Tunnel Drive (Canon City, CO)
Length: 3.9 Miles Elevation Gain: 213 ft
Tunnel Drive is absolutely our favorite hike in Colorado and it’s easy to see why! This wide, dirt and gravel trail runs along The Royal Gorge and has a little bit of everything with mountain and river views and tunnels to explore. In the late 1800's this area was the site of a wooden irrigation canal called the Redwood Stave Irrigation Pipeline that supplied water to Canon City. The city ceased use of the canal in 1974 and the trail now passes through the tunnels that once held the pipeline. There is a little bit of an incline at the very beginning of this out and back but once you reach the top, it’s pretty level the rest of the way. If you check their schedule in advance, you can time your hike to catch the Royal Gorge Train for some really cool photos. The conductor will often even sound the whistle to say hello. Come out on a cool, sunny day for some fresh air and the sound of the river and you will not be disappointed!
