Summer 2021, Day 46: Taylor Park, Day 4

Today I decided to try to approach Hancock Pass from the other side.  Descending is easier that ascending, and I’ve heard the western ascent is easier.

Clay was busy today, so I headed out solo.  I went through Tincup:

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Up and over Cumberland Pass (12,015’):

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Down the other side toward Pitkin:

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Old mines along the way:

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I visited Pitkin (population 76):

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I then headed towards Hancock Pass.  This old railroad route includes the base of a water tower used to feed steam engines:

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This water tower is still standing:

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End of the line?

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The Hancock Pass ascent looked too sketchy for being all alone in the middle of nowhere.  I turned back and followed the railroad track to the Alpine Tunnel.  A bit of exposure:

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I continued on until I could go no farther:

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Didn’t feel like threading this given the consequences for a fall, so I continued on foot:

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After a half-mile walk I approached the train station for the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel, the highest railroad tunnel and the longest narrow gauge tunnel in North America.  The tunnel was active from 1882 to 1910, and has since been sealed by collapses and landslides.  Ruins and restored buildings remain:

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The restored telegraph office:

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Telegraph office interior:

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Approach to the tunnel entrance:

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The western tunnel entrance, now filled in:

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Heading back:

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Good Shabbos from Taylor Park! See the trip map for today’s ride.

Summer 2021, Day 45: Taylor Park, Day 3
Summer 2021, Day 48: From the Mountains to the Plains

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