A hidden tunnel. A journey through time. A mystery that refuses to stay in the past.
Something mysterious is waiting for Lillia Pameroy in the mountains of Colorado, where an abandoned train tunnel may hide the secret to traveling through time.
What begins with car trouble on a dark, twisting mountain road quickly turns into a strange and dangerous adventure for Lillia, her brother Charlie, and Grauntie Nora. Rescued by an unsettling tow truck driver, they are taken to a nearby town where a spirit guide warns Lillia that someone needs her help.
Soon, Lillia is following clues that lead from an old trunk hidden in an attic to a ghost town perched high in the mountains. And when a rusting train engine on a lonely side track seems connected to the past, she realizes the mystery is far greater than she imagined.
But can she uncover the truth in time to save the young boy she met on her journeys through time?
Scroll down to explore photographs that inspired scenes in Hidden Tunnel . The mountains of southwest Colorado hold so much history and mystery, perfect for Lillia Pameroy!
The Colorado mountains come alive each fall with the golden shimmer of aspen trees and it takes my breath away each time I see it. Their leaves flutter and dance in even the gentlest breeze, catching the light like tiny flickers of gold. Standing among them, it is easy to feel as though the mountains themselves are alive… whispering secrets carried on the wind.
This winding mountain road, called the Million Dollar Highway, inspired the opening scene in Hidden Tunnel. Sharp curves, steep drop-offs, and shadowed turns make it easy to imagine how unsettling it would be to travel here after dark. It is on a road like this that Grauntie Nora’s car, Bessie, breaks down, setting the mystery into motion.
Courtesy of Lars Leber Photography)
The Pameroys met old conductor Jake on their first ride aboard this train. Traveling between Durango and Silverton, the train winds its way through breathtaking mountain scenery. With every turn of the track, it feels like a journey not just through the mountains… but into the past itself. I hope you get to ride it one day!
When the Pameroys arrive in Durango, they make sure to visit this fascinating railroad museum, as should you if you visit. Surrounded by powerful engines and historic railcars, it is a place where the story of the railroad comes alive, offering a glimpse into the very world that shapes the mystery Lillia is about to face.
Lillia and Charlie take this tour deep into Galena Mountain with their friends Chris and Katie. Descending into the cool darkness of the mine, they follow the same paths once traveled by miners long ago. It is an experience that brings history close… and stirs the imagination of what might still be hidden below.
This historic image inspired the moment Lillia and Charlie witness from the past on their time travel adventure. The town gathers for Labor Day celebrations, filled with laughter, excitement, and friendly competition. Among them is Martin, preparing to take part, unaware that this day will one day echo far beyond its time.
This photograph reflects the kind of home Martin hoped to have for his son. Simple and sturdy, it represents more than shelter, it is a dream of safety, stability, and a future built in the rugged Colorado mountains.
This historic railcar was often used to transport workers to and from the mines. In Hidden Tunnel, it takes on a far more urgent role, carrying an injured worker back to Silverton. It becomes a symbol of both danger and hope, moving swiftly through the mountain landscape.
Photographs like this inspired the ghost town Lillia travels to in Hidden Tunnel. High in the mountains, these weathered buildings stand as quiet reminders of lives once lived. With each passing season, time and the elements slowly reclaim them… leaving behind stories that refuse to be forgotten.
The Setting for Hidden Tunnel…
The San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado provide the dramatic setting for Hidden Tunnel. Towering peaks, winding roads, historic mining towns, and the echoes of the railroad all help bring this adventure to life.
Between Durango and Silverton, visitors can still ride the famous narrow-gauge railroad through breathtaking scenery. If you ever visit the area, be sure to stop at the D&SNG Railroad Museum in Durango. Before boarding the train, you might even want to enjoy an ice cream at Cream Bean Berry, just like the Pameroys did. From there, you can explore historic downtown Durango, tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine, and experience the natural beauty of the region through hiking, river rafting, and off-road trails.