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Williams Pass Colorado On the pass is a good size meadow. I was above it a month ago looking down with a herd of elk directly behind me and a coyote trotting below them up the draw

Williams Pass Colorado

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Williams Pass, Colorado a Second Attempt a CDT Alternate 

Williams Pass trail was a beautiful experience both times.  A very secluded hike with elk herds and six foot deep snow on the first attempt. That was the first weekend in July snow got to post holing to the chest in depth.  Just to help paint a portrait of today’s hike. On this hike I encountered experiences I have never had hiking, guess that’s the reason I like to hike.

Williams Pass Colorado is just outside of the ghost town of Hancock, Colorado. This area is very rich in history and a junction of the Colorado and Continental Divide Trails, Alternates of them, Jeep Trails, lakes for fly fishing and other hiking trails.

As we were leaving Hartsell Colorado, the sun arose in all its brilliant glory giving tribute to morning on the high plains of Colorado along the Platte River. Giving dawn to an incredible day that lied ahead.
As we were leaving Hartsell Colorado, the sun arose in all its brilliant glory giving tribute to morning on the high plains of Colorado along the Platte River. Giving dawn to an incredible that lied ahead.
Fence posts of the buffalo corral are but silhouettes in dawns light.
Fence posts of the buffalo corral are but silhouettes in dawns light.
Looking the West on US-24 just to the west of Hartsel Colorado sits a old homestead along the Platte River is now home to a herd of buffalo much like early western days but not really due to the fences and fence lines of posts
Looking the West on US-24 just to the west of Hartsel Colorado sits a old homestead along the Platte River is now home to a herd of buffalo much like early western days but not really due to the fences and fence lines of posts
As the Day Lightens Platte River Glows as fog from the temperature rises lazily across the horizon
As the Day Lightens Platte River Glows as fog from the temperature rises lazily across the horizon
One last look back to the east before heading into the west of adventure
One last look back to the east before heading into the west of adventure
Just turning on CO-162 towards St Elmo Colorado about 6 AM the mountains begin to glow
Just turning on CO-162 towards St Elmo Colorado about 6 AM the mountains begin to glow
Looking towards St Elmo Colorado the direction of our journey
Looking towards St Elmo Colorado the direction of our journey
Approaching the white cliffs driving CO-162 toward Princeton Hot Spring and St Elmo Colorado
Approaching the white cliffs driving CO-162 toward Princeton Hot Spring and St Elmo Colorado
Just before ghost town of St Elmo Colorado take a left on CO-295 for 5 miles to the town of Hancock Colorado with Alpine Tunnel Trail Head CT and CDT as well as jeep roads to Hancock Pass and Hancock Lake
Just before ghost town of St Elmo Colorado take a left on CO-295 for 5 miles to the town of Hancock Colorado with Alpine Tunnel Trail Head CT and CDT as well as jeep roads to Hancock Pass and Hancock Lake
Alpine TrailHead is part of the Colorado and Continental Divide Trail with Destinations of Tin Cup Pass, Monarch Pass, Tunnel Lake, the Palisades and Alpine Tunnel east and west entrances
Alpine TrailHead is part of the Colorado and Continental Divide Trail with Destinations of Tin Cup Pass, Monarch Pass, Tunnel Lake, the Palisades and Alpine Tunnel east and west entrances
Located in San Isabel National Forest is also the Trail Head for Williamson Pass and Hancock Lake We love our RXBAR’s on the Trail
Located in San Isabel National Forest is also the Trail Head for Williamson Pass and Hancock Lake We love our RXBAR’s on the Trail
Have an obsession with photographing trail signs, Colorado Continental Divide Trail
Have an obsession with photographing trail signs, Colorado Continental Divide Trail

Williams Pass A Second Attempt Loop Hike

Williams Pass a second attempt is the result of a hike, cause a few of the old jeep crowd I was hanging with mentioned several times. I was the only person on the trail that day till I reached East Alpine Tunnel. The junction of the Continental Divide and Colorado Trails. From this junction its a 9.1 mile scenic historic loop.  If staying to the right takes you to east Alpine Tunnel, Tunnel Lake and heading north on the Continental Divide and Colorado Trail.  East Alpine Tunnel in and out is six miles and a very easy hike.  Williams Pass Trail use to be a Jeep 4X4 trail. 

