Tunnel Drive
An iconic, narrow mountain road in Cañon City, Colorado, offering thrilling drives and breathtaking panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Tunnel Drive
Best Time
Best visibility for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic, narrow mountain road in Cañon City, Colorado, offering thrilling drives and breathtaking panoramic views.
"One of the wildest roads in America, offering incredible one-way driving and gorgeous red rock scenery."
Go Slow & Steady
Take your time on this narrow road; it's about the journey and the views, not speed. :camerawithflash:
Check Vehicle Size
This road is best for smaller to medium-sized vehicles. Larger RVs or trailers may struggle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Thrilling Drive Itself
The entire length of Tunnel Drive
Experience the adrenaline rush of navigating this iconic, narrow mountain road with sheer drop-offs and incredible vistas.
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Various pull-offs along Tunnel Drive
Soak in unrestricted, sweeping views of the Royal Gorge region and the town of Cañon City below.
The Iconic Tunnel Entrance
The main tunnel on Tunnel Drive
A unique photo opportunity as you enter or exit the carved-out tunnel, a signature feature of this drive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Narrow Road
Timing is Key for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Slow & Steady
Take your time on this narrow road; it's about the journey and the views, not speed. :camerawithflash:
Check Vehicle Size
This road is best for smaller to medium-sized vehicles. Larger RVs or trailers may struggle.
One-Way Traffic Only
Enjoy the peace of mind knowing it's a one-way route, reducing the chance of head-on encounters.
Capture the Vistas
Pull over at designated spots to safely enjoy and photograph the stunning mountain scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Slow & Steady
Take your time on this narrow road; it's about the journey and the views, not speed. :camerawithflash:
Check Vehicle Size
This road is best for smaller to medium-sized vehicles. Larger RVs or trailers may struggle.
One-Way Traffic Only
Enjoy the peace of mind knowing it's a one-way route, reducing the chance of head-on encounters.
Capture the Vistas
Pull over at designated spots to safely enjoy and photograph the stunning mountain scenery.
Embrace the Adventure
It's a unique and thrilling drive that offers a different perspective on Colorado's beauty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exhilarating and unique experience of driving Tunnel Drive, praising its stunning panoramic views and the thrill of navigating the narrow, cliff-hugging road. While some find it a bit nerve-wracking, most agree it's an unforgettable adventure. The lack of crowds during off-peak times enhances the experience.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tunnel Drive is located just outside of Cañon City, Colorado. Access is typically via Skyline Drive, which leads you onto the narrow road. It's a well-known local route, so following GPS or local signage for Skyline Drive should guide you there. +1
Tunnel Drive is a very narrow, one-way road with significant drop-offs. It's best suited for smaller cars and SUVs. Larger vehicles like RVs, trailers, or very wide trucks may find it difficult or impossible to navigate safely.
Absolutely! Tunnel Drive is renowned for its spectacular scenic views. You'll get panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, red rock formations, and the town of Cañon City.
The best way to experience Tunnel Drive is to drive it slowly, taking in the breathtaking scenery. There are a few pull-offs where you can safely stop to admire the views and take photos.
Yes, the area around Cañon City offers other scenic routes. Phantom Canyon Road is a nearby option known for its beauty and adventurous terrain, though it can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tunnel Drive is a public road and does not require an entrance ticket or fee to drive. It's a free scenic route for visitors to enjoy.
As a public road, Tunnel Drive is generally accessible 24/7. However, it's highly recommended to drive it during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
Tunnel Drive is typically open year-round. However, during winter months, check local conditions as snow or ice could make the narrow road hazardous.
While it's primarily a driving route, some visitors may choose to walk short sections. However, be extremely cautious of any vehicles on the narrow road. It's not a designated hiking trail.
The main restriction is vehicle size due to the narrowness of the road. It's a one-way street, so traffic flows in a single direction. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are at the designated pull-offs along the drive, offering panoramic views. The entrance and exit of the tunnel itself also make for iconic shots.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hour hues enhancing the landscape.
Drone regulations vary by location and park. Always check current FAA and local regulations before flying a drone in this area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the distance. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The narrowness of the road and the sheer drop-offs require careful planning for any roadside photography. Always prioritize safety and pull over completely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks as there are no facilities along the drive. Ensure children are securely buckled in their car seats. While the drive is short, the experience is intense and visually stimulating. It’s a great way to break up a longer journey and add a dose of adventure to your family's travels.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Road Trippers
+1Consider the type of vehicle you're driving; smaller to medium-sized cars are ideal. The one-way nature of the road ensures a continuous flow, allowing you to focus on the driving and the stunning surroundings. It's a perfect route for those who appreciate unique driving experiences and breathtaking natural scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Drive
Key features of Tunnel Drive include its extreme narrowness and the sheer cliffs that flank it. Drivers must proceed with caution, often inching their way along to navigate the curves and tight spots. The lack of oncoming traffic on this one-way route provides some reassurance, but the proximity to the edge is a constant reminder of the dramatic landscape. It's a drive that truly tests your driving skills while rewarding you with unparalleled views.
While the drive itself is the main attraction, the unrestricted views it provides are equally spectacular. Unlike some scenic overlooks that might be partially obscured, Tunnel Drive offers a continuous panorama of the surrounding mountains, canyons, and the town of Cañon City below. This makes it a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Capturing the Scenery
For the best photographic results, timing is crucial. Visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – bathes the landscape in warm, soft light, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the textures of the mountains. The tunnel itself also presents a unique photographic subject, offering opportunities for creative shots as vehicles enter or exit its dark embrace.
+1When planning your photo session, remember the practicalities of the drive. The road is narrow, so it's essential to pull over completely into designated spots before stopping to take pictures. This ensures your safety and doesn't impede other drivers. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the vastness of the scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the distance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit