This post illustrates the Gilpin Gold Tram right of way from the old Central City dump to Castle Rock. This hike goes along the old Gilpin Gold Tram right of way.
This is a great hike near Central City Colorado. For all of my posts on Gilpin Gold Tram hikes go here.
Getting Started
Click here to see a street map of Central City. To get to the City Dump it is easiest to drive up Eureka Street until you get to Barrett Rd. Turn right on Barrett Rd. and drive uphill until you get to the dump entrance. This part of Barrett Rd is where the Gilpin Tram right of way once existed.
Bullet number one is the location where you can park. This is the entrance to the old city dump which is closed off with a fence. There is a place to park but make sure you’re off the road.
This is where I parked. From here you walk back down the road and towards number 2 on the diagram above.
*** Warning *** at the end of the road (see number 2) you will continue on the old Gilpin Gold tram right of way. It has been several years since I’ve been there and I don’t know if this is still open. The last time I was there I didn’t see any no trespassing signs.
Hike Down The Hill
As you pass the number 2 spot you will see mine tailings and some rockwork defining the right of way.
This is a view looking down on Central City.
Another zoomed in view across Central City where you can see mine tailings.
This is the right of way as it bends around the mountain and starts heading down to Castle Rock.
Now we can see Black Hawk in the distance.
Once you get around to the back side of the mountain you are looking into Chase Gulch. This is a zoomed in view of the rock work on the other side of Chase Gulch. The rock work is amazing – hand laid stone with no mortar – looks like it was put up yesterday and not 140 years ago. You can hike this section as well – see this post.
Castle Rock
Standing on the right of way at the edge of a big drop off into Chase Gulch. You can see Castle Rock which is a huge rock formation.
We’ve made it to the creek that runs down Chase Gulch. This is the bridge abutment that led to a short wooden trestle.
You can step across the creek if it isn’t flowing too much. On the other side the right of way splits in two directions, one heads down Chase Gulch and the other goes towards the xxx mine. Now you are on official trails that are part of the Maryland Mountain park maintained by the city of Black Hawk. This is a new development and you can read about it here.
And Finally…
Thanks for visiting my site and traveling along with us on the Gilpin Gold Tram right of way. For more information on modeling the Gilpin check out these posts.
