Billings Lake

4.1/5 (24 reviews)
The Pride of the West Tunnel is not a mine such as others in the area. Rather it was a "Toll Tunnel" That connected the Billings Lake Valley and the townsite of Hancock to the north near Buena Vista by boring through Pomeroy Mountain. This tunnel predates rail travel through the area by 2 years. The... Read More
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Highlights of Billings Lake

Altitude Category Icon Altitude
Camping Category Icon Camping
Forest Category Icon Forest
Ghost Town Category Icon Ghost Town
Iconic Category Icon Iconic
Mine Category Icon Mine
Scenic Category Icon Scenic
Highest Elevation
11965 ft
Shape of Trail
Out & Back
Typically Open
07/01 - 11/01
Best Direction
North
Official Trail Name
Chaffee County Rd. 240
Nearest Town
Maysville
Nearest Services
Poncha Springs
Management Agency
US Forest Service
District
Salida Ranger District

Overview

The Pride of the West Tunnel is not a mine such as others in the area. Rather it was a "Toll Tunnel" That connected the Billings Lake Valley and the townsite of Hancock to the north near Buena Vista by boring through Pomeroy Mountain. This tunnel predates rail travel through the area by 2 years. The ornate stonework with the keystone engraved with "Pride of the West Tunnel 1880" were used as the backdrop by photographers taking pictures for prospective investors. A two story hotel stood as the connecting stone structure.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Guide Overview
11 Waypoints
35 Trail Photos
1 Trail Concerns
24 Community Reviews
1 Video
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