Drifting into Colorado. With massive building cumulus clouds as a backdrop, D&RG Locomotive #425 drifts downgrade at MP 287.4, as she slowly descends off the lava-capped mesa a little over 6 miles southwest of Antonito, Colorado. Although the train is technically headed "railroad east", it is really running compass north at this location, soaking up the broadside afternoon sun.
The geography on the east side of the present-day Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is largely formed by ancient volcanic activity, and the evidence of it is on the ground everywhere. And although there hasn't been an eruption here in a couple of million years, the nearby 10,000 ft. San Antonito Mountain is still considered an active volcano. It is said that in the winter, the snows frequently melt up on the summit, despite air temperatures well below freezing.
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.
