There's a reason for all of those signs..... Durango & Silverton K-36 Locomotive #486 emerges from the south entrance of the Rockwood Cut with Train 464 from Silverton, and slows for a station stop at Rockwood just ahead.
Those who have visited this location will no doubt recognize the sternly-worded signs which guard the entrance to this long, deep rock cut that marks the beginning of the famous "High-Line" above the Animas River Gorge. In search of spectacular photography, many have perhaps been tempted to take a walk through this cut, but the signs are there for good reason. The Rockwood cut is hundreds of feet long and as you can see in this image, there is barely room for the train to fit through it. It is not a place to be caught with a train coming. In addition, with all of the rocky terrain nearby, you cannot hear the train coming until just before it enters the cut. Yes, the crews sound several very loud whistles at the entrance, but those are just to wake up the bobcats and cougars. They come way too late for any wayward pedestrians. Fortunately, the trains are not moving very fast here, but be forewarned. The Rockwood Cut is just not a good place to take a walk.
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.
