Alpine Tunnel

Excavation of the 1,772 foot narrow gauge railway tunnel began in January of 1880 and was completed in July of 1882 by the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railway. At an altitude of 11,523 feet, it became the first tunnel constructed through the Continental Divide. It was abandoned in 1910. The portals of the tunnel have collapsed. The former railbed is now a hiking trail on the east side and a rough road on the west side.