About a week before I landed in Durango, my buddy Jon Walden asked me if I wanted to tag along with him and some friends as they explored the remnants of the Rio Grande Southern. The RGS was abandoned in 1951 and is arguably one of the most interesting and unique railroads to have ever existed. Needless to say, I was excited to accept the offer. I figured (and was correct) that it would be the highlight of the trip.

The crew for the day consisted of Jon Walden (D&S Fireman), Jeff Johnson (former D&S railroader), Brian Moore, and me. We met near the yard entrance around 0800, piled into Jon's truck, and highballed west into the cool, wet morning air.

It's always a treat to see the "Rio Grande" logo

Jon chats with the Engineer

This is a cliché shot, but I didn't have one yet. So here it is.

Train 461 leaves town

At our first stop, we hiked about a half mile to this spot in hopes of finding the RGS Grade. However, the light drizzle turned into a relatively heavy rain and we retreated to the truck. We suspected that we were really close and after looking at the Google Maps to make this report, it turns out that we were correct. It was RIGHT THERE. Oh well, I'll have to try again.

Mancos Section House - MP 130.61

RGS Motor #5 at the Dolores Depot - MP 102.34

The Galloping Goose Historical Society put in a few hundred feet of track to demonstrate Goose #5 for the public. At one time there was a plan to relay rail for several miles to the south into Lost Canyon. Time will tell if it is to ever happen.

Dolores Depot Residents

These structures were standing in the RGS days

The RGS Dolores Yard once ran where 145 / Railroad Ave is today.

Left: looking north -- Right: looking south

The 3-way stub switch at the Colorado Railroad Museum was located very near

where I'm standing. It was purchased and retrieved by Robert W. Richardson

Rico Yard - MP 66.2

Foundation of the Rico Engine House

This building was standing in the RGS days

Note the tie in the foreground

The rubble near the tank is remnants

from the foundation of the depot

Burn's Canyon - MP 63.61 - Bridge 64-A ?

Burn's Canyon near Rico

Then (Otto Perry - 1940's) and Now

Location of Meadow Creek Bridge - MP 58 - Bridge 58-A

Location of Meadow Creek Bridge - MP 58 - Bridge 58-A

Remains of Telegraph Pole

Looking towards Gallagher over Bridge 58-A

Lizard Head Pass - 10,250' - MP 52.61

Brian located the first of three spikes in this area. It's hard to believe there was anything left to find 62 years after abandonment. How many hundreds (thousands?) of railfans have explored this area over the last half century?

Walking along the south leg of the wye towards the tail and stock yards

Walking along the north leg of the wye from the tail to the main line to Ridgway

The snow shed extended through the cut towards Trout Lake

Looking south from the

north end of the yard

Looking south on the main

Standing on the main looking towards the tail of the wye

Looking north on the main

Looking north from the

end of the snow shed

Note the remnants of

the snow shed foundation

Looking south towards the

cut, where the show shed was

Looking north to Trout Lake

Cut

Driving on the grade north to Trout Lake. We used TopoUSA to locate the ROW. My friend Everett Lueck has created dozens of draw files of the NG lines in Colorado and New Mexico. Modern technology makes it incredibly easy to locate old railroad grades. Saves lots of time!

Bridge 51-A - Trout Lake - MP 51.?

The trestle has been very nicely restored in recent years. It looks great!

Under the trestle, Brian located another spike.

Looking east from the road

Continuing on to Trout Lake Tank

Trout Lake Tank

Trout Lake Tank

2010                                       2013

The water has been drained to repair the dam.

Matterhorn Mill

This is a really cool structure. It appears to be in great shape, except for the foundation.

If something isn't done in the next few years, it may collapse.

This is where the Telluride Branch swung around to the north from Vance Junction

Keystone - MP 41.76 - 8.658'

The remains of the tender from RGS #19 that was wrecked in 1907

MP  37.80 - Vance Junction - 8,116'

The Coal Pocket has been nicely restored

Jon's truck framed

 by a coal pocket

Looking north to Ridgway

Here Brian found a THIRD spike!! We started calling him "The Spike Whisperer"

The site of the depot, which

was the body of Coach 254

Telluride, looking east

At Telluride we got a late lunch. By coincidence we ate at the same place Michele and I ate in 2010: The Brew Pub

Goose 4

Not a great photo, but the best I could do at the time. I was fortunate to ride on Goose 4 last year the CRM GooseFest

Heading back to Durango

Back in Dolores

The birds weren't as

 friendly this time

We arrived back in Durango at 1900. It was a GREAT day. Most of my bucket list of things to see on the RGS was completed. Many, many thanks to Jon for inviting me to tag along. It was also good to see Brian again and meet Jeff. Thanks guys. That was a truly great day!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4