Stepping over Clear Creek. The Georgetown Loop's former IRCA Consolidation #111 slowly ushers the line's 10:30 AM departure over the Devil's Gate high bridge, just minutes after departing Georgetown for Silver Plume. At just 4.5 miles in length, the Georgetown Loop is easily the shortest of Colorado's 3-foot gauge tourist lines, but it's certainly not lacking in terms of scenery or excitement. The railroad gains 640 feet of elevation over it's short length and has more curves than the Bradley Sisters on Petticoat Junction. And the ride across the high bridge is quite spectacular, although perhaps a little frightening for those with a fear of heights. Fortunately, that bridge doesn't date back to the line's beginnings in the mid-1880s. The original line and bridge were removed in 1939. The bridge you see today, was constructed in 1984, when the line was rebuilt as a tourist railroad, so it is a very modern structure. If you're ever in the Denver area, the Georgetown Loop is less than an hour away and well worth a visit.