Route Taken from Alpine Tunnel Trail Head over Williams Pass Colorado, through the Palisades, West Alpine Station and back to the trail head Hancock Colorado.  You leave Alpine Tunnel Trail on trail 298 William Pass trail.  Hike up over Williams Pass down into the Palisades and hook a right on trail 839. Trail 839 transitions into Trail 539 as you hike past West Alpine Tunnel and Climb a small pass.  On the pass you pickup the Colorado and Continental Divide Trails, stay to the right and connect with Alpine Tunnel Trail back to the Trailhead. 

This Alternate will take you 9.5 miles extra, though it may not be that much since the cutoff for through hikers was completed. Cutoff bypass the Alpine Tunnel Trailhead taking you a shorter route to Chalk Pass and on to Monarch Pass for resupply. On this hike I only navigated with the National Geographic Colorado Trail Map Book.

Outdoor Apparel in a graphic hoodie of a Brook Trout sun protective hoodie great for hiking the Continental Divide and Colorado Trail. Also makes a great base layer
Outdoor Apparel
Alpine Tunnel Trail is wetter than I have seen it in the last 3 years I have been hiking this trail
Alpine Tunnel Trail is wetter than I have seen it in the last 3 years I have been hiking this trail. I have been to Tunnel Lake, explored the upper canyon.
Wildflowers are in full bloom and carpet the forest floor, Paint Brushes here on the mountain side
Wildflowers are in full bloom and carpet the forest floor, Paint Brushes here on the mountain side
Sawmill curve on the Alpine Line at the ghost town of Hancock Colorado. Mining and tourism have been a significant part of the history in the 1880 till now.
Sawmill curve on the Alpine Line at the ghost town of Hancock Colorado. Mining and tourism have been a significant part of the history in the 1880 till now.
A new stream at Sawmill Curve, it hadn’t been here in the last three years, lots of snow and rain this year.
A new stream at Sawmill Curve, it hadn’t been here in the last three years, lots of snow and rain this year.
Holding pond at Sawmill curve on the Alpine Tunnel Trail
Holding pond at Sawmill curve on the Alpine Tunnel Trail
Today became a day of a plethora of wildflowers carpeting the forest floor through the meadows
Today became a day of a plethora of wildflowers carpeting the forest floor through the meadows
Junction of Williamson Pass and the Alpine Tunnel Trail, for Colorado Trail hikers Alpine trail is 3 miles shorter, Williamson Pass offers historic stops and incredible panoramic
Junction of Williamson Pass and the Alpine Tunnel Trail, for Colorado Trail hikers Alpine trail is 3 miles shorter, Williamson Pass offers historic stops and incredible panoramic
Up through the gate the trail makes a quick climb to a switch back as the climb become a steady slight incline to the pass
Up through the gate the trail makes a quick climb to a switch back as the climb become a steady slight incline to the pass
Wildflowers in large patch growing along the lower trail
Wildflowers in large patch growing along the lower trail
Yellow to brilliant and pastel reds change as a rainbow upon the landscape
Yellow to brilliant and pastel reds change as a rainbow upon the landscape
Just couldn’t help ourselves this is one of the better years for wildflowers
Just couldn’t help ourselves this is one of the better years for wildflowers

 

First Couple of Miles on Williams Pass Trail

in a mile in a half you leave lush forest for very lush landscape of water and seven to eight foot tall under growth in casing the trail in several places as a garden maze. The wildflowers on the trip were absolutely stunning.

After entering the trail Wildflowers and foliage just explodes are thick the first mile and half before Williams Pass Trail opens up.
After entering the trail Wildflowers and foliage just explodes are thick the first mile and half before Williams Pass Trail opens up.
Lush color of yellow, red and brilliant greens highlight the trails edge
Lush color of yellow, red and brilliant greens highlight the trails edge
Just after first light in my opinion is the best time to be on trail
Just after first light in my opinion is the best time to be on trail
Shadows of the suns movement through the morning sky
Shadows of the suns movement through the morning sky
Morning light and being on the trail at first light means a trail with just trail and you… Birds, Elk, Rabbits, Deer, and Coyotes are your morning companions
Morning light and being on the trail at first light means a trail with just trail and you… Birds, Elk, Rabbits, Deer, and Coyotes are your morning companions
Climbing into the Alpine the terrain become quite rocky hence the Rocky Mountains
Climbing into the Alpine the terrain become quite rocky hence the Rocky Mountains
Just about to the day a month ago, first of week of July the snow was still chest deep to a six foot person. From here I post holed to the top of the ridge to the south, shadowing a herd of elk.
Just about to the day a month ago, first of week of July the snow was still chest deep to a six foot person. From here I post holed to the top of the ridge to the south, shadowing a herd of elk.
Being to hike above tree line the landscape opens up with end of Tunnel Gulch in site, Tunnel Lakes sits on a shelf at the end of the gulch, beautiful destination
Being to hike above tree line the landscape opens up with end of Tunnel Gulch in site, Tunnel Lakes sits on a shelf at the end of the gulch, beautiful destination
Remember to pause and take in all in there is no rush in the wilderness of the mind
Remember to pause and take in all in there is no rush in the wilderness of the mind
Views along Alpine trails are mesmerizing
Views along Alpine trails are mesmerizing
Short distance after tree line some Columbines enter the landscape
Short distance after tree line some Columbines enter the landscape
Crimson Paint Brushes along the trail with accompanying Columbines add contrast to the landscape
Crimson Paint Brushes along the trail with accompanying Columbines add contrast to the landscape

 

Cresting Williams Pass Hiking Colorado

Alpine hiking has become a favorite place to be, its hard to explain, above tree line is a very calming experience. Very meditative, Zen like. The soul refires and heart warms.

Looking across Tunnel Gulch, Alpine trail is about 2 miles straight down below me, and I do mean straight down.
Looking across Tunnel Gulch, Alpine trail is about 2 miles straight down below me, and I do mean straight down.
Looking across Tunnel Gulch, Alpine trail is about 2 miles straight down below me, and I do mean straight down.
Forest encroaching upon the trail has the feeling of a hug from nature
As we enter into the sub-Alpine the Last of thicker forest as we move above tree Line hiking to Williams Pass
As we enter into the sub-Alpine the Last of thicker forest as we move above tree Line hiking to Williams Pass
Buck brush and under growth is becoming taller, thick with wildflowers along the edge as we near the summit on Colorado Trail scenic alternate, Williams Pass Trail
Buck brush and under growth is becoming taller, thick with wildflowers along the edge as we near the summit on Colorado Trail scenic alternate, Williams Pass Trail
Trail rises up to the pass with a moderate elevation gain to the summit with Mount Arps to your left at 12,379 feet in elevation. Total elevation gain or down and up on this hike is 1,433 feet.
Trail rises up to the pass with a moderate elevation gain to the summit with Mount Arps to your left at 12,379 feet in elevation. Total elevation gain or down and up on this hike is 1,433 feet.
Climbing open up a varied terrain of heavy brush to ridges of grasses and wildflowers
Climbing open up a varied terrain of heavy brush to ridges of grasses and wildflowers
Just below Williamson Pass hiking up and over, it's such a beautiful blue bird day and no wind, just incredible so far
Just below Williamson Pass hiking up and over, it's such a beautiful blue bird day and no wind, just incredible so far
Was here a month ago in July with still six feet of snow. Yet in August it still resides in shaded areas, not surprising the amount here. Since it was over six feet a month ago
Was here a month ago in July with still six feet of snow. Yet Was here a month ago in July with still six feet of snow. Yet in August it still resides in shaded areas, not surprising the amount here. Since it was over six feet a month ago
On past hikes I have seen wildlife on open ridges
On past hikes I have seen wildlife on open ridges
Cresting Williamson Pass the horizon opens up in a panoramic collage of color and beauty
Cresting Williamson Pass the horizon opens up in a panoramic collage of color and beauty
Diversity of terrain makes this trail so much fun to hike and we haven't even got to the cool stuff yet.
Diversity of terrain makes this trail so much fun to hike and we haven't even got to the cool stuff yet.
Panoramic view on the trail as I crest Williams Pass Colorado
Panoramic view on the trail as I crest Williams Pass Colorado

 

Hanging Out on Williams Pass Hiking

Williams Pass Hike from the pass, offers great panoramic views before we descend towards the Palisades. I am very much looking forward to that section of the trail and West Alpine Tunnel.

