A Visual Journey

Explore the sights and locations along the route of the Heart of the Rockies Trail

Looking down at rail corridor from ghost town of Gilman
Town of Red Cliff with route running from right to left under a bridge
View of Camp Hale National Monument looking South
View of Camp Hale National Monument looking West
View of Camp Hale National Monument looking North
Ghost town of Gilman along sits high above the inactive tracks
Class 5 Rapids on the Eagle River alongside route
Red Cliff Bridge - route passes under en route to town of Red Cliff
Looking South from Minturn with track running on left near beginning of proposed route

A one of a kind 30 mile trip through Colorado history and geography, the route includes:

  • Leadville, the nations highest city, mecca of Colorado mining history and internationally recognized outdoor recreation hub

  • Camp Hale, training ground of the storied 10th Mountain Division and newly designated National Monument

  • Red Cliff, home of the world famous green bridge and Eagle County’s oldest town

  • Arkansas and Eagle River headwater areas with meandering streams transforming into class V rapids at points

  • The ghost town of Gilman and Eagle River and Belden Mine ruins offer a view and historic interpretation opportunities

  • Minturn, authentic small town with historic main street

  • Stunning canyons, cliffs, and vistas of surrounding peaks

Google Earth Tour of Corridor from Minturn to Leadville

 

Where in Colorado??

The Tennessee Pass Subdivision runs roughly near US 24 in between Leadville and Minturn. Just over 100 miles from Denver via I-70 or CO-91, the segment is part of the “Copper Triangle” route and is a scenic byway. Camp Hale National Monument sits roughly halfway in between the two ends.

Outside this steep and windy section,the rail corridor continues out and onwards from each end point, meaning a rail banking arrangement would preserve rail access to the East and West for future passenger or local freight spur use. The entire 35 miles is located within Colorado’s 2nd and 7th Congressional Districts.