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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.

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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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Hagerman Tunnel

The Hagerman Tunnel stands as a testament to the ambitious engineering feats of the late 19th century. Completed in 1887 by the Colorado Midland Railroad, the 2,161-foot tunnel was once the highest railroad tunnel in the world, reaching an elevation of 11,528 feet. It was built to connect Leadville with Aspen and Glenwood Springs, allowing trains to cross the Continental Divide. Named after James John Hagerman, a prominent officer of the Colorado Midland Railroad, the tunnel played a crucial role in the region's transportation network. However, its high altitude made it susceptible to heavy snow and strong winds, causing operational difficulties for the railroad. In 1893, it was replaced by the Busk-Ivanhoe Tunnel (later renamed Carlton Tunnel), which was situated at a lower altitude. Today, the Hagerman Tunnel is a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts. The trail to the tunnel follows the old railroad grade, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains, alpine lakes, and the remnants of Douglass City, a ghost town that once housed the tunnel's construction workers. Although the tunnel entrance is partially blocked by rockslides and is not safe to enter, visitors can still admire the historic site and imagine the trains that once passed through it.

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