Hagerman Tunnel: A Historic Railroad Relic
Explore a piece of Colorado's railroad history at the Hagerman Tunnel, once the world's highest railroad tunnel, near Leadville.
The Hagerman Tunnel, located near Leadville, Colorado, is a historic railroad tunnel completed in 1887. Once the highest railroad tunnel in the world, it offers visitors a glimpse into the ambitious engineering of the Colorado Midland Railroad and stunning views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
A brief summary to Hagerman Tunnel
- 7G28+XM, Leadville North, Colorado, US
Local tips
- Visit in late July or early August to witness the vibrant wildflowers along the trail.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot can fill up quickly.
- Bring plenty of water and be prepared for high-altitude conditions.
Getting There
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Driving
To reach the Hagerman Tunnel trailhead from Leadville, drive approximately 7.5 miles west on 6th Street/County Road 4 towards Turquoise Lake. Continue past Turquoise Lake on County Road 4 until you reach a fork in the road. Take the left fork onto Hagerman Pass Road (Forest Road 105), a dirt road. Follow Hagerman Pass Road for about 4.7 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the right. Parking is free.
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Walking
From the parking area , the trail to Hagerman Tunnel begins on the opposite side of the road. The trail follows the old railroad grade, gradually ascending towards the tunnel. The well-maintained path is easy to follow, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Discover more about Hagerman Tunnel
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sugar Loaf Dam
9.5 km
Explore Sugar Loaf Dam: A stunning historical landmark offering breathtaking views of Turquoise Lake in Leadville, Colorado.
Turquoise Lake
9.6 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Turquoise Lake, a stunning natural attraction in Leadville, Colorado, perfect for outdoor adventures and serene escapes.
Pipeline Leadville
11.7 km
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Pipeline Leadville, a stunning historical landmark surrounded by the majestic beauty of Colorado's mountains.
Arkansas River Headwaters
12.1 km
Discover the breathtaking Arkansas River Headwaters in Leadville, Colorado, where history meets stunning natural beauty in the heart of the Rockies.
Rodeway Inn
15.2 km
Discover the charm of Leadville, Colorado, at Rodeway Inn, your budget-friendly hotel surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes and rich mining history.
Southern Rocky Mountains
15.3 km
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty and adventure of the Southern Rocky Mountains, a breathtaking destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Mineral Belt Trail
15.5 km
Discover the breathtaking Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville, Colorado—a perfect blend of stunning scenery and rich mining history, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Evergreen Cemetery
15.5 km
Explore Evergreen Cemetery in Leadville, CO, a serene historical site offering stunning views and rich stories of the past.
The Mountain Hideaway Lodge
16.2 km
Experience the stunning Rocky Mountains at The Mountain Hideaway Lodge, a cozy retreat in Leadville, Colorado, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Governor's Mansion Vacation Rentals
16.3 km
Experience the perfect blend of history and comfort at Governor's Mansion Vacation Rentals in Leadville, Colorado, your gateway to outdoor adventure.
Route of the Silver Kings
16.3 km
Discover Colorado's fascinating silver mining history along the Route of the Silver Kings, where stunning landscapes meet rich cultural heritage.
Leadville Visitors Center
16.4 km
Explore the heart of Colorado at the Leadville Visitors Center, your essential resource for adventure and history in the Rocky Mountains.
The Silver Llama Market & Eatery
16.4 km
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Treeline Kitchen
16.4 km
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The Majestic
16.4 km
Experience the charm of Leadville at The Majestic, a cozy hotel offering warm hospitality and breathtaking mountain views in the heart of Colorado.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hagerman Pass
1.4 km
Drive through history on Hagerman Pass, a scenic 4WD route over the Continental Divide with stunning views and a glimpse into Colorado's mining past.
Mount Massive Wilderness Area
6.9 km
Explore Colorado's stunning alpine wilderness: Hike among towering peaks, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife in the majestic Mount Massive Wilderness.
Mount Elbert
15.3 km
Conquer Colorado's highest peak! Hike Mount Elbert for breathtaking views and a rewarding high-altitude adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
Dutch Henry Tubing Hill
15.5 km
Experience winter thrills at Dutch Henry Tubing Hill in Leadville, CO – free sledding, tube rentals, and stunning mountain views!
National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum
16.3 km
Explore the captivating world of mining history at Leadville's National Mining Hall of Fame, the 'Smithsonian of the Rockies'.
Ice Palace Park
16.3 km
Visit Ice Palace Park in Leadville, CO: a peaceful park commemorating the site of the historic, short-lived Leadville Ice Palace from 1896.
Temple Israel Museum
16.3 km
Explore the Jewish heritage of the Wild West in a beautifully restored 1884 frontier synagogue and museum in historic Leadville, Colorado.
Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin
16.4 km
Explore Victorian life in a booming silver town at Leadville's Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin. History, gardens, and stunning mountain views await.
The Leadville Heritage Museum
16.4 km
Discover Leadville's vibrant past at the Heritage Museum: Mining history, Ice Palace replica, and 10th Mountain Division exhibits await!
House With the Eye Museum
16.4 km
Explore Leadville's history through the all-seeing eye. A unique museum experience filled with artifacts and stories from the past.
Tabor Home Museum
16.6 km
Explore the preserved home of Silver King Horace Tabor in Leadville, Colorado, and discover the captivating stories of wealth, love, and loss.
Tabor Opera House
16.6 km
Experience the grandeur of the Wild West at Leadville's Tabor Opera House, a beautifully preserved landmark hosting tours and performances.
