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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 Viewer on 12/25/2009 I took my 15 year-old son up here on Christmas day, and it was fantastic...including the portion right at the beginning with some derelict equipment bearing some teenage graffitti. Unfortunately, I lost my new cell phone at the fourth tunnel, and could not find it again. I went home to get my wife and her phone and we went back and re-traced all my earlier steps in the dark...we did not find the phone, but it was a scary, amazing experience! 
Reviewed by Glenn P on 9/28/2009 The trail was as described, except that the gate in the last tunnel has been torn down. East of the gate is a junkyard and you end up looking into someone's window. I'd suggest stopping at the gate because unless you seriously trespass, your experience just deteriorates. The scramble at the beginning/end can be a challenge for folks with "edge fear" and good footwear is recommended. I met a very nice couple and we had trouble deciding if the railroad was standard gauge or narrow gauge. A web search later determined it was the Colorado Midland Railway - a standard gauge line (4' 8.5"). Given how narrow it seemed in places that was a surprise. But the tracks were removed in 1921, so the land is being reclaimed. Hike it soon.
Reviewed by Tricia on 9/19/2009 Great hike to do with others. First couple of tunnels weren't too creepy, last one was very dark. Can tell people party and have bon fires in the caves at night, so I would probably avoid them after dark. Great view once you get out of the last tunnel! Two down sides, running accross Highway 24 and hearing all the traffic below you. Bring a flash light for sure! I think this would be a great hike for most any time of year.
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. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
