For the inaugural Ghost Town Run, Nathaniel took us to the area around Pitkin and St. Elmo. The area was quite busy during the mining days. Heading out of St. Elmo, we crested the 12,208ft Hancock Pass before turning on the road to the West entrance of the Alpine Tunnel- A truly remarkable engineering feat. Completed in 1881, construction of the tunnel was started at either end of the divide, meeting in the center. At the time, the Alpine Tunnel was the highest train tunnel in the world. After the Alpine Tunnel, we headed to camp at the end of the road for Middle Quartz Creek.
Sunday would have us enjoying a morning drive over Cumberland Pass (12,015ft) then a stop to check out the mining town of TinCup. Mirror lake was the lunch spot before heading over TinCup Pass (12,154ft) and back to St. Elmo.
The group airing down, just outside the mining town of St. Elmo.
At the Mary Murphy mine.
Views from the mine.
Along the old railroad grade, stopped to check out the old town of Hancock.
Climbing up Hancock Pass.
Views from the restored train depot on the west side of the Alpine Tunnel.
The collapsed entrance of the Alpine Tunnel. West side.
Along the old railroad grade.
Water tower restored by the Mile Hi Jeep Club.
Camp.
I got up early Sunday to catch the sunrise from the top of Tomichi Pass.
A short mine shaft next to the Tomichi Pass road.
The group lined up at the top of Cumberland Pass.
Views from Cumberland Pass.
Making our way down to TinCup.
TinCup.
Mirror Lake.
My pal Nathaniel Miller.
Some of the group climbing up the old section of TinCup Pass.
Another group shot at the top of TinCup Pass. My friend Rich walking into my picture.
TinCup Pass.
Heading down the other side of TinCup Pass and back to St. Elmo.
St. Elmo.
End.