Though the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel was still closed thanks to a recent rockslide on the Palisades, it was great to be back where the Ghost Town Run started. After meeting up with our pal Ross and his wife in St. Elmo, we headed up towards the Mary Murphy Mine. A detour would first bring us up to the Pomeroy Lakes, high above the old mine. After some time checking out the Tramway building and bunkhouse of the Mary Murphy mine, we continued onto the old townsite of Hancock then up Hancock Pass itself. The drive up Hancock Pass seemed extra busy this year, but everyone made it through. Back at camp, the company was good, the fire going and the beer plenty. Doesn’t get much better:).

Up early to go meet the rest of the group in St. Elmo. Instead of going over Hancock Pass twice, we went over Monarch Pass. We were able to enjoy a nice sunrise while leaving camp.

Back in St. Elmo, our pal Ross was the only one waiting for us. So we aired down and hit the dirt.

After leaving St. Elmo, we headed up to the Mary Murphy Mine. As we were climbing up to the mine, my pal Travis noted that we’ve never continued on to the Pomeroy Lakes, just a short drive past town. We all decided it a good idea and continued on past the Mary Murphy Mine to the lakes. Turned out to be a most enjoyable drive.

Some fantastic views as we climbed above treeline.

Group shot.

Pomeroy Lakes. A pretty awesome spot.

My pal Travis (@honeybadger) taking in the views.

Definitely a spot you can spend a few days at.

Back at the Mary Murphy Mine.

What’s left of the old tramway house for the Mary Murphy Mine.

Looking down at the bunkhouse for the Mary Murphy Mine. One of the more successful mines around St. Elmo, it operated full time from 1870 to 1925. Extracting more than 220,000 ounces of gold- roughly $4.4 million worth at the time. The mine employed some 400 workers. The last train through the Alpine Tunnel in 1910 seemed to be the beginning of the end for not only the Mary Murphy Mine but St. Elmo and surrounding communities.

Checking out the old tramway house.

The old bunkhouse has seen better days.

Passing by one of the tramway towers as we head back towards the main road to the old town of Hancock.

A quick stop to check out what’s left of Hancock.

Not much left of Hancock!

Finally making our way up Hancock Pass after coming onto some trail traffic outside of Hancock. We first stopped to take lunch and let the group in front of us make some ground, only to come upon them 5 minutes after lunch. This was at the beginning of the climb up Hancock from St. Elmo. After a while the group ahead of us finally made some room so we could get by. Didn’t get any pics of the traffic jam for respect of others. After reaching the top of Hancock, it was easy going back to camp.

Nearing the top.

Always good views from the top of Hancock Pass.

Obligatory group shot at the top of Hancock Pass. Elevation: 12.208ft.

Dropping down Hancock Pass in route to Pitkin and ultimately camp.

Always have to make a stop at the Sherrod Loop.

The engineering feats that were accomplished along the old line of the Denver South Park and Pacific never stop to amaze me. Here, the Sherrod Loop was created to help keep the narrow gauge tracks on the southern, sunnier section of the mountain.

Looking up at the damaged section of the Palisades as we head down to camp.