Train Tunnel Caves - Manitou Springs, CO
Posted by: 
condor1
N 38° 52.532 W 104° 56.077
13S E 505671 N 4302966
This series of Man-Made Cave Entrances sit on the southwest side of Hwy 24 about 1.5 miles northwest of Maintou Springs. There are 6 in all and the hike along the trail is an experience in it self.
Waymark Code: WM9M91
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 09/02/2010
Views: 13
Coordinates put you at the 1st of six artificial caves (tunnels) dug through solid rock in the 1890s for the route of the Colorado Midland Railway. Lots of Hardrock excavation and many, many tons of material were removed to make these two-ended Artificial Caves.
Please be aware that this is the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and there are multitudes of wildlife in this region. Bears and Mountain Lions as well as Bats and many, many birds.
The following Google maps Street View links will show you the views of the Parking and the very obscure Trail head leading up to the Tunnels Trail.
Links take a few seconds to load
The recommended parking is only accessible from the east bound side of Hwy 24. It is a large gravel area suitable for about 20 vehicles. Once parked you proceed south across Hwy 24 to the Trail head which is about an 85 foot scramble up. The trail is flat with just a few washouts. The waymark posted coordinates are for the west entrance of the most westerly man-made cave (tunnel).
Now don't stop your hike here as there are 5 1/2 more tunnels to see. I say 5 1/2 because the last (most southeasterly) is blocked off half way through with a NO Trespassing Sign above the entrance.
Recommended Parking (Very Easy to miss so watch for it)
..>PARKING<..
Coordinates: N 38° 52.608 W 104° 56.285
The Trailhead to the Tunnel(s), southeast accross Hwy 24
..>Trailhead<..
Coordinates: N 38° 52.600 W 104° 56.285
Midland Railway Map