Rail History Links

heart rio grande
California Zephyr makes a brief stop in Salida
The California Zephyr makes a brief stop in Salida, in the 1960’s

Why should you care about old railroads?

Exit Tours MC uses the majority of these old Railroad Right-of-Ways to traverse the Rocky Mountains.

COLORADO RAIL HISTORY LINKS

Great Colorado Railroad history on this page:

  • Specific info on the Tennessee Pass, Poncha Junction, Maysville, Monarch & Monarch Pass and Marshall Pass sections of the Denver, Rio Grande & Western.
  • The Valley line thru the San Luis Valley to Alamosa. Salida.
  • The Royal Gorge and the Denver to Pueblo Mainline.
  • Some History on the Colorado Midland Railroad, which includes dome interesting facts on Hagerman Pass.
  • A brief history on the Colorado Springs & Cripple Creek District Railroad and short link on the Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad up Phantom Canyon.
  • A Link to the Denver, Southpark & Pacifistic Historical Society and a Wikpedia link on the DSP&P
  • Good article on Salida’s and Chaffee Counties Railroad History.
Colorado 2 Day sticker
Colorado 2 Day sticker
Denver , Rio Grande & Western Map at its heyday
Denver , Rio Grande & Western Map at its heyday

Some of the Old Railroad Passes we ride in the Heart of the Rockies Include:

  • The Alpine Tunnel Loop, which remains the highest Railroad tunnel ever bored thru the Rocky Mountains.
  • Marshall Pass, the first Railroad line over the Continental Divide.
  • Trout Creek Pass, which hosted both the Denver, South Park & Pacific and the Colorado Midland Railroads.
  • Hagerman Pass between Aspen and Leadville
  • The Colorado Midland from Buena Vista
  • The Colorado Midland from Woodland Park
  • The Colorado Midland in 11 Mile Canyon
  • The Cripple Creek & Victor Line which was turned in Goldcamp Road
  • The Florence & Cripple Creek Line that was turned into Phantom Canyon
  • The Monarch Spur
  • The Chili Line in Northern New Mexico
  • The Gun Barrel over Poncha Pass

Hagerman Pass Info

Hancock Pass and the Alpine Tunnel

Marshall Pass Info

Trout Creek Pass

LINKS TO HISTORICAL RAILROAD INFO around the Crossroads of the Rockies from:

DENVER & RIO GRANDE.NET

You will have the opportunity to ride on or over most of these historical Rail Lines.

Salida Archives

1926 Granite Train Wreck on the Tennessee Pass

DENVER & RIO GRANDE.NET LINKS

Mears Junction in the 1920's
Mears Junction on POncha Pass in the 1920’s
Mears Junction in 1919
Mears Junction in 1919
Salida's Art Deco Railroad Station
Salida’s Art Deco Railroad Station from the 40’s to the 70’s

Heart on the Sign signifies your in the Heart of the Rockies

California Zephyr makes a brief stop in Salida,
California Zephyr made a brief stop in Salida, in the 1960’s
The Midland Railroad
The Midland Railroad

Railroad cut in Phantom Canyon
Railroad cut in Phantom Canyon

DSP&P engine Fairplay, CO
DSP&P Narrow Gauge engine in Fairplay, CO

 

Rail History Chaffee County

Adventuire Team
ADVENTURE TEAM

Heart of the Rockies

Great Divide Rides

UPCOMING RIDE DATES

EXIT TOURS ADVENTURE TEAM