Railroad Tunnel 5

This geocache is part of Colorado's South Park GeoTour, which means you can win prizes by finding 20 or more caches. Visit our website for more information and to download your GeoTour Passport!

Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located in a fee area. Please respect all posted signage.
Winter Access: Depends on road conditions.

Railroad Tunnel 5 is one of three tunnels used by the Colorado Midland Railroad to traverse the narrow terrain of Eleven Mile Canyon (formerly known as Granite Canyon). The route from Colorado Springs down Eleven Mile Canyon was popular amongst the affluent for its wildflower excursions that followed the South Platte River. The Colorado Midland was dismantled in 1921 and the railroad bed then served as a highway for many years. The highway was rerouted in the early 1930s when Denver constructed the Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Railroad Tunnel 5, courtesy of the Denver Public Library

Take County Road 96 from Lake George to a pull out past Messenger Gulch Picnic Area and Tunnel 5. This cache is located in a USFS fee area and a day use pass costs $6.