The San Juan Extension

Cascade Creek/Trestle, Colorado

Located at MP 319.9-320.0, is Cascade Trestle over the creek of the same name. It stands 137 feet above the ravine and is 408 feet long. There is a slight curvature of 5-10 degrees making this quite a nice spot to photograph trains... if you don't mind a long drive followed by a long hike!

 

The structure was designed by a German firm and was originally intended for use on the 3rd Division (Marshall Pass) route in 1881. It was constructed on it's current site in 1889. The builder's plate reads:

 

 "BUILT IN 1889 BY DETROIT BRIDGE & IRON WORKS DETROIT, MICH."

 

To correct or add additional info please contact me at: RioGrandeDude @ SmittysHouse.net (no spaces)

 

July 2008

RGS Motor 5 - Westbound   DRGW 315 - Westbound  
Looking east from the west side of Cascade Creek      
  May 2009  
Looking South from the eastbound train (116)
       
  October 2009  
Looking west 488 running light across the creek
  Extra 487 East followed close behind - view is looking west
   
       
Looking east from the west bank of Cascade Creek at 488 and Extra 487 West 488 heading west Extra 487 West