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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Ryan on 6/4/2006 Very nice short day/lunch hike. The noise from the highway is not very pleasant. However, once you get back further through a tunnel or two the noise fades. Some tunnels have fair lighting while you will need a flashlight for at least two. I/we completed the hike in under the est. time here and weren't rushing at all. Before the last tunnel (that leads to private property)you can curve to the right for a nice hike up a stream bed. Be prepared to get a little dirty here - and have waterproof boots. The stream is shallow and great, but the path is not very developed. There was also a deer in the tunnels which was great. 
Reviewed by Lonnie on 2/13/2005 Interesting hike. I have to agree that the noise from the highway is definately a distraction. I would do it again though. We did the hike in mid February and there was a bit of snow to contend with. Climbing up the embankment to the trail was a chore, but coming back down was an adventure unto itself because of the snow. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
