Directions: 

From I-70, exit at Silver Plume and head south towards the train station.  At the first junction a trail sign points to the right (west) and to a dirt road paralleling the highway.  Follow this road to the end, stop at the no trespassing signs.  Park here, the trailhead is just around the corner.  

Hike Description:

The Argentine Central Railroad Grade running above Silver Plume and Georgetown has long be abandoned and turned into a recreation trail.  The trail leads 2.85 miles to Pavilion Point an overlook and outdoor fireplace with a view overlooking Georgetown and Silver Plume. Recently Clear Creek County has built additional trails in the area, including the Pulaski Trail which is steeper but shorter than the railroad grade. The Pulaski Trail provides a nice shortcut back down the mountainside.

The trail climbs along the hillside at a gentle grade (hence, why it was ideal for a railroad...) and has various spots overlooking the historic town of Silver Plume and the surrounding mountains.  The trail runs through dense pine forest and plentiful aspen groves making it a wonderful hike for fall colors.  In the winter, this trail is almost entirely in the shade, making it cold and icy.

Regardless of the season, the trail has a lot to offer.  As an added bonus, the Georgetown-Silver Plume Loop Railroad runs below the trail and you'll hear the chugging and puffing as you hike.  There are not many views of the train tracks until the 1 mile point and at 1.3 miles there is an opening in the trees with a view down to the Georgetown station for the historic railroad.  This is a great place to watch the train, a real treat for train lovers, like my kids...