If you are a regular Only in Colorado reader, you have probably noticed that we are obsessed with this gorgeous springtime weather and can’t help but gush about all of the fun ways to enjoy it! When it comes to being outside, there is nothing quite like a good old-fashioned hike, which is exactly what you will find on this amazing Colorado trail that takes you through an abandoned railroad tunnel:
Welcome to the Colorado Midland Trail, an easy 5.5-mile round trip trail located near Leadville that leads you through some of the state’s best views.
Flickr/Scott Ingram
Also known as the Hagerman Tunnel Trail, the Colorado Midland follows the same path as the old Colorado Midland Railway Company, which ran from 1883 to 1918 from Colorado Springs to Leadville.
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Just what will you discover along your hiking adventure? There are crystal clear ponds and lakes…
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…vibrant wildflowers galore…
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…and the icing on the cake that makes this trail extra special: the old Hagerman Tunnel!
Joel-Colorado/TripAdvisor
Built in 1887, the Hagerman Tunnel sits at an elevation of 11,528 feet, which broke the then-record for the highest tunnel ever built.
TripAdvisor/Joel-Colorado (Unfortunately, the Colorado Midland Railroad went bankrupt a few years after the tunnel’s construction and never regained its original traffic.)
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Whether you plan to hike or bike, this hidden gem of a trail is guaranteed to give you a breathtaking experience that you will never forget.
Flickr/Brad Patterson
Flickr/Scott Ingram
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(Unfortunately, the Colorado Midland Railroad went bankrupt a few years after the tunnel’s construction and never regained its original traffic.)
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Flickr/Brad Patterson
For even more Colorado railroad history, click on Most People Have No Idea This Unique Tunnel In Colorado Exists.
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