After braving snow squalls up in the high country, the daily train from Antonito to Chama coasts across the 310 foot long Lobato Trestle just 4 miles from her destination. From this perspective, this trestle doesn't look very impressive, but in fact, it towers 100 feet above Wolf Creek with the terrain droppping off very steeply just about 50 yards in front of the photographer. Built in 1883, the bridge is still plenty sound, but was designed for locomotives that were considerably lighter than the K-36 that you see here. For this reason, C&TS does not allow multiple locomotives to cross Lobato Trestle simultaneously. Whenever double headers approach, the train will stop and cut off the helper engine, which will cross light. The road engine then brings the train to the other side.
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.
