After my latest post about The Switzerland Trail, several people asked questions about narrow gauge railroads, so I thought I’d write an “add-on” post about narrow gauge railroads and their ties (no pun intended) to Colorado. There are a lot of scenic excursion type railroads still operating around the state of Colorado, and almost all of them are of the narrow gauge variety. Narrow gauge refers to the track gauge being narrower than the standard gauge of 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches. Most narrow gauge railways were built from 2 feet to 3 1/2 feet. So why build a railroad using narrower track? The answer has to do with economics, terrain and other factors.
In fact, during the 1800s, narrow gauge railroads were built all over the United States, covering 44 states at one point. Narrow gauges were built due to the cheaper costs and easier accessibility due to smaller bridges, smaller tunnels and less track. Narrow gauge railroads were preferred in Colorado due to the ability to climb mountainous terrain more easily using tighter radius curves. However, they were not without disadvantages including the challenge of exceeding capacity and not being able use heavier and larger trains. And in terms of moving freight quickly and efficiently through rural areas, today’s interstate highway and trucking network made the narrow gauge railroad network obsolete a long time ago. But that doesn’t mean narrow gauge railroads have disappeared….
Colorado built more narrow gauge railroads than any other state in the country, due mainly to its high altitude, rugged, mountain terrain. Many of them were built to support the mining industry as they were easier to build and easier to remove after a boom was over. Some of these railroads either closed and the tracks were torn up, or were damaged due to floods (like the Switzerland Trail railroad). But many survived and have reinvented themselves as tourist attractions, become profitable serving the millions of tourists that visit the state, especially during summer and fall. A ride on some our more famous narrow gauge trains gives you access to unbelievable scenery without having to drive your car.
One of the more famous ones in the state is down in the southwest part of the state coming out of Durango. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has run continuously since 1881 using steam locomotives. It takes 3 1/2 hours to cover the 45 miles it climbs through the mountains on its way to Silverton, crossing the Animas River five times along the way. Incredibly popular during summer, you have to make reservations weeks and sometimes months in advance to secure a seat. This train also provides wilderness access to the Weminuche Wilderness and Chicago Basin for backpackers. Bryon and I are taking the train next month as part of a 4-day backpack, so will have a fun report on our experience. Closer to our home in Nederland is the Georgetown Loop Railroad. A much shorter ride, it connects the towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, the track corkscrewing up the steep walled canyon to climb 600 feet over 3 miles. Both of these trains are designated as historic landmarks.
For me, I love taking the narrow gauge scenic train rides in Colorado. One of the things that can be so difficult while driving through the high peaks of Colorado is enjoying the scenery while still keeping my focus on the road and staying safe. Riding the train allows me to sit back and take in all those views and vistas, while relaxing on the train. I find I’m a lot less stressed and at ease on a train. The pace is slower and it seems like everyone else is there to just sit back and relax as well. And it’s kind of fun to remember life back in a slower time 150 years ago, before smart phones and technology, and to set aside my gizmos for a day in remembrance of a simpler time.
