The biggest day of this trip arrived and I was excited to get it started. I grabbed a couple of bagels at the hotel on my way out and then made a quick stop at the Leadville, Colorado, & Southern yard for some photos. There wasn't another soul in sight. I spent a few minutes reflecting on what Sam Speas, Brownie Anderson, and other C&S Engineers must have seen bringing a train into Leadville. I wondered if they would even recognize it today.

Breaking my reverie, I got back in the truck, found a gas station to top off the tank and  started south to Nathrop. A few months prior I drove through Nathrop and saw the road to St. Elmo and the east portal of Alpine Tunnel. I even had the time to make the trip, at least as far as St. Elmo. But, the tires on my truck weren't up to the challenge. With new tires for this trip, we were both ready for a grande adventure!

Please let me know if you find mistakes - RioGrandeDude  @ SmittysHouse.net

LC&S Yard in Leadville

C&S #641, the last steam locomotive to operate on the C&S and the last broad gauge steam locomotive to operate in common carrier service in the United States

DSP&P Leadville Depot

DSP&P Leadville Depot

After the turn at Nathrop, the truck was turned towards the Collegiate Range and I was given this impressive view

Continuing towards St. Elmo

St. Elmo, Colorado

I wish I'd had more time to explore St. Elmo. Alas, I'll have to return someday... too bad... =)

Parting shot at St. Elmo

After St. Elmo, I continued up towards the ghost towns of Romley, Hancock, and the east portal of Alpine Tunnel

The fall colors were pretty awesome. We don't get this at home.

Pomeroy Gulch Bridge

The "Tiltin' Hilton"

Near Romley, once a large mining district and source of traffic for the South Park

At Hancock I parked the truck, grabbed my backpack, and continued on foot along the old South Park grade to the tunnel. This is a picturesque 3-mile hike that starts at 11,000 feet and tops out at 12,000 on the ridge above the tunnel.

I was expecting this, but actually seeing thousands of railroad ties still in the ground

over a century after the last train departed was absolutely mind-blowing.

Thousands of ties...

This bird buzzed me twice, nearly hitting me. After the second Kamikaze attack, it landed on this branch near my head and watched me.

Looking back and

down on Romley

This is easily the best hike I've been on in my entire life

I think this far exceeds the "High Line" on the Durango & Silverton

Old cut

Telegraph pole still STANDING!!

I hadn't seen a soul since leaving Hancock. At the sight of this imposing pile, I figured I'd better be prepared, just in case. So, I pulled out my .45 and chambered a round. Fortunately, it wasn't needed.

After what seemed like forever, I neared the tunnel. The 3 mile grade is an easy 3 or 4%, but I was still pretty tired. Here the trail splits: straight to the tunnel or

left to the pass.

Looking UP to the pass.

I continued on to the tunnel and here is what I found

The Atlantic Portal of Alpine Tunnel

Looking east at the grade

up to the tunnel

Looking east at the grade

up to the tunnel

Looking UP the Continental Divide Trail from the grade

Looking DOWN the Continental Divide Trail at the grade

Heading into the last bit of timber as I slowly worked my way up to 12,000'

This little guy buzzed me several times before stopping to check me out. I think he

 was in cahoots with that

bird from earlier!

Breaking through timber-line

Looking down on the DSP&P grade again

At this point I was taking 5-6 steps at a time before stopping to suck in air. As I've mentioned before, our house is a mere 90' above sea level. 12,000' was kicking my butt!

Almost there...

The effort was SOOO worth it. I was rewarded with this absolutely spectacular view of the Pacific Portal ruins of the Alpine Tunnel and DSP&P yard.

Turntable Pit

Engine House, Yard, Depot

I sat on this rock for 30 minutes to soak it all in... and catch my breath before the 3 mile hike back to the truck

Heading back down

Going this way is easier

Almost back to the grade on the east side

Hiking east again on the grade

The C&T and D&S have fantastic views... but NOTHING like this!

Last view from the hike as I head back down to the truck

Back at the truck, I stowed my gear and started the long drive back to the highway. Along

the way I stopped at the

Pomeroy Gulch Bridge

Loading dock

Approaching the bridge

View up the gulch

 from the bridge

Looking the other direction

Loading dock, grade, my truck

Near St. Elmo, two South Park box cars survive under a shed

Found a nice lake in the

Chalk Creek Canyon

When I got to Alamosa a few hours later, I checked in at the hotel, and then got a burger next door at Wendy's. While waiting for my burger, I spotted these C&T photos on the wall. On closer inspection, it turned out they were from Carlos Llamas!

This was a great day. One of the best I've had in Narrow Gauge Country. I only wish Michele had been there to share it with me.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8