Enjoying morning views from above 11,000 feet
Enjoying morning views from above 11,000 feet
From Williams Pass San Isabel National Forest you haven't seen anything yet
From Williams Pass San Isabel National Forest you haven't seen anything yet
Paved in stone with running water that became quite interesting going down to the Palisades
Paved in stone with running water that became quite interesting going down to the Palisades
Trails in this area are such enjoyable hikes, non have been disappointing
Trails in this area are such enjoyable hikes, non have been disappointing
Williams Pass Colorado On the pass is a good size meadow. I was above it a month ago looking down with a herd of elk directly behind me and a coyote trotting below them up the draw
On the pass is a good size meadow. I was above it a month ago looking down with a herd of elk directly behind me and a coyote trotting below them up the draw
Zooming in on the horizon across Tunnel Gulch
Zooming in on the horizon across Tunnel Gulch
Saddle which the pass goes through is quite large with many grassy connecting ridges. I personally don't call them passes in off the highway, I have always stated, meet you in the next saddle when out hunting or tracking and doing photography.
Saddle which the pass goes through is quite large with many grassy connecting ridges. I personally don't call them passes in off the highway, I have always stated, meet you in the next saddle when out hunting or tracking and doing photography.
Looking back as we leave one drainage and enter another and a new National Forest the Gunnison
Looking back as we leave one drainage and enter another and a new National Forest the Gunnison
Down into the next drainage and on to the Palisades, I am excited to hike through there. As the water begins, not much muddy a very rocky trail
Down into the next drainage and on to the Palisades, I am excited to hike through there. As the water begins, not much muddy a very rocky trail
Williams Pass elevation 11,773 feet sign is missing some else thought they needed it more!
Williams Pass elevation 11,773 feet sign is missing some else thought they needed it more!
Looking down both directions of the trail on the Williams Pass at the same time, a different perspective
Looking down both directions of the trail on the Williams Pass at the same time, a different perspective

 

Palisades – Gunnison National Forest

Descending  the pass through Palisades this gallery is of camera one, I am just a bit of a photo nut, I love nature and all it offers. About a mile or so trail is flooded from the excess snow this past winter. The beavers and fish have to love it.  Great seeing the aqua-firs gaining ground after so many drought years.

A month ago was only game trails and snow was over six feet deep. That was the first weekend in July and this is the first weekend of August.

