What must we do in Colorado?
The mountains are calling and we must go. Last summer, our trip to Yosemite and Oregon was beautifully interrupted by the birth of our first grandson. We're definitely leaving Florida and heading West...
Forum Discussion
4runnerguy wrote:
2. Upper Arkansas River Valley Leadville/Buena Vista/Salida
...Out of Nathrop, take the road up Chalk Creek to St. Elmo, a well preserved ghost town. We'll park there and ride our bikes up to Hancock along the old railroad grade (dirt). From there, we'll take the trail out about 3 miles to the east portal of the Alpine Tunnel (collapsed). If you don't mountain bike, drive up to the trail head and hike out to the tunnel. Several side roads to explore with 4x4 off this road. At Romley, turn left and go up past some old mining ruins...
About 3 years ago I drove Road 295 to the trailhead and rode (or should I say 'abused'?) my Trek Pure Sport (a crank-forward comfort bike) up that Alpine Tunnel trail. Yeow, I can't believe I did that! With all the tree roots across the trail, plus rocks and puddles, I still wonder how I didn't bend a rim or two. But it certainly was fun coasting down instead of walking. Beautiful views along there, too. Definitely worth the visit. But I should have had a proper mountain bike.
