Hancock Road

Hancock Road, also known as Alpine Tunnel East, is a 5.5-mile-long connector road that begins near the historic town of St. Elmo and follows the old Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad grade into the upper reaches of the Chalk Creek Valley. The drive is not technical, following a wide dirt road with embedded rocks, shallow potholes, and washboard sections that are suitable for any high clearance vehicle, although passenger cars can usually make the trip in favorable conditions. The trail surface is bumpy and slow going for most of the route. The primary attraction of this road is the history. You will travel through the ghost town of Romley, which existed as a service town for the Mary Murphy Mine. Romley was also known as the "red town" because all its buildings were painted red with white trim. It was originally called Murphy's Switch because of the presence of its railroad siding.

You will also pass the remains of the once bustling mining town of Hancock, where interpretive signs tell the story of a community established in 1880 that served nearby mines and the construction of the Alpine Tunnel before being abandoned after railroad operations ceased in 1910. It is said that Mark Twain took the ride one time just for the experience.

Additional remnants of railroad infrastructure can be found along the drive, including a historic trestle and collapsed structures, which offer a fascinating glimpse into Colorado's railroad era. The road ends at the eastern portal of the Alpine Tunnel, once the highest railroad tunnel in North America, making this an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxed drive into the heart of the San Isabel National Forest. Dispersed camping is only found at a small, roadside pullout across from the Hancock townsite. Additional dispersed camping can be found along all connecting roads in the area.