Rounding the curve at Big Horn. Charging eastward under a threatening sky, D&RG Locomotive #168 rounds the big curve below Big Horn Peak, near Milepost 299.6, with her passenger extra in tow. Although there is no water or fuel available here, and the Big Horn Section Crew was historically quartered about 4 miles to the east, there is a nearly 1,200 ft. siding here, which will hold 28 cars, and there is also a wye. Historically, Big Horn was a location where trains could pass each other, and it was a site where snow-fighting equipment and helper locomotives often turned. Today, in the tourist era, it's also a great place to turn a photo charter operating out of Antonito, avoiding a much longer run to Osier, and allowing a lot of opportunities for photography in the desert portion of the line.
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.
