Tunnel Drive Trail

Tunnel Drive Trail is one of Canon City's most popular easy hikes: an out-and-back trail of about 4 miles round trip (roughly 2 miles each way) that starts at the west end of Tunnel Drive, just inside the city limits, and runs high above the Arkansas River. The trail follows the route of a redwood-stave irrigation pipeline built in the late nineteenth century, which also carried water to Canon City. The pipeline ran through three tunnels cut out of the granite cliff, and the trail now passes through all three. The city stopped using the pipeline in 1974. The grade is gentle, with only about 100 feet of elevation change, so it suits families and first-time hikers. The first stretch from the trailhead is concrete and most of the rest is gravel. Past the city limits the trail continues onto State of Colorado and Bureau of Land Management land. From the trail you look down on the river and on the tracks of the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which runs through the canyon below. Keep an eye on the canyon walls for bighorn sheep. The trail is free. Bring water and sun protection, wear sturdy shoes, and expect shaded sections to be icy in winter.