Spotty fall color at Needle Creek Canyon. Just after 1PM, DRGW K-28 #473 works southbound (railroad east) at Needle Creek Canyon (MP 482.90), with a Silverton Mixed bound for Durango, CO. The train runs on the west side of the Animas River at this location, which is about a mile and a half south of the famous Needleton Water Tank. This location is an open meadow along the river, and is a superb photo location in either direction. Behind the train, spots of golden aspen color are visible amid the pines in the rugged San Juan Mountains.
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.