The San Juan Extension
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The San Juan Extension was part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western's 4th Division. The main line ran from Alamosa, CO through Chama, NM to Durango, CO. From there branch lines radiated out to Silverton, CO and Farmington, NM. There was also a junction with the Rio Grande Southern Railroad (the RGS ran from Durango through Dolores and Rico to Ridgway, CO).
The Rio Grande Southern was abandoned and dismantled in 1951. The segment between Durango and Chama was abandoned and removed in 1970. The Farmington Branch was also removed at that time.
Today the Silverton Branch from Durango survives on the west end of the old San Juan Extension. The eastern portion between Antonito and Chama also remains, now known as the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The (now) standard gauge line between Antonito and Alamosa also exist today as the Antonito Branch of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad. The 108 miles between Chama and Durango have passed into history.
This is a collection of the photos and videos I've taken of the remnants of the San Juan Extension (Alamosa to Durango). The locations are organized in order from east to west. Each page contains a brief history of the site and whatever maps and satellite images I've been able to find. This is an on-going project, over time I'll add and update the data and media.
*My buddy Larry Gibson is providing much needed assistance with this project. THANKS Larry! |
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Alamosa |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Done |
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Los Pinos Tank |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Tanglefoot Curve |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Cumbres Pass |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Windy Point |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Coxo |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Cresco |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Cresco Siding |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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2nd Highway 17 Crossing |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Dalton |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Labato |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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1st Highway 17 Crossing |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Jukes Tree |
Coming Winter 2014 |
| Rio Chama | Coming Winter 2014 |
| Chama | Coming Winter 2014 |
| Current End-of-Track | Coming Winter 2014 |
| Monero | Coming Winter 2014 |
| Lumberton | Coming Winter 2014 |
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Dulce |
Coming Winter 2014 |
| Navajo | Coming Winter 2014 |
| Juanita | Coming Winter 2014 |
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Gato (Pagosa Junction) |
Coming Winter 2014 |
| Carracas | Coming Winter 2014 |
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Done |
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| Tiffany | Coming Winter 2014 |
| La Boca | Coming Winter 2014 |
| Ignacio | Coming Winter 2014 |
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Falfa |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Florida |
Coming Winter 2014 |
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Carbon Junction |
Coming Winter 2014 |
| Durango | Coming Winter 2014 |
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**Technical details have been researched from:
DRGW.net by Nathan Holmes "Ticket to Toltec" by Doris B. Osterwald |
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