Colorado Narrow Gauges

[Puckdropper]

I've ridden on the Cripple Creek and Victor. Forget the gambling in Cripple Creek, ride the train instead! It's a very neat railroad, and you can't beat the price for STEAM.

[pnevell]

Anyone interested in chasing old roadbed in Colorado should attempt to locate a book published in 1976 called "Tracking Ghost Railroads in Colorado" by Robert Ormes. Publisher was Century One Press in Colorado Springs CO. This has maps showing current-day roads with the location of the original roadbed for practically every railroad that existed in Colorado.
While following this guide, one can drive a major highway or backroad and see the cuts or old trestles, foundations for old structures and the like. Todays roads are built on the original right-of-way. It's the most enjoyable way to explore and experience the past and it won't break the bank.

[kstrong]

The Cumbres & Toltec is very chasable from out of Chama up to right before it enters the Toltec Gorge. (The name of the exact location where the road splits from the train escapes me right now.) I've gone through my share of film and memory cards down there. The yards at Chama are open to visitors, and there's a lot to see down there. I've never chased the train at the Antonito end, but from the train, I can see roads and jeep trails which would seem to make this a possibility. The scenery isn't quite as spectacular, so you almost never see photos taken on that end of the line.

The Durango & Silverton isn't quite as chasable, but there are still plenty of locations to do so; you just have to crop out the condos next to the tracks. Evidently they've completely redone Silverton to turn it into more of a museum up there, so that, coupled with the museum now in the Durango yards would make it a worthwhile trip, even if you're not riding the train. (I haven't been there since before they opened the Durango museum, so these comments are based on what I've heard from others.)

The Georgetown Loop RR is a great ride, and they will most likely have C&S #9 returned to service for the start f operations this year! It's a bit harder to "chase," but there's a bike path that winds down from Silver Plume to Georgetown which crosses the tracks at various locations. If you've got the entire day to wander through the woods, you can get some phenomenal shots.

Other gems: Cripple Creek & Victor - runs out of Cripple Creek. This is a 2' gauge line built on the old Colorado Midland (?) right of way. They have some neat 2' gauge (mostly european) locos, which are worth seeing. You have to look past the garish colors on some of them... The ride itself is cool, and the engineer gives you a tour of the silver mining industry that still exists up there.

Royal Gorge - It's not narrow gauge, but it's a neat, neat ride. About the only thing cooler than riding the train through that gorge would be riding a raft down the river. It's diesel, but the scenery through the gorge is fantastic. Not much in the way of chasing opportunities, and don't bother walking across the bridge. It's not worth the $20/person it costs.

There is, however, a neat little 12" or 15" gauge train that runs out to the rim of the gorge and back, which is worth the price. The line was built back in the 50s, I think, and it's the ultimate location for a garden railroad.

Pikes Peak - again, not narrow gauge, and not very chasable, but the view from the top (Hint: catch an early train so its not clouded in) is spectacular. DRESS WARM!!! It may be 70° at the bottom, but it's hot chocolateville at the top.

There's a diesel tourist operation that runs out of Leadville, which I hear is worth it. I think that's the only train in Colorado that I haven't ridden yet. (This summer, perhaps?)

Later,

K

[grandpopswalt]

Tom,

Yes, my wife and I visited/rode the Durango-Silverton, Cumbres&Toltec, Georgtown Loop, Cripple Creek as well as several other steam RR's in Washington, Montana and Idaho. That was in September of 2002, our PC/BB days (Post Children/Before Bypass). We visited the Denver Steam museum on that trip and as a bonus we met Kevin Strong.

It was absolutely the best vacation ever. Costly and time consuming, but worth every penny and minute that we invested.

Walt

[ttrigg]

I'll second that motion!

[RhB_HJ]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ttrigg
[..................................................................

Since many of the structures that I have been informed that I will build, will be from photos take on that trip, and Rene asked the question, just had a wild thought and decided I'd ask if you've done the same.

Tom, [;)][:D]

No, I haven't, but I have tons of video, pictures and info on the RhB (Rhaetian Railway)! [;)][;)]

Best of all, come summer I'll be back in Switzerland chasing after trains, riding trains and this time I make sure to get the grand tour of every maintenance shop on that railway!
I'm also very seriously considering joining "Club 1889". They restore equipment to its former, original glory.
Yep, I'll be taking my coveralls along, in my book that's a better investment than joining the LGB Club or some other Club strictly concerned with toy trains.

Of course that's strictly my opinion.[;)][}:)][:)][:D]

[ttrigg]

Yes I know that this is entirely the wrong forum to ask this question, but, Rene's query about New Years Resolutions put me to thinking. Especially since I'm supposed to be scanning in the photos we took several years ago.

Has anyone ever "Rode/Chased" any of the Colorado Narrow Gauges? Silverton? Cumbres & Toltec?

Back in the BC days (before children) The wife and I took a marvelous trip on the Cumbres & Toltec. At the time it was $99 USD per person for the full round trip. They no longer offer that package. The $99 got us on the train in Antinito Colo, lunch midway, dinner, motel room and breakfast in Chama, the train ride back to Antinito the next day. While in Chama we had a "pass" to wander freely throughout the yard, climb into any and all cars (that had a step stool and hand rails in place), walk up to the engine house and inside so long as we stayed behind the "rope line". Then the following day we jumped in the car and chased the train all the way back to Chama. We spent more on film from that vacation than the entire trip cost.

Since many of the structures that I have been informed that I will build, will be from photos take on that trip, and Rene asked the question, just had a wild thought and decided I'd ask if you've done the same.