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!