When it comes to outdoor recreation around Cañon City, it seems there’s always something new. This has been the case over the past decade, as the town has focused on expanding trails to grow its tourism economy. 

Mountain bikers have known about Oil Well Flats, but more recently they along with hikers have been getting to know Royal Gorge Park trails. And visitors have been getting to know a new loop trail at Red Canyon Park ーthe historic city-owned park that is officials’ next focus for greater development. 

But amid all the new, the old should not be forgotten. Take, for example, Tunnel Drive. 

It’s old in the sense of the 1890s, when tunnels were blasted out of the mountainside and the path of an ill-fated irrigation ditch formed. Around the turn of the century, Tunnel Drive became a short, scenic drive. It wasn’t until the 1990s that it was converted into the non-motorized escape it is today.

It is indeed a serene escape overlooking the Arkansas River and craggy promontories of the enveloping canyon frequented by bighorn sheep. Other than them, dog walkers frequent Tunnel Drive. Take it from the local tourism bureau: “At Tunnel Drive, you get a taste of the Royal Gorge without the crowds.”

From the trailhead parking lot about a mile from downtown, the wide path briefly runs uphill before leveling off. Tunnel Drive runs about 2 miles for constant views only broken by three long and dark tunnels. Remnants of the old canal are seen ahead. 

Also seen: runners and mountain bikers connecting with the newer Royal Cascade Trail, which rises 3.6 miles to the base of Fremont Peak and Royal Gorge Park trails. The steep, switchbacking trail is marked near the end of Tunnel Drive if you want to extend the trip and get a workout. 

Trip log: 3.8 miles out and back on Tunnel Drive, 131 feet elevation gain

Getting there: Driving west on U.S. 50 through Cañon City, a sign points  left to Tunnel Drive; Tunnel Drive Road goes about a half-mile to the trailhead.

FYI: Multi-use trail. Dogs on leash. 

SETH BOSTER, THE GAZETTE