There’s a short, steep, mildly difficult incline to get to
the trace. After that initial challenge it’s an easy and
level walk to the cache area. You’ll be amazed at the beauty
and history so close to town that goes unnoticed by the vast
majority of people. Sometimes the best-kept secrets are right under
our noses!
First, park your car at this grassy area between the divided
highway north of Manitou Springs: N38.52.608 W104.56.285. THIS
REALLY IS THE BEST SPOT TO PARK ALTHOUGH IT'S A BIT TRICKY GETTING
ACROSS THE HIGHWAY.
(If you are coming up from Manitou or Colorado Springs
you’ll need to drive past the parking area coordinates to the
turn-around at N38.52.914 W104.57.029 then make a u-turn back down
the pass).
Cross the highway on foot (careful! I am a paramedic and I don't
want to meet you at this point) and walk to the trailhead a short
distance away: N38.52.587 W104.56.257.
Set your GPS unit to the top of the incline N38.52.562
W104.56.241 and look up in that direction. You’ll see the
outline of the old railroad line. This is the path you are aiming
for. This incline is the hardest part of the journey. Carefully
scale up the canyon wall to the trace and the rest is smooth and
easy!
You will have trouble finding the exact coordinates because they
are inside one of the tunnels where there is no GPS reception.
Be sure to visit "Treasure of the Abandoned Railroad Tunnels"
(GCGEYH) as well, only .52 miles away!
