is said Mark Twain took the ride one time just for the experience.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Marcus Trusty

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

The route mostly follows the old railroad grade as it gains elevation toward the east side of the Alpine Tunnel. For the most part the dirt road is smooth and wide, passing is not an issue. There are no obstacles and the route is suitable for any stock high clearance SUV in good weather.

**A word of caution: This is a popular ATV/UTV route so check your blind curves.**

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

Alpine Tunnel East - Waypoint 1: Trailhead

As you approach St. Elmo you will pass a National Forest restroom and parking lot on your left. The road will split shortly after where you will turn left and take the upper road. If you have made it into St. Elmo you have gone to far.

2. Grizzly Lake Trail (0.25 mi)

Alpine Tunnel East - Waypoint 2: Grizzly Lake Trail

Continue straight here as the Grizzly Lake Trail departs to the left.

3. Iron Chest Mine Trail (0.5 mi)

Alpine Tunnel East - Waypoint 3: Iron Chest Mine Trail

Continue straight here. There is a small parking area on the left and the start of the Iron Chest Mine Trail.

4. Railroad Trestle (2.73 mi)

Alpine Tunnel East - Waypoint 4: Railroad Trestle

The trail takes a bypass downhill to the right to avoid going over the remains of an old rail trestle. There are several opportunities for picture of the trestle in this area.

5. Pomeroy Lake Trail (2.9 mi)

Alpine Tunnel East - Waypoint 5: Pomeroy Lake Trail

Continue straight on the main road as the Pomeroy Lakes Trail begins on the left. This area was also once the site of the town of Romley

6. Allie Belle Mine (4.53 mi)

Alpine Tunnel East - Waypoint 6: Allie Belle Mine

Continuing on the main road. The Allie Bell Mining structure stood straight until somewhere in the mid-50s. It started collapsing into a strange pose and looks as if it's overhanging the road. The structure should only be visited from the outside of the building.

7. Hancock Townsite (5.6 mi)

Alpine Tunnel East - Waypoint 7: Hancock Townsite

Hancock, now a ghost town, originally served the workers who built the famous Alpine Tunnel. Its main population peak was in the 1880's and 1890's while the tunnel was being built. Mining was secondary in Hancock. There is only one remaining structure left, which you can walk up to and see its log foundations.

8. End (5.66 mi)

The trail ends at a parking area for the hiking trail to Alpine Tunnel East Portal. There is plenty of room for several vehicles in the parking area. The Hancock Lake Trail begins to the left.

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (10)

500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 09/24/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Road this trail a couple times; to Pomeroy Lakes on Friday and Hancock Lake on Saturday. Very easy trail with lots of potholes and the occasional embedded rocks which keeps your speed down and using your steering wheel. Serves as a great access route to numerous other, more difficult, trails.

Robbie spil

900

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/17/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun and easy trail with most snow gone and mainly water running down the trail.

Marcus Trusty

Official Crew

30350

Partially Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/10/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Couldn’t quite get to the Hancock Townsite. Deep snow on the road.

Marcus Trusty

Official Crew

30350

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 09/01/2021

Nice fall day in the mountains. Drove this road to close the Williams Pass Gates for the season. Minimal traffic and the willows are just starting to turn yellow.

Marcus Trusty

Official Crew

30350

Open

Visited: 05/18/2020

Full open with some snow.

Alpine Tunnel East

Trail Information

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Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Grizzly Lake Trail (0.25 mi)

3. Iron Chest Mine Trail (0.5 mi)

4. Railroad Trestle (2.73 mi)

5. Pomeroy Lake Trail (2.9 mi)

6. Allie Belle Mine (4.53 mi)

7. Hancock Townsite (5.6 mi)

8. End (5.66 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Marcus Trusty

Alpine Tunnel East

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

0 votes

3 votes

0 votes

Mandatory

Optional

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Grizzly Lake Trail (0.25 mi)

3. Iron Chest Mine Trail (0.5 mi)

4. Railroad Trestle (2.73 mi)

5. Pomeroy Lake Trail (2.9 mi)

6. Allie Belle Mine (4.53 mi)

7. Hancock Townsite (5.6 mi)

8. End (5.66 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

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