The Alpine Tunnel. This is Colorado history at its best!

A long time ago, during Colorado's settlement era in the late 1800's, a railroad route was needed to cross over the imposing Continental Divide in central Colorado. A remote and mountainous area between the once bustling mining towns of St. Elmo and Pitkin was selected as a site to build a 1,771 foot tunnel through a mountain ridge. The railroad and tunnel were eventually abandoned in the early 1900's as mining activity diminished, upkeep was deemed too expensive and snow removal became overwhelming.

Yesterday, my friend Jennifer, her two kids and myself spent hours driving along remote areas of eastern Gunnison County, traveling over lesser known passes such as Old Monarch Pass, Black Sage Pass and Wuanita Pass. Past the town of Pitkin, the adventure began on the bumpy dirt road (4-wheel drive recommended!) leading to the historic tunnel and remaining structures on the west side of the Contiental Divide.

It was an amazing visit! I hope my photos give a glimpse of how interesting and scenic this area is. -Steve

The Alpine Tunnel - Gunnison County (West) Side Of The Continental Divide

	I begin my pictorial with some photos just past the major switchback (at the turnoff for Hancock Pass and Tomichi Pass) where the road turns north towards the Alpine Tunnel. This particular stretch of road (the former railroad grade) is known as the Palisades, which has significant drops downhill and steep rock cliffs above. Imagine being in a rickety 1800's train car and looking down the steep embankment! Also, while the sign states the upper rock structures were designed quite well, I personally couldn't help but be a tad nervous that a huge boulder was not going to pounce on our vehicle on this portion of road. Gravity didn't seem to be a friend at this point! ;)
	It is a short walk to the Alpine Tunnel from the parking area. There are a few remaining structures up there including this one.
	The remnants of the Stone Engine House built in 1881.
	A sign helping one understand the magnitude of this project, and that does not include all the workers needed to maintain the railroad.
	Dylan stood out there where the railroad tracks ended. It's just a short walk more to reach the tunnel.
	You can see the tunnel's opening and the ridge above (serving as the Continental Divide) in the top photo. Along with various piles of wooden debris, the turnstyle for turning around engines remains!
	A closer view of the Alpine Tunnel.
	A fitting tribute to the people who worked to create this engineering feat.
	Sadly, the tunnel caved-in from years of erosion and neglect. I included one photo of myself and Jennifer and her son Dylan with a grand mountain behind. For your information, you can see photos of St. Elmo and Hancock on the other side of the divide here: St. Elmo to Hancock. Hancock is approximately three miles west along the old railroad grade in Chaffee County. Today, one can hike from Hancock to the caved-in tunnel on that side. Here are my other pages related to this region and its history: St. Elmo Bike: St. Elmo to Hancock Mary Murphy Mine Town of Tincup Tincup Pass South Cottonwood Canyon Old Railroad Grade Hike Near Nathrop (The same train route)

Town of Pitkin, Colorado and Lower Portion of Road 839 That Leads to the Alpine Tunnel

	When we arrived in the small town of Pitkin, we knew we were getting close to the spur leading to the Alpine Tunnel. I snapped one shot outside of the Pitkin Museum. Nice model water tower! :)
	Two views of the mountains and road as we headed along Road 839, a 10-mile spur to the tunnel. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is a very good idea on this road.
	A restored water tower downhill from Woodstock.
	We stopped at an area that was once known as the town of Woodstock. Sadly, a deadly avalanche took out 13 people and the area was never rebuilt.
	Sherrod Loop, another ghost town that was a busy area for this remote mountain region.
	One massive slab of roadside snow! :)