Hard to believe it’s been Over six years since I’ve been to the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel, Just outside Pitkin, CO. A landslide in 2016 nocked out a portion of the roadbed leading up to the West Portal known as the “Palisades”, closing the road till repairs were completed last summer. With that, I decided it was time to head back to Pitkin and the West Portal for this years Ghost Town Run.

Sadly attendance for this years run was a bit light, though it was good to just be out. Our usual spot was already taken when I arrived Wednesday after work but managed to find another on a short drive past on the Middle Quartz Creek road outside Pitkin, CO. Though there was a neighbor, after meeting them Kevin and his wife were great people to hang out with. Joining me for the run this year were my pals Travis and Dan (with his family). After a full day of relaxing in camp ( I did detail the interior of the 4runner), I meet up with Travis the next day on the trail, where we spent most of the day exploring the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel. A beautiful hike over Altman Pass brought us to the East Portal of the Alpine Tunnel. Out of all the years of exploring this area, would be a first visit for me. Back at the rigs we enjoyed a nice afternoon drive down the old railroad grade, stopping at the Midway Water Tank to check out all the old inscriptions. Oldest I’ve found is from 1908. Back in Pitkin, Travis and I headed over to the newly renovated Pitkin Hotel for an early dinner- recommend the burger. Great to see some excitement coming into this great little community.

Back at camp, we’d spend the evening hanging out with Dan and his family and our friendly neighbors. No fires though since a stage one ban was in effect:(. The next day, with the light attendance and my ARB fridge not working all the sudden, decided to head home early. I bid farewell to our neighbors, Travis and Dan then headed out. Going over Cumberland and Cottonwood Passes to get back to 285.

Though a light club run, was really good to get back to the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel.

A fine sunrise to start a long day. After an eight hour shift, I’d hope in the 4runner and make the trek towards Pitkin.

Camp. Not our usual spot, but a fine spot along the Middle Quartz Creek no less. Ended up making some new friends as well.

Morning views around camp.

And a mid morning stroll.

Made a friend while cleaning the 4runner.

An afternoon shower rolled in while hanging out at camp.

Another fine sunset from camp.

A fine morning to be out.

After six years (+), felt good to be back on the Palisades! Had it all to myself.

The Palisades are an impressive stretch of road leading up to the West Portal. Built by Italian Masson’s, the wall is 2FT thick, 33 FT tall and a length of 452 FT using hand cut, interlocking stones. All to help keep a level grade.

What the inside of the Alpine Tunnel looked like.

Checking out the original engine house. Had it’s own turntable on the inside. Stone work was done by the same folks that did the Palisades rock wall.

Colorado Columbines.

Looking out to the bunk house from the Telegraph Office.

Remains of the original section house. This is where the crews stayed that maintained this section of railroad.

Always love this scene.

The turntable.

Alpine Tunnel, West Portal. For all the work to complete, it only operated for 30 years by the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad.

Views from the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel.

Work on the tunnel started in in 1879. At one point almost 10,000 workers were on site. The first train rolled through the Alpine Tunnel after construction was completed in 1882. At the time, I was the highest railroad tunnel in North America, crossing Under the Continental Divide at 11,523 FT. The tunnel is 1,772FT in length and used over 500 board feet of California Redwood to help stabilize the interior.

At the top of Altman Pass.

My pal Travis checking out the Mary Murphy Mine in the distance.

My first time visiting the East Portal of the Alpine Tunnel.

The Paintbrushes where happy!

So excited to see the Palisades open again!

Glamor shot:).

Passing by the restored Williams Tank.

We stopped at the Midway Water Tank and checked out the inscriptions. 1908 is the oldest I’ve found.

What’s left of the Midway Water Tank. Back in Pitkin, Travis and I stopped at the Pitkin Hotel for some cocktails and an early dinner.

Back at camp, our friend Dann and family were there waiting for us, along with our friendly neighbors. Was nice to enjoy some good company:).

Saturday morning, I decided to head home a bit early. With the fridge acting up and light attendance, felt best to head home and have a day to myself before work. Ended up going over Cumberland Pass ( 12,015 FT) and Cottonwood Pass (paved) to get back home.

Always some good views from Cumberland Pass.