Don’t Miss This Eerie Abandoned Mine Hike in Colorado on Pikes Peak

Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic hikes in the country, but did you know there are quite a few walks that feel downright eerie? If you're like me—and trails with a side of history and a few goosebumps sound appealing—don’t miss this hike in Colorado that winds through the remnants of an abandoned mine area unofficially nicknamed Ghost Town Hollow.

You’ll find the Elk Park Trailhead near mile markers 13–14 on Pikes Peak Highway, close to the Elk Park Overlook. It’s not heavily marked, but look for a small gate on the left side of the road with a dirt path and space for parking.

The hike to the Oil Creek Tunnel is a roughly four-mile round trip, forming just one segment of the longer Elk Park Trail (Forest Service Trail #652). The full Elk Park Trail runs about five miles between the Elk Park area and Barr Camp, where it connects with the popular Barr Trail for those seeking a much longer adventure.

While the Elk Park Trail may look like any other scenic mountain route, with sweeping views and a lofty elevation of about 11,800 feet, what sets this section apart is the scattering of abandoned oddities—including rusted mine machinery and crumbling log cabins—that offer a memorable glimpse into Colorado’s mining past in a quiet, remote setting.

Mining on Pikes Peak never really paid off as hoped. When the dream faded, miners packed up and left, leaving behind equipment and cabins—echoes of a time when fortunes were won and lost in the mountains. Many of these relics can still be seen along the trail today.

The most striking feature here is the Oil Creek Tunnel, also called the Cincinnati Mine. Reports vary, but many accounts say its construction was marred by accidents, with fatalities occurring during its operation. For public safety, the tunnel’s entrance is now sealed with a heavy metal gate, so entry is not possible. Even from outside, the sound of dripping water and wind echoing from the locked tunnel adds to the eerie atmosphere.

The tunnel marks the turnaround point for this hike, and on the way back, hikers get another look at the derelict equipment and the stark beauty of the quiet high country.

The Elk Park Trail is accessible year-round, but late spring through early fall is the best time to hike due to snow and weather at high elevations. Visitors should note that both a paid daily admission ticket (the Pikes Peak toll fee) and a per-vehicle timed-entry permit are required if driving past Mile 7 during busy months. For the latest details, including current rates, check the official website of City of Colorado Springs before planning a trip.

Keep in mind that cell service is unreliable in Colorado’s backcountry. Downloading an offline map with AllTrails (or carrying a paper trail guide as backup) is highly recommended.

Want to experience even more of Pikes Peak? Consider a guided tour that also covers nearby highlights like Garden of the Gods for a broader perspective on the region’s natural wonders and history. And if you’re ready to start mapping out your trip, add this hike in Colorado to your adventure list with our itinerary planner to create a getaway tailored to you.