Steamscape: Big Horn Peak. DRGW 315 rounds the curve just below Big Horn Peak on a cloudy, fall afternoon, trailing her RGS Freight re-creation, which is bound for Antonito, CO. With a summit at 9,942 MSL, Big Horn Peak is visible for many miles around these parts, and is a great afternoon spot to photograph an eastbound train. This location is in New Mexico, but is a scant quarter mile from the Colorado Border to the north. Just east of here is a nearly 1,200 ft. siding that will hold perhaps 28 cars, as well as a wye, which can be used for turning. Back in the D&RGW days, the Big Horn Wye was often a turning point for helper locomotives as well as snow-fighting equipment. Today, it is only occasionally used as a turning point, for special trips, such as photographic charters.
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.
