Cumbres Pass - Elevation 10,015 MSL. A Chama-bound freight eases up to the water plug in front of the depot at the storied Cumbres Pass Station. Once a very busy waystation on the D&RG Narrow Gauge, this location was home to a larger and more elaborate depot, a water tank, coaling station, ash pits...even a covered turntable. Trains were assembled here and helper engines were turned and serviced on a daily basis. A section crew was also housed here. Things are quieter here now, with only two trains per day passing through. The present-day depot was built in 1882 as a Section Leader's home, and assumed its current role when the original depot was torn down in 1954. Although the turntable and tank have also been removed, a water plug and wye remain, both of which are used regularly by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Oh the stories these special buildings could tell. Originally the brains of the rails they monitored, working to insure effecient rail service for our nation! A tribute!
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.