Pothole filled with water reflecting the beauty of the day as I head into the Palisades
Pothole filled with water reflecting the beauty of the day as I head into the Palisades
First Pothole here starts to feed the trail stream of William Pass Trail with water
First Pothole here starts to feed the trail stream of William Pass Trail with water
Beaver ponds below, little did I know flowing water on the trail would get to knee deep along the bottom edge of the beaver ponds
Beaver ponds below, little did I know flowing water on the trail would get to knee deep along the bottom edge of the beaver ponds
Looking back up as I begin descending from Williams Pass Colorado
Looking back up as I begin descending from Williams Pass Colorado
Just off the pass is a fairly good size meadow full of water with beaver ponds, nature doing what it does best creating life
Just off the pass is a fairly good size meadow full of water with beaver ponds, nature doing what it does best creating life
Glad I made the second attempt to do Williams Pass. Hard to believe a month ago buried in snow.
Glad I made the second attempt to do Williams Pass. Hard to believe a month ago buried in snow.
I try to leave no view of the trail unphotographed. so much to see, most would walk right by and not even notice.
I try to leave no view of the trail unphotographed. so much to see, most would walk right by and not even notice.
Looking back watching Tunnel Gulch disappearing with each step
Looking back watching Tunnel Gulch disappearing with each step
When I was here last in the snow, small herds of elk were wander along the ridges following a trail left by the sun melting off the snow
When I was here last in the snow, small herds of elk were wander along the ridges following a trail left by the sun melting off the snow
Glad the sun is beginning to reach the lower sections of the trail, the water cools a person down quick
Glad the sun is beginning to reach the lower sections of the trail, the water cools a person down quick
Meadow on William Pass Colorado is lush with life
Meadow on William Pass Colorado is lush with life
Looking down a side draw at the Palisades below
Looking down a side draw at the Palisades below
William Pass Trail is picking up flow and depth with every step
William Pass Trail is picking up flow and depth with every step
Just came out the trail river, It drops down the mountain and crosses the trail before disappearing into the valley below
Just came out the trail river, It drops down the mountain and crosses the trail before disappearing into the valley below
A better view of the Palisades below
A better view of the Palisades below
Small Patch of Paint Brushes, wildflower along Williams Pass Trail
Small Patch of Paint Brushes, wildflower along Williams Pass Trail
I like taking shots through the trees offering what I am witnessing in this trail moment
I like taking shots through the trees offering what I am witnessing in this trail moment
Zoomed in view of the across the valley in the Gunnison National Forest Get Lost in America
Zoomed in view of across the valley in the Gunnison National Forest
Got to this small meadow as the sun was reaching it. Stay a good 45 minutes drying socks and leggings. I hiked this hike in Merrell best hiking sandal design ever created. The original Chop Rock, I did 1700 trail miles in they carrying a minim of 45 pounds in a pack. Several 14ers were in those miles Get Lost In America
Got to this small meadow as the sun was reaching it. Stayed a good 45 minutes drying socks and leggings. I hiked this hike in Merrell best hiking sandal design ever created. The original Chop Rock, I did 1700 trail miles in they carrying a minim of 45 pounds in a pack. Several 14ers were in those miles Get Lost In America
More across the valley having fun with the morning light
More across the valley having fun with the morning light
Just taking shots while socks dry and my feet become un-numb.
Just taking shots while socks dry and my feet become un-numb.
As I leave the meadow, the water from the beaver ponds and trail cross this trail, flow is moving , it is quite steep
As I leave the meadow, the water from the beaver ponds and trail cross this trail, flow is moving , it is quite steep as I look down stream
coming down the mountain side crossing the trail
coming down the mountain side crossing the trail
Better view of where I have been
Better view of where I have been
Into the Palisades on the Williams Pass Trail Colorado Trail
Into the Palisades on the Williams Pass Trail Colorado Trail
Looking up at the cliffs as I enter the Palisades. If you have the time doing the Continental Divide Trail the extra 9 plus miles is worth the hike,
Looking up at the cliffs as I enter the Palisades as the sun is beginning to break the horizon as a ball of fire. If you have the time doing the Continental Divide Trail the extra 9 plus miles is worth the hike,
Lots of big boulders, topography get very interesting
Lots of big boulders, topography get very interesting
Below at the tee junction we go right to west Alpine Tunnel
Below at the tee junction we go right to west Alpine Tunnel
A narrow gauge line ran from Hancock to Leadville with ore and tourist
A narrow gauge line ran from Hancock to Leadville with ore and tourist
Looking towards West Alpine Tunnel
Looking towards West Alpine Tunnel
Looking to the east, on this day trail is closed to due rock fall and wash outs
Looking to the east, on this day trail is closed to due rock fall and wash outs
Low angle shot of the corner before heading west
Low angle shot of the corner before heading west away from the canyon called the Palisades and some engineer wonder creating a railroad bed through it. Some lie ahead to examine as well

 

Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Outdoor Apparel for the Hike

I have been to Alpine Tunnel Trail junction of the Colorado and Continental Divide Trail six times total and this is the coldest trailhead consistently.  First week in August frost and seems to be in the 30’s most morning even in the summer, but one of the coolest areas.  Even on this day water to the knees for over a mile and a good hail storm on the way out a mile and half from the vehicle.  

