Marshall Pass Leaf Peeping

 In the late 1800's the Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge railroad laid rail across Marshall Pass, Colorado in what became the first railroad to cross the Continental Divide.

The railroad tracks were removed in 1955 and the massive structures built to withstand the winter snows quickly fell into disrepair.  

It has been decades since I last travelled over Marshall Pass and at that time you could still find large timbers that had slid down the side of the mountain from the road bed - this helped determine where many of the large snow sheds used to be located. Very little of that is to be found now.

The former railroad grade makes for an easy steady climb to the summit and a trip in the fall is timely for checking out the changing colors of the aspens. The former railroad right of way is black in many places due to the build up of cinders from engines under heavy loads when climbing.

I guess I should not be surprised as it has been almost 70 years since a train traversed these roads, but I was saddened to get to the pass where there are information signs telling about the Continental Divide Trail, the Colorado Trail and all of the bike trails in the area, but not a word about the incredible effort to install and operate a railroad in this terrain and winter weather. 

Rudi, the wonder dog, is always ready for a road trip

Beavers are active making dams part way up the west side of the pass

This short wheelbase Chevrolet Tracker is just the right size to explore these back roads

O'Haver Lake is found on the east side of the pass and offers many camp sites

The east side of Marshall Pass did have an information sign telling about the townsite of 'Shirley' and the 7.5 mile long aerial tramway that brought ores from the mines above to ship out on the railroad.

Little remains of the townsite today

 

Como Colorado Roundhouse

 The Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad used Como, Colorado as a Division point that serviced steam locomotives for the various rail lines that led to and from this location. The roundhouse for locomotive servicing  was built in 1881 and served in various forms until the railroad was abandoned in 1938.

It fell into disrepair over the years after having been used for a number of purposes. Eventually the winter snows collapsed the roof and the structure was scheduled to be torn down by the County. 

It was purchased by a couple with vision and saved with restoration starting in the 1980's with a handful of volunteers. This group of preservationists has grown to over 200 souls who continue the restoration process.

Now the station, hotel and roundhouse are in various stages of restoration. 

It needs to be recognized that the current preservation efforts of the South Park Rail Society would not be possible if it was not for the vision, work and money of a number of people that came before us. People like Bill and Greg Kazel that saved the roundhouse in the 1980s or Chuck and Kathy Brantigan that have invested their own money into maintaining it to this day.

The efforts of David Tomkins also need to be recognized. Together with History Colorado they were able to save the Train depot from collapse and even today, Mr. Tomkins has focused his own resources into restoring and renovating the Como Hotel. Due to his efforts, we can now stay in the same hotel rooms that the passengers of the Colorado & Southern Railway did over a hundred years ago.

The 'Armstrong" turntable was incredibly smooth and once moving rotated easily. The kids got it going and rode on it as it turned...

Much track has been laid by volunteers

Stub switches are found throughout

The restored depot/museum is impressive

This is the base for what will become the water tower. One member of the historical society has a chain saw mill and cut the timbers from trees for the base. 

Link to Como video