The Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad
The first railroad to make it to the area, the Denver, South Park & Pacific line entered our valley over Trout Creek Pass, at Schwanders near today's US-285 bridge. It made its grand entrance into Buena Vista on March 3rd, 1880, setting up a depot right where the Avery Parsons Elementary School stands now.
From there, the tracks ran south to Nathrop, then up Chalk Creek towards the mountains, breathing life into mining towns like St. Elmo and Hancock. Finally, it punched through the Rockies' heart with the famous Alpine Tunnel – a true feat of engineering!
Of the three railroads that once made their way to Buena Vista, the DSP&P Depot is now the only one still standing. Though the building has been moved twice, it now serves as a museum chronicling the history of railroading in the area.
The railroad was known variously as:
The Denver, South Park & Pacific
The Denver and South Park
The Denver, Leadville and Gunnison
The South Park Division of the Union Pacific
The South Park Division of the Colorado and Southern
And simply as the South Park.
The Alpine Tunnel may be reached by taking US Hwy 285 to Nathrop, turning west on Colorado 162. Take the paved road for nine miles, then a good gravel road for six and one-half miles to a wye junction before reaching St. Elmo. Turn left on County Road 295, and follow this road for five and one-half miles to the ghost town of Hancock. Park at the junction of two four-wheel drive roads. Hike up the 4WD road marked Williams Pass. After one-quarter mile, take the right-hand trail for three and one-half miles to the east portal of the Alpine Tunnel. To the left and above the tunnel is a trail ascending about 400 feet to Altman Pass. From here, you can descend to the west portal and visit the railroad relics there. You can also drive to the West Portal from Pitkin off US 50.