Independence Pass
17.4 km
Experience breathtaking alpine scenery and historic sites on this seasonal scenic byway connecting Aspen and Twin Lakes, Colorado.
Matchless Mine
18.3 km
Explore a legendary silver mine and the poignant story of Baby Doe Tabor in Leadville, Colorado's historic mining district.
Tennessee Pass
19.2 km
Explore a scenic Colorado mountain pass with a rich history in mining, railroading, and World War II training, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.
Essential places to dine
Mt. Massive Golf Course
11.0 km
Discover unparalleled golfing at Mt. Massive Golf Course in Leadville, Colorado - where breathtaking mountain views meet recreational fun.
Shell
12.0 km
Experience convenience at Shell in Leadville: fuel up while enjoying friendly service and local snacks amidst Colorado's stunning scenery.
La Mina Tacos & Mariscos
16.3 km
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at La Mina Tacos & Mariscos in Leadville - where every bite transports you to Mexico.
Taco Bell
16.3 km
Experience delicious Mexican-inspired fast food at Taco Bell in Leadville – where quick bites meet vibrant flavors amidst Colorado's stunning scenery.
Wicked Good Pizza: Leadville, CO
16.4 km
Experience the best pizza in Leadville at Wicked Good Pizza - where quality ingredients meet mountain charm.
Isabella’s Kitchen
16.4 km
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Sabor oaxaqueño
16.4 km
Discover authentic Oaxacan cuisine at Sabor Oaxaqueño in Leadville—where fast food meets rich cultural flavors.
MTN Nutrition
16.4 km
Experience wholesome dining at MTN Nutrition in Leadville, CO - where health meets flavor amidst stunning mountain views.
El Mexicano Food Truck
16.4 km
Experience authentic Mexican flavors at El Mexicano Food Truck in Leadville—where every taco tells a story.
Subway
16.6 km
Experience fresh flavors at Subway in Leadville – your go-to spot for delicious sandwiches and quick meals amidst Colorado's stunning landscapes.
Wild Bill's Restaurant
16.6 km
Discover delicious hamburgers and American fast food at Wild Bill's Restaurant in scenic Leadville - where great taste meets local charm.
Tennessee Pass Cookhouse
18.9 km
Experience exquisite mountain dining at Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, where local flavors meet stunning alpine views.
Ridgeview Cafe
20.3 km
Experience the warmth and charm of Ridgeview Cafe in Leadville, Colorado - where delicious home-cooked meals meet breathtaking mountain views.
Jour De Fête
29.6 km
Discover authentic French cuisine in Aspen at Jour De Fête - a delightful bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and freshly baked pastries.
Kenichi Aspen, est 1991
29.6 km
Experience the fusion of traditional Japanese flavors and modern steakhouse elegance at Kenichi Aspen.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Green Door Collectibles
15.9 km
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Tenderfoot Farm
15.9 km
Discover the charm of Tenderfoot Farm in Leadville, Colorado, where local artistry meets sustainability in a delightful shopping experience.
Big R Stores - Leadville
16.2 km
Explore unique fashion and outdoor gear at Big R Stores in Leadville, your one-stop shop for stylish clothing in the heart of Colorado.
McFee Silversmiths
16.2 km
Explore McFee Silversmiths: A Unique Destination for Handcrafted Silver Jewelry in Leadville, Colorado, Showcasing Local Artistry and Heritage.
Grateful Paws
16.3 km
Discover Grateful Paws in Leadville, Colorado – your go-to destination for premium pet supplies, grooming, and a community of pet lovers.
Leadville Lifestyle
16.4 km
Discover the unique artisan offerings and rich heritage of Leadville at Leadville Lifestyle, your gateway to local treasures in Colorado.
Fire On the Mountain
16.4 km
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Delaware Mercantile
16.4 km
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Alpine Gift Shoppe
16.4 km
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Community Threads
16.4 km
Discover unique treasures at Community Threads, Leadville's charming consignment shop offering vintage clothing and eclectic finds.
Matchless Treasures Thrift Shop
16.4 km
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Aspen Traders
16.5 km
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Two Dog Market
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D'Love Gourmet Coffee 'n' Ice Cream
16.5 km
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Firehouse General Store
16.5 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Manhattan Bar
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Scarlet Tavern
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39 Degrees Lounge
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Ponyboy Aspen
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Silver City Aspen
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The Wine Bar
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Escobar Aspen
29.8 km
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Caribou Club
29.8 km
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J-Bar
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Belly Up Aspen
29.8 km
Experience the nightlife at Belly Up Aspen, where world-class live music meets a vibrant atmosphere and delicious pub fare in the heart of Colorado.
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar
29.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Aspen at Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar, where handcrafted cocktails and a cozy atmosphere await.
The Sterling Aspen
29.9 km
Discover nightlife at The Sterling Aspen, where exquisite cocktails and vibrant events create unforgettable evenings in the heart of Colorado.
Shadow Mountain Lounge
30.0 km
Discover the upscale ambiance and exquisite drinks at Shadow Mountain Lounge, a must-visit bar in the heart of Aspen, Colorado.
Mountain Social Bar & Lounge
30.0 km
Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and culinary delights at Mountain Social Bar & Lounge in Aspen, Colorado's alpine paradise.
Hefner Lounge
30.5 km
Indulge in a sophisticated atmosphere at Hefner Lounge, Aspen's premier destination for cocktails and socializing amidst stunning mountain views.