The right-of-way of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad follows the Animas River, crossing it several times during the course of the journey. The bridges range from old iron trusses to brand new concrete and steel structures, to this....a simple timber bridge just outside Silverton. In this scene, the last train of the day heads south toward Durango with a crowd of leaf-peepers on board. The spot from which this shot was taken is popular with sport fisherman, and is about the last place easily reachable by car before the train disappears into the remote San Juan National Forest. From here, it's about a 3 1/2 hour train ride back to Durango.
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.