Windy Point: A view from Roger's Rock. On a chilly fall morning, we watch a D&RGW freight, as it tip-toes along the cliff just below Windy Point and prepares to enter the station at Cumbres Pass, elevation 10,015 MSL. Our camera position today is rocky outcropping, known as "Roger's Rock", a couple of hundred feet above and about a quarter mile to the south of Cumbres Station. Named for local railroad and wildlife Photographer, Roger Hogan, this location is healthy 10-15 minute hike from Highway 17, which can be seen just below the train in this photo. I say it's a healthy hike because you'd better be healthy to make it up here. At over 10,000 feet of elevation, the 200-300 ft. climb will kick your butt, even if you are in good shape. If you don't have a heart attack getting here, this location offers commanding views of the Cumbres & Toltec Trains as they emerge from the woods at Coxo and cross Highway 17. Although you will lose sight of the train for a couple of minutes, you'll then have an relatively unobstructed view as the train rounds Windy Point and traverses the cliffs below, finally losing sight of it, just as it enters the station area. If you plan to visit the C&TS, make it a point to visit Roger's Rock. The sights and sounds up here are well worth risking a coronary!
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are all that remains of the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. Here you'll find some of my favorites from these two beautiful railways.
