CanÌƒon City record. [volume] (CanÌƒon City, Colo.) 1883-192?, 1908-01-16

The trip made by Messrs. James
Turnbull, J. +. Mari, w. b. Rowland,
j. w. Talbot, C. E. Reeves, Rev. ]. F..
Thomas, Ben F. Taylor and l.. w. Eel
ter on horseback over the grade OF the
old state ditch into Royal Gorge We'd
nesday morning was a thoroughly sat
isfactory one and convinced them that
it could easily be converted into a
scenic driveway of real attractiveness
and beauty.
They rode up the incline at the
eastern entrance to the tunnel oppo-
site the Hot Springs hotel and pro-
ceeded to the west end of the ditch
grade, distance of about two miles
and a half, where they descended to
the railroad track and galloped up
to the Gorge station, nearly a mile
further on, for the purpose of ascer-
tanning whether it was practicable to
extend the grade from its present ter
minus. This feature of the trip was
without result and they hastened back
to the grade as place of safety, as to
be overtaken in the narrow defile OF
ehe canon on horseback would be an
extremely hazardous and ugly situa-
ton.
From the western terminus OF the
grade to point beyond the hanging
bridge the walls of the gorge are very
precipitous and to carve roadway
into their side would be almost impos-
sible, and absolutely prohibitive SO far
as this community is concerned. In
addition, however, to an extension OF
the grade the gentlemen alluded to
were endeavoring to locate, if possi-
BILE draw" through which bride
path, or burro trail, could be built to
the top of the plateau, which stretches
out like a level plain to the northward
at the rim of the gorge. No very easy
gradient was found at any point, al
though it was decided that such
trail could be made at several points,
but that it's "steepness" would prob
ably be bar to it's popularity to all,
except members of some Alpine club.
The grade already in existence was
found to be in excellent condition, and,
it was agreed, could be converted
without very much trouble, into one
of the most picturesque and beauti-
full driveways in the country. The
English language, according to one OF
the gentlemen who made the trip on
Wednesday, is inadequate to properly
express the magnifcence of the noun
tain scenery along the line of the pro-
posed driveway. It's beauty, he said,
must be seen to be appreciated. The
beholder can not convey any clear idea
of it's grandeur and sublimity to 9TH
ers; he sees for himself, but Is mute
with astonishment and admiration.
The tunnel, at the very portal to
the roadway, is an exceedingly and
picturesque feature of the proposed
undertaking. 1t is in fine condition
and is ample in width for two or
three vehicles to pass and high
enough for a tally-ho coach. There
would be no expense whatever in con-
nection with the tunnel which would
afford shelter in time of sudden
storm and its uniQueness would add
zest to the proposed driveway, the
most superb, and attractive in all the
west. To longer neglect its utinza-
ton for public roadway; would, in
the estimation OF those who so re-
Gently visited it, be q : mistake for
which no very cogent; Or valid excuse,
could be given.
No member of the horseback party
referred to is more enthusiastic over
the scenic possibilities Of the contem-
plated roadway than J. F. Marr, who
with Frank P. Smith represented the
Canon City Civic, Improvement league.
Mr.. Marr says. the road, if built, will
be inexpressably grand and will be
the means Of bringing hundreds of
tourists here every year. In his opin-
ion access B the present grade can
best be had by the creation of a
"switchback" along the cliffs at the
rear of r. G. Arthur's premises,
which would obviate the incline at the
eastern approach to the tunnel. 1t
could be made at comparatively
small outlay, according to Mr.. Marr.
and would be pretty feature of the
driveway.
At the western end of the existing
grade "turnaround" could easily be
made and would become a favorite
picnic ground for Canon City people.
A house for public comfort would,