The Rio Grande Southern Railroad was a narrow gauge line that ran from Ridgeway, Colorado over the mountains to Durango, Colorado. This railroad traveled through some of the most challenging Colorado mountains imaginable.
It survived until the early 1950's, but has been immortalized by Narrow Gauge model railroaders ever since. Even today portions of the railroad have been preserved for those willing to take a bit of a hike to find the historic locations.
One such spot is the coaling provisions at Vance Junction near Teluride. It was here where the railroad split to either go into Teluride or up the grade to the famous Ophir Loop. The railroad was know for a unique series of rail vehicles know as 'Galloping Geese'.
In honor of these vehicles the hiking/biking trail is known as 'The Galloping Goose Trail'.
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| This is the preserved coaling structure at Vance Junction |
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| The Forest Service provides interpretive signage telling the history |
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| Historical images show it in use 'back in the day' |
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| Other buildings at the site are shown in historical photos. Little remains of these today. |
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| Upper side of the coaling structure |
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| Julie checking out the signage |
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| Each of these bins was shoveled full of coal to await loading in a locomotive tender |
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| The railroad grade looking up hill. |
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| Signs for the hike |
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| If you hike up the grade you'll be on the route of the famous Ophir Loop |
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| All in all a nice place for a day hike |
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