To handle this type of weather we have a quarter zip graphic hoodie with side pockets that is hydrophobic, wind resistant, heavy weight great outer layer. Base layer and afternoon outer layer a graphic hoodie, its a UPF-50 with a facemask sewn into the hood.  I was so glad to have been wearing fish patterned leggings underneath my shorts, the water was cold. 

hiking williams pass in a hydrophobic quarter zip graphic hoodie the snack
Hiking Williams Pass Colorado in Brown Trout Leggings for warmth and sun protection
On a hike to Williams Pass Colorado in a Graphic Hoodie Alpine sun protection UPF-50
Brown Trout Gloves Hiking on Williams Pass Colorado Trail
Outdoor Apparel

Leaving William Pass Trial Hike to Alpine Tunnel

This section of trail is now trail for hiking, mountain biking, and 4×4 vehicles.  I took a right hiking the narrow gauge line through the Palisades west end for the last mile of it.
Hanging out at the trail junction, camera really doesn't do the cliffs and boulders justice
Hanging out at the trail junction, camera really doesn't do the cliffs and boulders justice
To the west of the on the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad Line
To the west of the on the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad Line
To the East on the Denver Leadville and Gunnison Railroad Line
To the East on the Denver Leadville and Gunnison Railroad Line
This narrow gauge line ran from 1880 to 1910 carrying ore and tourist
This narrow gauge line ran from 1880 to 1910 carrying ore and tourist
Next step off we go to check out an engineer marvel for its day
Next step off we go to check out an engineer marvel for its day
Pomeroy's lakes in the distance
Pomeroy's lakes in the distance
One last look back Get Lost in America
One last look back
Here is an engineer marvel for its day, a dry stack terrace wall thirty feet tall, two feet wide, and four hundred and fifty two feel long. It holds back the mountain and creates a solid bed for ore and passenger trains to run on. Amazing
Here is an engineer marvel for its day, a dry stack terrace wall thirty feet tall, two feet wide, and four hundred and fifty two feel long. It holds back the mountain and creates a solid bed for ore and passenger trains to run on. Amazing
Engineering feat the Terrace Wall in Person or the top of it in the Palisades Colorado
Engineering feat the Terrace Wall in Person or the top of it in the Palisades Colorado
Looks like a little blasting took place here
Looks like a little blasting took place here
Few Trees are beginning to show up long the trail
Few Trees are beginning to show up long the trail
Clouds and light are just incredible today, afternoon thunderstorm was on the radar this morning
Clouds and light are just incredible today, afternoon thunderstorm was on the radar this morning. A view of the wall from a distance down the trail
Standing on the wall looking down into the valley below. Oh sweet chariot coming to carry me home.
Standing on the wall looking down into the valley below. Oh sweet chariot coming to carry me home.
Topography is beginning to change as I hike out of the Palisades toward the Alpine Tunnel Colorado
Topography is beginning to change as I hike out of the Palisades toward the Alpine Tunnel Colorado
Hiking up through a set of S curves to Alpine Tunnel Trail Junction
Hiking up through a set of S curves to Alpine Tunnel Trail Junction

West Alpine Tunnel Complex Hancock Colorado

At one time the highest railroad tunnel in the world Alpine Tunnel is a popular destination for hikers. Alpine Tunnel Trail system is part of the Continental Divide and Colorado Trails as well as part of a scenic alternate, too.  Once on the pass below Mount Poor and above East Alpine Tunnel.  Continental Divide and Colorado Trail head to Tunnel Lake, Tin Cup Pass, Cottonwood Pass, down into Texas Creek, up and over to Lake Ann. From Lake Ann you pass by the ghost town of Winfield and up over the pass to Twin Lakes to re-supply.

