Length (?) Opened 1878 | Phone +1 877-726-7245 | |
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Built by Denver and Rio Grande Railway Original gauge 3 ft (914 mm)After 1899: 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Owned by San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad Operated by Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Address 610 State Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101, USA Owner San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad Similar Alamosa Convention and Visito, Best Western Alamosa I, Comfort Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn Alamosa, Holiday Inn Express Alamosa | ||
Rio grande scenic railroad july 2016
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad of Colorado, a heritage railway, began operations in 2006, operating both steam and diesel locomotives in and around the San Luis Valley, on trackage of the San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad. Located 200 miles (320 km) south of Denver, Colorado, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad operates out of Alamosa, Monte Vista and La Veta. This 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge route, featuring a climb over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains via Veta Pass, dates back to 1899 and is a successor to the original 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge La Veta Pass line of the Denver and Rio Grande Railway, completed in 1878. In keeping with the Denver and Rio Grande Western slogan Scenic Line of the World (see emblem here), the trip between Alamosa and La Veta offers views of several of Colorado’s 14,000-foot (4,300 m) peaks.
Contents
- Rio grande scenic railroad july 2016
- History
- Locomotives and passenger service
- Inventory
- Special events
- References
History
The predecessor of the railroad is credited for opening the San Luis Valley to the rest of the world by laying tracks across its borders. The town of Alamosa was literally built in one day with buildings transported by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1878. By 1890, and during the following half-century, Alamosa was the hub for 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge railroading in North America. The railroad departs from the original depot in the heart of downtown Alamosa, where freight trains once delivered ore, lumber, sheep, cattle and farming products, and shipped out agricultural and mining products. Trains from Denver, Durango, Creede, Salida and Santa Fe, New Mexico arrived and departed daily with passengers.
Locomotives and passenger service
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad collection includes vintage steam locomotives, including the addition of former Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad locomotive #18, built by the American Locomotive Company at its Pittsburgh works in 1910. This locomotive previously operated on the Grand Canyon Railway and the Mount Hood Railroad. LS&I #18 joins #1744, a fully restored 2-6-0 Mogul that began service in 1901 for the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Inventory
Special events
A few events include Mother’s Day Brunch in the dome cars, Rails & Ales Brewfest, Jazz on the Tracks mountain concerts; fall foliage and pumpkin patch rides; and the Train to Christmas Town.