Tunnel Drive

Tunnel Drive is a fascinating road on the outskirts of Canon City. It leads to a trail that ascends cliffs via an old railroad grade. Vehicles with handicapped stickers can drive up the first steep section of the trail, but others have to walk it. The rocky areas along the trail are famous for Rufous-crowned Sparrows, which are not numerous here at the northern extreme of their range, but can be found year-round with a little luck. More common birds include Canyon and Rock Wrens and White-throated Swift. Look for bighorn sheep and deer farther down the canyon.

County: Fremont

Attractions: Scenery, a historic mining road

Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Forest, Rimrock/Mesa, Cholla

Directions: To reach Tunnel Drive, follow US-50 through the center of Canon City, and as the road bends to the north by the large prison, take a left onto Tunnel Drive. Follow the road to a small parking area at the base of the cliffs, along the river.

Delorme: 72 A1
Roads of Colorado: 104 B4

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Ownership: Municipal
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Do not stray from the trail; bring water

Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Hotel in Canon City

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Some access to hiking trail

Elevation: 5400

Latitude: 38.43385
Longitude: -105.26443