The Rio Grande Ski Train had tackled the rising plains, and now begins its assault on the Rockies as it approaches the curve at the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon.

Working up the 2% grade is BNSF's Denver, CO to Provo, UT manifest train led by three BNSF GEs. The train is seen rounding the numerous s-curves in Coal Creek Canyon between Plain and Eisile.

After getting banner tested at the bottom of the grade, UP SD70AH no. 8923 leads this Wash, UT to Midwest City, OK loaded crude oil train down the 2% grade towards Blue Mountain Road in Coal Creek... (more)

Union Pacific 8923 leads this Eastbound loaded Oil train around the horseshoe curve at the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon as it heads into Denver.

BNSF C44-9W no. 5337 leads a UP C40-8 and BNSF ES44C4 on the Provo, UT to Denver, CO manifest. The train is rounding the horseshoe easing down the 2% grade at the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon.

On May 05, 2014, two AC4400CWs lead this Memphis, TN coal empty up the 2% grade in Coal Creek Canyon, CO. The units are about to enter Tunnel #1 as the rest of the train continues to go over Blue ... (more)

Leaving the plains behind, a westbound Union Pacific coal train crosses Blue Mountain Drive west of Eisele, Colorado, and is about to encircle the mouth of Coal Creek Canyon on a relentless 2-perc... (more)

A westbound BNSF trackage rights manifest rounds the curve climbing the hill at the Jefferson County Open Space near Coal Creek Canyon west of Denver.

Three BNSF GE's lead this heavy Provo, UT bound manifest up the 2% grade in Coal Creek Canyon as a cold front brings light rain and fog in 40 degree weather.

A patched SP AC4400CW helps shove this empty coal train up the 2% grade in Coal Creek Canyon at Blue Mountain Road west of Denver. The clouds are darkening and it's about to rain.

Southern Pacific AC4400CW no. 319 helps shove this empty Cora, IL to Energy Mine, CO coal train up the 2% grade towards Tunnel #1 in Coal Creek Canyon west of Denver. Not bad for only being 19 yea... (more)

A CitiRail leased ES44AC no. 1331 leads two BNSF C44-9W's on this Provo, UT to Denver, CO manifest down the 2% grade through Coal Creek Canyon west of Denver.

This empty coal train led by a AC4400CW-CTE and ES44AC climb the 2% grade up to Tunnel #1 in Coal Creek Canyon. The train is headed back to one of the mines in Western Colorado to be loaded once a... (more)

Kirk Orndorff waves at the crew of this westbound Memphis, Tennessee to Arco, Colorado empty coal train. The train is going by the Blue Mountain Road crossing in Coal Creek Canyon.

An empty Union Pacific coal train led by an assortment of GE's round the s-curve while entering Coal Creek Canyon west of Arvada and Denver, Colorado.