Climbing through the Valley of the Los Pinos. D&RG Locomotives #168 and 425 haul their San Juan Passenger Extra across the wooden trestle at Los Pinos Creek (MP 324.52) as they make the long climb through the valley of the same name. The Los Pinos section of the line is one of many lengthy detours that the Cumbres Pass route makes, in order to keep the grades manageable. In the case of the Los Pinos Valley, we have a railroad that is basically running east-west, taking about a 5 mile detour running north up the valley, then back south, with a hair-pin turn at the north end. Fortunately, this valley is about the easiest place on the entire 64-mile line to build track. It also photographs extremely well!
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.
