I've come across a number of online videos of the ride to the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel, but never the eastern approach, probably due to the fact that you can't drive the stretch between Hancock and the tunnel. I really wanted to fill this gap, first for myself, because I love this side of the pass with its undisturbed grade, and also for others who haven't had the chance to see the stunning scenery and the courageous engineering of the railroad.
I got ahold of a GoPro and a chest attachment in order to make this happen. Walking with my family (and sometimes carrying one member of it-you will see her red raincoat-covered arm occasionally) I filmed the entire length from Hancock to the east portal.
This video was filmed in July 2018. I chose to speed up the footage to mirror the same time (30 minutes) that it took a train to travel the same distance according the C&S's schedule of October 1910.
The Denver, South Park & Pacific/Colorado & Southern line from Hancock to the east portal of the Alpine Tunnel, the highest tunnel in the world in 1881 when completed, was abandoned in 1910 in part because this stretch of railroad on the eastern side of the tunnel was so costly to maintain due to the difficulty of clearing snow from this side of the mountain.
I know it's a long video, but every bit of this route is a marvel. I'm working on a shorter "highlight" version as well that will also incorporate still photos, including those of the interpretive signs that are posted along the way.
4 comments:
That's a terrific trip back in time! Paul R.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing your video. Really enjoyed seeing what the right of way looked like on the East side of the tunnel. I had been to the West side on 3 different trips. On one trip I hiked over the top and got to see the tunnel entrance when it was still possible to look inside of the tunnel. I had a flashlight and could see about 15 or so feet back inside. The tunnel was filled with water up to the within about 8 feet of the top of the arch. I didn't fancy getting wet to get a shot looking out of the portal so I stayed high and dry. I came home with a small souvenir of the tunnel . I have a 3/8s by 3/4 inch piece of the top of the arch timber just inside of the tunnel. It caught in my shirt sleeve as I was exiting the tunnel so I broke it and loose brought it home . Still have it 28 years later. Charles M .
I really enjoyed your story, Charles. I envy those who had the chance to see inside the tunnel. What an experience!
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