In early 2019, the City of Cañon City voted to pay for the refurbishment of two historic train trestles on City property. Previously used by the Point Alta Vista Scenic Railway, the trestles were abandoned after the railway shut down in 2012 after 52 years of service.
The newest addition to the Royal Gorge Park Trails is now complete (well more on the way, but you can now reasonably connect to Point Alta Vista for now). The "One Track Mind" trail departs from Made in the Shade and connects to Point Alta Vista. One Track Mind is currently the only access to Point Alta Vista - please be aware that it is a strenuous 8 mile round trip from the CR 3A parking lot to Point Alta Vista and back. Huge thanks to the City of Cañon City, Royal Gorge Ranch and Resort, Terra Firma Trails, Bristlecone Trail Building, and Fremont Adventure Recreation 1% for Trails sponsors for making this trail a reality.
- http://www.joinfar.org/
To get there, take Highway 50 to Co Rd 3A. The trailhead is right next to the sign that reads "You are now entering Canon City's Famous Royal Gorge Park. From the trailhead, you want to take the Made in the Shade (it's a loop, but you want to take the one that veers toward the right/North). After a few cutbacks, you will come to a split for One Track Mind, which you should take. This will take you all the way to Point Alta Vista. As you get near the trestle, you'll notice some spraypainted logos for "AVP". Follow these all the way to the trestle. If you walk a hundred steps and you don't see these spraypainting signs, you're probably going the wrong way. Even though FAR mentioned that it was an 8-mile hike, my stats registered at 10.2 miles. This was with a wrong turn (didn't follow the spray paint), but even without that, I think it would probably be closer to a 9-mile hike.
Once you get to the Point Alta Vista, enjoy the amazing views. There's a trashcan, but it appears that it hasn't been emptied ever, so be sure to pack your trash out. If you're feeling extra generous, bring a plastic bag and pick up some trash on your way to and from the overlook. This trail is lightly used. I didn't see anyone until I was almost back at the parking area. Also, be sure that you have lots of water. There are no points along the trail where you can purify water.
Additional Waypoints
T08ZM8T - Made in the Shade Trailhead
N 38° 28.400 W 105° 18.472
Point Alta Vista
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