Where is the Alpine Tunnel?
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,559 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about the legendary Alpine Tunnel Road (FDR 839) in the heart of Colorado's Gunnison National Forest. Back in the day, the Alpine Tunnel itself was a record-breaker, the highest railroad tunnel *in the world*, perched at a dizzying 11,676 feet! They started digging in , expecting a quick six-month job, but, uh, reality hit hard. It took six years of blood, sweat, and definitely some tears to complete.
Now, about the road *to* the tunnel... it's a narrow, unpaved dirt track that follows the old railway line. This ain't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to even think about tackling it. It's about long, but here's the kicker: it's actually closed to vehicle traffic beyond the first mile thanks to some pesky rockslides and washouts. Basically, you'll be hoofing it the rest of the way.
Speaking of hoofing it, remember this is high-altitude country! Expect heavy snowfall and a seasonal opening, usually from . Oh, and those tunnel portals? Both are sealed shut because of seriously rotted timbers. So, while you can't actually *go* into the tunnel, the surrounding scenery and the sheer history of the place make it a worthwhile pilgrimage for any history buff or outdoor enthusiast.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,559 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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