Billings Lake

Maysville, Colorado (Chaffee County)

Last Updated: 11/04/2020
4.2 / 5 ( 10 reviews )
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Highlights

Highlight: Billings Lake
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.

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Route Information

Technical Rating

( EASY - MODERATE )

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Waypoints

1. Trailhead (0 mi)
The trailhead is 3.1 miles off of US Hwy. 50 where the pavement ends. OHV parking is available at this point.

Directions to Trailhead

Starting Point: Poncha Springs, CO

From the intersection of highway 50 and highway 285, take highway 50 west for 6.3 miles. At Maysville, turn right onto Chaffee County Road 240. Drive north on Chaffee County 240 for 3.1 miles. Trailhead is where the pavement ends. Follow signs to Billings Lake.

Camping

Dispersed
Improved

Trail Reviews (15)

Questions & Answers (3)

Q: Could you take a trailer camper up to the North Fork Campground? Or is it too rough?
–P (08/21/2020)
–Greg Stokes (08/21/2020)
Q: I noticed in the initial description that it says "impassable". Is there a projected date for it to open back up? Thanks!
–Jonathan Warford (01/04/2019)
–Tracy Barker (01/08/2019)
Q: Should I count on about 3 hours for the out and back on this trail?
–Aaron Ketchell (07/20/2018)
–Greg Stokes (09/28/2018)

Writer Information

Greg Stokes

Mapping Crew - Colorado
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Greg Stokes Is a Colorado native, born and raised in Colorado Springs. He has been off-roading since childhood, his parents say his first trip was a Jeep run over Medano Pass when he was only 14 Months old. Greg has been at the wheel of everything from dirtbikes, ATV's, early Jeep CJ5's that he has restored, Wranglers, and presently explores in a 1997 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser and a 2016 Kawasaki KLR650 motorcycle. Greg is a proud Husband and Father of 3. His passion in the off road world is the vehicle-reliant world of Overlanding. He hopes to one day make it to Canada to Explore the Yukon and Northwest territories.
For individual use only, not to be shared.

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