High up in the mountains just west of Colorado Springs, nestled among Pikes Peak’s dramatic hillsides, lies one of the most intriguing and haunted roads in the state: the Gold Camp Road Tunnels. Winding through the heart of Colorado’s old mining country, this scenic yet eerie byway blends breathtaking mountain views with a deep, mysterious past. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor explorer, or a paranormal investigator chasing spine-tingling tales, the Gold Camp Road Tunnels offer more than just a route through the Rockies—they offer a portal into Colorado’s shadowy folklore and railroad history.
Come along as we explore the captivating past and documented hauntings surrounding these iconic tunnels, and discover why the Gold Camp Road Tunnels should be high on your list of haunted destinations to explore.
The History
Origins of Gold Camp Road
Gold Camp Road traces its roots back to the 1800s when Colorado was booming with gold and silver mining activities. During the mid-19th century, fortune hunters flooded into the region, establishing bustling mining towns in the nearby Cripple Creek and Victor areas. To support this gold rush, the city of Colorado Springs needed a more efficient route to transport minerals and supplies to and from the mining districts.
Originally constructed as the Colorado Midland Railway in the 1880s, the route was a vital rail connection between Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek. This railway featured elaborate engineering feats, including massive rock cuts and tunnels through the difficult mountainous terrain. The route’s construction dramatically improved access and shortened travel times between the mining towns and urban centers.
After the decline of the railway era in the early 20th century, the railway was eventually abandoned. Fortunately, rather than letting this route rot into obscurity, segments of the old rail line were converted into what we now know as Gold Camp Road—a scenic byway that allows vehicles, bikers, and hikers to retrace the historic path.
The Gold Camp Road Tunnels
At the heart of this historic route lie the famous Gold Camp Road Tunnels, originally part of the rail line and later repurposed for public road use. These hand-carved tunnels, blasted through solid mountain rock, are engineering marvels of their time. Once numbering nine tunnel segments, today only several remain accessible to the public. Most notable among them are Tunnels #1, #2, and the infamous Tunnel #3—the site of the most chilling tales and paranormal activity.
While historic upgrades and closures over the years have led to the shutdown of certain tunnel passages, the remaining open sections remain highly sought after for their photographic beauty and eerie ambiance, especially as the sun sets behind the mountains.
The Collapse of Tunnel #3
Of all the tunnels, Tunnel #3 carries the darkest legend. In the 1980s, part of Tunnel #3 reportedly collapsed—and while official records claim it was due to deterioration or structural failure, local stories tell a very different tale.
According to popular lore, a school bus carrying several children crashed in Tunnel #3 during a routine field trip, leading to a horrific tragedy. No official documentation has ever substantiated this story, but the persistent rumors have cemented Tunnel #3’s place in Colorado’s haunted landscape. Whether rooted in fact or folklore, the tunnel’s collapse and ominous reputation have captured community imagination for decades.
The Haunt
If you’re the kind of traveler who is more interested in goosebumps than guidebooks, the Gold Camp Road Tunnels will not disappoint. Over the years, a variety of paranormal claims have emerged—particularly surrounding the sealed-off Tunnel #3, which has earned its place as one of Colorado’s most haunted locations.
Ghostly Children’s Voices
The most common paranormal report from visitors involves the ghostly laughter and whispers of children. Those brave enough to approach the gated entrance of Tunnel #3 late at night often claim to hear disembodied giggles echoing through the darkness. Some even report unexplained tapping on their car windows or the eerie sensation of being watched.
Legend has it that if you bring your vehicle to a stop near Tunnel #3 and lightly sprinkle baby powder on the rear bumper, you may find mysterious handprints left behind—suggesting that small, unseen hands have tried to push your car away from danger. It’s a classic ghost-hunting method, and while results may vary, countless paranormal thrill-seekers return with chilling stories.
The Shadow Figures
Several witnesses have reported shadowy human forms hovering near or inside the tunnel entrances. These dark figures appear suddenly—often close enough to alarm but always just out of reach. They vanish as quickly as they appear. Photographs taken by ghost hunters and amateur investigators have revealed blurry humanoid forms or odd light anomalies within the tunnels’ depths.
Whether you believe these are the spirits of past miners, stranded travelers, or victims of the alleged bus crash, the consistent nature of the sightings suggests that the tunnels hold an energy not easily explained away.
Phantom Sounds and Malfunctioning Equipment
Throughout the years, EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) captured from the tunnels have sparked great interest in the paranormal community. Ghost hunters have recorded unexplained voices, metallic clanks reminiscent of the old railway, and shaking noises from within the bricked-up entrance of Tunnel #3.
Additionally, several investigators have reported camera malfunctions, battery drains, and even short bouts of GPS disorientation while near Tunnel #3. Whether it’s the mountainous terrain causing interference—or something more mysterious—depends on who you ask.
A Local Paranormal Hotspot
Due to its chilling stories and accessibility, the Gold Camp Road Tunnels have become a destination for both seasoned paranormal experts and curious beginners. Colorado-based ghost tours occasionally bring groups out to the area, and you’ll often find amateur thrill-seekers visiting during late-night hours—drawn by the magnetic pull of the unknown.
But be warned—even in the daylight, the long shadows of the tunnels hold secrets. Always exercise caution, both in exploring the rough terrain and respecting the location’s eerie legacy.
Conclusion: Dare to Discover the Gold Camp Road Tunnels
The Gold Camp Road Tunnels offer that rare combination of historical intrigue, scenic beauty, and a brush with the paranormal that’s hard to find anywhere else in Colorado. The road itself paints a vivid picture of the state’s gold rush era, while the tunnels—especially #3—keep one foot firmly planted in the supernatural.
For ghost hunters, it’s a prime investigation hotspot. For visitors new to the world of paranormal exploration, it offers an accessible and exciting adventure with just the right level of unsettlement. Whether you’re listening for whispers in the dark, photographing shadowy figures, or just soaking in the legends, Gold Camp Road promises a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
So pack your EMF detectors, your flashlight, and maybe a little courage—because the spirits of Gold Camp Road just might be waiting to introduce themselves.