Alpine Tunnel (Pitkin, CO)
Alpine Tunnel (1882-1910)
east of Pitkin, Colorado
This 1772-foot tunnel across the Continental Divide was built by the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad (later Colorado & Southern) in 1880-1882. West of the tunnel, the railroad extended only to Gunnison. Limited traffic, harsh winters, and an accident-prone grade resulted in the tunnel's abandonment in 1910. The west portal was sealed following a collapse of the east portal in 1992. A telegraph station, turntable, and limited section of track have been restored near the western portal as part of the Alpine Tunnel Historic District.
Note: This text and accompanying photos are the copyright of Christopher Muller and may not be reproduced in whole or in part on any website, message board, or other medium.
Read Moreeast of Pitkin, Colorado
This 1772-foot tunnel across the Continental Divide was built by the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad (later Colorado & Southern) in 1880-1882. West of the tunnel, the railroad extended only to Gunnison. Limited traffic, harsh winters, and an accident-prone grade resulted in the tunnel's abandonment in 1910. The west portal was sealed following a collapse of the east portal in 1992. A telegraph station, turntable, and limited section of track have been restored near the western portal as part of the Alpine Tunnel Historic District.
Note: This text and accompanying photos are the copyright of Christopher Muller and may not be reproduced in whole or in part on any website, message board, or other medium.
