It was the end of the school year here in Denver and we all needed a little get-away. So, Nancy and I took our granddaughter Hannah to ride the Royal Gorge Scenic Railway. It was late in the afternoon as well as early in the season when we got there, so I suspect (or at least hope) that the lack of crowds evident in my video is not typical.
The Royal Gorge Scenic Railway was built as a tourist attraction in 1958. The "Little Train with the Big View" takes passengers on a 3 mile 30 minute roundtrip ride to Point Alta Vista at the upper north rim of the Royal Gorge, treating visitors to the fantastic scenery that surrounds the Royal Gorge Region. The climax of the journey is the best view of the Royal Gorge and bridge available anywhere!
The trains were made in Cañon City by Royal Gorge Fabricators. The engines are 1952 model, 6 cylinder Spitfire flatheads. The train cars are open-air and run on 15-inch gauge.
The railroad was sold in 2010 and the expectation was that it would continue to operate for two more years in its present location and then be moved to a new, as of yet undisclosed, location. There is some rumor that the new owners' plans have fallen through and it is back on the market. But far be it from me to spread rumors.
Anyway, here is an overview of the trip, for those of you who have never had the chance to experience the RGS RY or who would like to see it again. It really is a nice piece of work and it would be a shame to see it "go away." If you are in the neighborhood and have the chance to ride it this summer it is well worth the time -- and the price is very reasonable for these times.
11 окт 2024
