Today it’s the only railway that operates steam locomotives through the winter, scheduling five-hour trips into San Juan National Forest to stop for hot cocoa and cider in Cascade Canyon.
Originally constructed for hauling valuable ore, this route along the Animas River became a tourist attraction as soon as the first train rolled down the tracks in 1882. or (303) 296-4754.ĭurango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Highlights include views of Boulder’s craggy Flatirons and a trip through the 6 1/4-mile Moffat Tunnel. A Denver tradition for nearly 65 years, this train―the largest passenger train in the United States―delivers up to 750 passengers per trip to the base of the Winter Park ski area. Others will no doubt add to this.Winter Park Ski Train. Ok, that's probably way more info than you wanted to know but there it is. Others can give you more info on this stretch. Not much there today but at one time was a very busy place as it was a crew change point.įrom here the track follows I-70 for the most part on its journey west to Dotsero where it joins up with the Glenwood Springs subdivision. You can turn off the highway and access the Minturn yards. The highway will wind its way down into Minturn and the track will be visible at times. The mine is somewhat visible from the highway to the left if you know where to look. There is an old mine towards the west end of the Belden siding (the mine is also seen in Under Siege 2). Belden canyon is neat because the mainline is on the left side of the Eagle River and the siding is on the right side.
PARKDALE COLORADO RAILROAD MOVIE
The east switch of the Belden siding is somewhat famous as it was seen being thrown in the movie Under Siege 2. The track enters Belden Canyon at this point on your left. The highway will take you into Red Cliffe over a tall bridge. You won't see the track again until Red Cliffe. Just west of Pando the track is actually lower than the Eagle River for a short time. That's where military trains were unloaded for Camp Hale. You'll see a small rail yard here on your left. Highway 24 will cross over the tracks at west Pando. Just beyond the tunnel is the siding of Pando. The track goes through a short tunnel called Deen Tunnel or Pando Tunnel. The track will not be visible but is on your left and much higher than the highway. It gets quite dark in there and it is very easy to trip.Ĭontinuing on Highway 24 will take you past the Mitchell S curve (on the left) and by the former military base of Camp Hale (on the right) in the open clearing. I recommend good boots and as many ultra bright lights as you can carry. The tunnel is about a half mile long but be careful if you decide to walk through it. You can turn off to the right on a dirt road before going over the top and it will take you to the east portal of the tunnel. This will re-join the track south (again track east) of the Tennessee Pass siding and will take you over the top of the Tennessee Pass tunnel. As you follow the highway you'll see a turn off to the left for Highway 24 to Minturn and points west. The highway will take you into Leadville. There is still a railroad building standing there too. The only building I know of in Malta is the gas station near the yards. Just south (track east) of Buena Vista (pronounced Byoona Vista) the track follows highway 24 fairly close all the way to Malta yards. If you go north on Highway 24 out of Salida you'll eventually end up alongside the tracks at times. UP switches the power plant in Canon City. The track is used by the UP and by Rock & Rail from Canon City to Pueblo. The tracks will not return to the highway until Canon City which is the eastern terminal for the CC&RG tourist train. You will probably see hoppers there with RRRR reporting marks. This is the western most limits for the Canon City & Royal Gorge tourist train and the Rock and Rail Railroad. Just before the highway leaves the track you'll see Parkdale siding on the left. East of there the track follows the highway though it is on the opposite side of the river. Track east of Salida is mud tunnel which is fairly short.
There was a roundhouse there amongst other things (those that know what all was there chime in!). Salida was once a big time railroad town. Some of the old yard tracks or yard track crossties are visible on the west end. The trackage and signals from Parkdale to Malta/Leadville are in much better condition than everything west of Malta/Leadville.Īll that is left in Salida is the main and passing siding. Signals (both crossing and train) are turned off. The track is completely intact from Pueblo to Dotsero. It is out of service from West Parkdale to just east of Gypsum but not officially abandoned. You've run across the much talked about Tennessee Pass Subdivision.
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