Gold Camp Road was built in the 1890’s for a narrow gauge railroad to connect Colorado Springs to the Cripple Creek mining district, about 20 air miles to the west. Eventually, the railroad was scrapped and the road bed was converted to vehicle use.
There are several narrow tunnels along the road, and in 1988 a fortuitous partial collapse of tunnel #3 precluded further vehicle use over a road section about 8 miles long. A new trail goes around and over the collapsed tunnel. This 8 plus mile segment of the road is now used mostly for hiking and biking.
On Wed, July 28th, Ronda and I took Abby and drove down to the Cheyenne Mountain area to pick up the Gold Camp Road Trailhead. The weather was overcast and the temps were in the 60’s but the prospects for the clouds clearing off were good as it looked pretty sunny off to the north. We left the trailhead and proceeded up the gentle switchback that makes a big detour around the canyon.
I just did a similar hike 2 days ago. I set out from home for the sole purpose of taking pictures of St. Mary’s falls so I simply went over the collapsed tunnel and proceeded along the trail to the base of the falls to take my photos. I didn’t go to the top of the falls simply because it was 12 noon when I got to the base and I had to be to work at 2. As it was I ended up 25 minutes late for work!! Ahh well. I got some great pictures and even a some video.
That “interesting tree” picture that you took. That’s along the 7 Bridges trail isn’t it? I swear I remember seeing that tree before.