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 Reporter |
Summary: After a brief scramble up some loose tallus to the trail this is a fairly level easy hike. This old railroad bed is falling into disrepair and washouts are beginning to take over. Be sure to hike this before it's gone. It is a wonderful path through history following the abandoned railroad bed above Manitou Springs. Along the way you will pass through 5 tunnels and explore the first half of the sixth. The last half of the sixth tunnel is on private property. A cinderblock wall with a gate will prevent you from going too far. A good flashlight is required for this hike. I would have given four stars, but the noise and pollution from the highway ruin part of the hike. On the map provided the yellow sections represent where the tunnels are and the red represents the open sections. If the tunnels worry you, there are paths that lead around and over the hills, but this adds a lot to the hike. Trailhead: From Colorado Springs head west on highway 24 past Manitou Springs. At the Waldo Canyon trailhead turnaround (the second turnaround in the canyon), turn back east on 24. After about 3/4 of a mile you will see a parking area on the left (north) side of the road (just before the first turnaround in the canyon). Park there. You will have to cross the road on foot to get to the south side. This is the most dangerous part of the hike. Be careful. Then walk a short ways east just past where the guard rail begins and you will see a small trail leading up the slope to your right. This is the trailhead. (Lat:38.87645 Lon:-104.937616) Trail Guides for Railroad Bed above Manitou Springs: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Pikes Peak Ranger District 719-636-1602 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Sarah on 6/14/2008 Great, we took our 4 and 7 year olds and they needed very little help, creek at the end was dry though, too bad. Really pretty flowers.
Reviewed by Ryan on 8/21/2007 Very interesting little trail. The highway detracts from the view, but it's kind fun to watch the cars because they have no idea you're up there. The trail is mostly easy to follow, but some parts are a bit overgrown. The last two tunnels require a flashlight and do show signs of human use (fire pits, garbage) it can be a little scary if you are alone and only have a small headlamp. Definitely deserves four stars except for the highway. 
Reviewed by K R H on 8/19/2007 Have been up in here a few times, and it is a fun place to walk. Bring flashlight(s) to get you through the tunnels, it does have pitch black places to walk through. Do not be surprised if you chance encounter a homeless person here at times also. 
Reviewed by Andrew K on 7/9/2007 I run trails and this one is good for a super short day. If you are an experienced trail runner you can probably run all the way through even in the dark, but I would advise walking them a few times first. Its an easy overall half/half descent/hill elevation run and if you push it can give a pretty decent workout.
Reviewed by KEB & BGS on 6/18/2007 Nice, however, we would urge any hikers considering this hike to take a bag along to pick up trash. A fun hike, is kinda like a secret cause the cars below don't even know that your there. Bring a big flash light or your girlfriend will be scared.
Reviewed by Andy on 10/7/2006 Great hike for those that want something different close to the city! Took this hike with my family (4, 2, and 3 months) and had no problems. The scurry up the hill is tough for the kids, but they made it with minimal assistance. Kids loved the fact that they needed flashlights for some of the tunnels, very spooky! Be careful of the washouts on the trail though and be cautious coming back down the hill to the parking lot (especially if your afraid of heights). It is highly suggested to send a single person across the road when returning to your car to get a good veiw so the rest of the family can cross safely as the cars travel pretty fast around that turn.
Reviewed by Viewer on 7/30/2006 Really nice "change of pace hike" in Co Spgs area--not typical alpine trail. Would recommend--previous review is correct though---initial scramble to trail is fairly difficult due to loose rock. Otherwise it is great.
Reviewed by Daniel on 7/22/2006 Very pleasant walk, previous reviews very accurate. Tunnels not too nasty with the usual graffiti, booze, etc. - just some fire rings, some broken bottles (some quite old) but quite fine. Need to stress the the scramble to the start of the trail is a little tricky and probably should not be attempted with small kids - the 14 year old did fine, the 4 year old had to be carried, which was scary, as it's a long way down if the loose gravel gives way. Sure footed individuals should be fine. Only other slightly hairy bit was before tunnel 4. The last tunnel, marked as private does have a wall, *but* there is now a large breach in it, and can be crossed. We didn't because it was private and the other side of the tunnel was filled with junk. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, El Paso County Hiking, El Paso County Trails, El Paso County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