Trail junction ahead for West Alpine Tunnel
Trail junction ahead for West Alpine Tunnel
Information and History on the Alpine Tunnel Complex hiking the Continental Divide and Colorado Trail Alternate
Information and History on the Alpine Tunnel Complex hiking the Continental Divide and Colorado Trail Alternate
Information of moments gone by
Information of moments gone by
Life of railroad man living on the line Denver to Gunnison
Life of railroad man living on the line Denver to Gunnison
Some of narrow gauge line is still in place, ahead the remains of the Engine repair workshop
Some of narrow gauge line is still in place, ahead the remains of the Engine repair workshop
Plaque with image of engine house and some history of it
Plaque with image of engine house and some history of it
What's left of the boarding house, all that's still standing in the outhouse
What's left of the boarding house, all that's still standing in the outhouse
What's left of the boarding house, all that's still standing in the outhouse
What's left of the boarding house, all that's still standing in the outhouse
Information on the old boarding house.
What's left of the boarding house, all that's still standing in the outhouse
Remnants of the section house Alpine Tunnel and line
Remnants of the section house Alpine Tunnel and line
Still a couple of railroad sidings left for display as I glance towards West Alpine Tunnel Entrance. Get Lost in America the best choice for Yellowstone Cabin Rentals, fly fish Montana.
Still a couple of railroad sidings left for display as I glance towards West Alpine Tunnel Entrance.
Looking towards the Palisades, Gunnison and beyond, Colorado Alpine and backcountry adventures. Get Lost in America hike the world and fly fish Montana.
Looking towards the Palisades, Gunnison and beyond, Colorado Alpine and backcountry adventures.
Closed off West Alpine Tunnel Entrance and Engine Round House ahead. Get Lost in America fly fish Italy and fly fish Montana
Closed of West Alpine Tunnel Entrance and Engine Round House ahead.
What's Left of the Water Tank built in 1906 backpacking adventure on the Continental Divide Trail with Get Lost in America. Best Choice for Yellowstone Cabin Rentals and Fly Fish Montana
What's Left of the Water Tank built in 1906 backpacking adventure on the Continental Divide Trail with Get Lost in America.
Watch storm clouds moving in looking south from West Alpine Tunnel
Watch storm clouds moving in looking south from West Alpine Tunnel
Turntable used to rotate Locomotives to run in the other direction at West Alpine Tunnel Colorado Trail, Colorado. Get Lost in America for the best Fly Fishing Destinations and Yellowstone Cabin Rentals
Turntable used to rotate Locomotives to run in the other direction at West Alpine Tunnel Colorado Trail, Colorado. Get Lost in America for the best Fly Fishing Destinations and Yellowstone Cabin Rentals
History of Turntable and West Alpine Tunnel Complex on the Continental Divide Trail Alternate
History of Turntable and West Alpine Tunnel Complex on the Continental Divide Trail Alternate
August and there is still quite a bit of snow in the shady areas, looking back at the turntable at West Alpine Tunnel on the Colorado Trail Alternate
August and there is still quite a bit of snow in the shady areas, looking back at the turntable at West Alpine Tunnel on the Colorado Trail Alternate
West Alpine Tunnel ahead hike the narrow gauge railroad bed
West Alpine Tunnel ahead hike the narrow gauge railroad bed
Construction history on the West Alpine Tunnel Complex
Construction history on the West Alpine Tunnel Complex
Broken granite marker for West Alpine Tunnel, it was used from 1880 to 1910 for tourist and ore in Hancock, Colorado. Continental Divide Trail Alternate. Hiking with Get Lost in America the best decision for Fly Fish Montana and Yellowstone Cabin Rentals
Broken granite marker for West Alpine Tunnel, it was used from 1880 to 1910 for tourist and ore in Hancock, Colorado. Continental Divide Trail Alternate.
Hiking on about three feet of hardened snow pack up to West Alpine Tunnel, I just have to have a look even though it's permanently close off.
Hiking on about three feet of hardened snow pack up to West Alpine Tunnel, I just have to have a look even though it's permanently close off.
At the closed of West Alpine Tunnel a little history discussing closing it off.
At the closed of West Alpine Tunnel a little history discussing closing it off.
Looking back where I have been and where I am going to hike up over the Alpine Tunnel.
Looking back where I have been and where I am going to hike up over the Alpine Tunnel.
Starting the Climb to the pass between Alpine Tunnel entrances or exits which ever you prefer
Starting the Climb to the pass between Alpine Tunnel entrances or exits which ever you prefer
Switch backed trail up to the pass above Alpine Tunnel and Continental Divide and Colorado Trail is about a 542 foot elevation gain.
Switch backed trail up to the pass above Alpine Tunnel and Continental Divide and Colorado Trail is about a 542 foot elevation gain.
Looking up towards the pass
Looking up towards the pass
Looking across to the other trail ridge towards Tunnel Lake and Tin Cup Pass
Looking across to the other trail ridge towards Tunnel Lake and Tin Cup Pass
Looking back into the valley beyond West Alpine Tunnel Complex
Looking back into the valley beyond West Alpine Tunnel Complex
Storm clouds are rolling in faster, in Colorado you can pretty much count on a brief storm with lots of lighting between noon and 1 pm.
Storm clouds are rolling in faster, in Colorado you can pretty much count on a brief storm with lots of lighting between noon and 1 pm.
In the saddle, Mount Poor in the distance
In the saddle, Mount Poor in the distance
Gazing into Tunnel Gulch off toward Buena Vista Colorado
Gazing into Tunnel Gulch off toward Buena Vista Colorado and Mount Princeton in the distance
Back on the Continental Divide and Colorado Trail above East Alpine Tunnel
Back on the Continental Divide and Colorado Trail above East Alpine Tunnel
Wicked clouds and trail junction sign
Wicked clouds and trail junction sign
Look towards Tunnel Lake and Tin Cup Pass, this a beautiful alpine hike.
Look towards Tunnel Lake and Tin Cup Pass, this a beautiful alpine hike.

East Alpine Tunnel to Trailhead

Once at the bottom on Alpine Tunnel trail its an easy 3 mile hike back to the trail head with beautiful panoramas and wildflowers line the trail.  On this day I had lots of rain and immense amount of nickel size hail for the last two miles of the trail.

A word of advice I met a Colorado Trail through hiker on top at the junction who was out of food and his resupply box was on Monarch Pass a distance away. We hiked together back to the trailhead and took him out for a burger and up to Monarch Pass to pick up his resupply box. Make sure you understand distances and how much time it takes to get somewhere and carry an extra days worth of food at least. I personally like to have two days on hand. 

Trail down to East Alpine Tunnel and on to the Trailhead at Hancock Colorado
Trail down to East Alpine Tunnel and on to the Trailhead at Hancock Colorado
Colorado Through hiker I hiked out with. Still quite a bit of snow here and there for the first weekend in August.
Colorado Through hiker I hiked out with. Still quite a bit of snow here and there for the first weekend in August.
Looking up into Tunnel gulch
Looking up into Tunnel gulch
Trail sign at East Alpine Tunnel, I didn't walk over to the east tunnel entrance that's in a different story.
Trail sign at East Alpine Tunnel, I didn't walk over to the east tunnel entrance that's in a different story.
Columbines along Alpine Tunnel Trail.
Columbines along Alpine Tunnel Trail.
Again I would like to Thank National Geographic for the map and reiterate that everyone ought to be able to read a map and navigate with a compass. Stay Safe and Leave No Trace!
Again I would like to Thank National Geographic for the map and reiterate that everyone ought to be able to read a map and navigate with a compass. Stay Safe and Leave No Trace!

Yellowstone Cabin Rentals Alaska Fishing Trips

After the section or through hike are looking for a different type of adventure. Come Fly Fish Montana, explore Yellowstone National Park or stay at a wilderness lodge in Alaska. How about a wilderness float trip in Katmai National Park and Preserve for trophy Alaskan Wild Rainbows.

Alaska Fishing Trips in a Alaska Wilderness Lodge with Get Lost in America
Yellowstone Cabin Rentals to Fly Fish Montana in Yellowstone National or fly fish the Madison River with Get Lost in America
Alaska Fishing Trips floating in the wilderness of Katmai National Park and Preserve with Get Lost In America
Yellowstone Cabin Rentals Alaska Fishing Trips

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