The RGS Story Vol 10 Ridgway To Durango Sundance Publications Ltd 2003 ISBN 0-913582-74-3 The RGS Story Contents 1. The Story Of Otto Mears 2. RGS baggage Clerk At Telluride 3. Why Nine Trestles At Ophir? 4. Rico Train Register - June 13 to December 29, 1897 5. Why Did Victor Miller Resign? 6. The Ponderosa Forest Story - Near Dolores, Colorado 7. 1951: The Final Year Of RGS Operations Map List Ridgway Town and RGS/D&RG Connection - 1894 Rio Grande Southern Shops, D&RG Interchange - 1907 Ridgway RGS Shops Right-Of-Way And Track Map Milepost 1 1919 Right-Of-Way And Track Map " 2-3 Jay Station ". 4-8 Hagens, Deti ". 8-10 Pleasant Valley, Valley View " 11-13 Dallas Divide ". 13-15 Dallas Divide, Noel ". 16-18 Leopard Creek, Sams ". 19-21 Wade ". 22 Brown ". 23-25 Along Right-Of-Way " 26-27 Placerville Enlargement " 26-28 Placerville ". 29-30 Fall Creek, Primos, Sawpit ". 31-33 Wilson, Vanadium ". 34-36 Lime, Bilk ". 37-42 Vance Junction, Anderson, Ilium, Keystone ". 43-44 Telluride ". 45 Telluride Enlargement ". 45-47 Telluride, Pandora Smuggler Union Mining Company At Pandora Milepost 37-40 Vance Junction, Anderson, Ilium " 41-43 Ames ". 44-46 Ophir, Matterhorn New Mexico Lumber Company Logging Railroad Condensed Profiles Rio Grande southern Railroad Ridgway To Rico - And - Rico to Durango January 1, 1913 Rev. Clark R. Bailey collection Next up, Vol 11
Why were there 9 trestles at Ophir? Never knew that. Might have to find it on Google Maps to see what's left...
I knew there were several, but was not aware of that many. Where there was that famous loop... Seems like there should be some photos on the 'Net of a landmark so well known.
The famous loop, is Ophir Loop. Think there's an aerial view of Ophir, showing the station, siding(s) and the many trestles. As he suggested, Google Maps may show part of what remains today. Next year, with 3 weeks vacation time available, I'd really like to head down that way and explore what I can of the RGS. Spend a good week or so following what remains of the grade and industrial areas. As long as I can access safely, and legally!
Just took a look. There's not much left to be found! At least not around Ophir. You can still find one trestle along one side of Trout Lake. And with a little bit of detective work, you can find the RGS grade and follow it for a while. Trestles around Ophir seem to be non existent these days. Too much modern day progress has wiped out most traces of the line. Still, I want to make the trip down and explore what I can sometime. Ken Agree completely!! A time machine would be the ultimate! Problem is, so places/times to want to explore, and not enough time to explore the all!
The big, curved trestle at Ophir is no longer. It was filled in by the state for Highway 145. The highway may also follow a portion of the grade which may explain why parts of it can't be found when doing an aerial search. What's interesting, is the RGS had to build 9 trestles in a 2 mile stretch!! And on at least a 3% grade at best! Only wish I could scan and post a couple of photos and maps showing the area in and around Ôphir and what the RGS had to deal with back then.
Just get the model where time stands still. Just pick out a place, un-pause time, grab passing train photos and pause time again. You'd barely age and could railfan until....
I'd have to go back to my early days of school like that as well. Have a few folks I'd love to be able to talk with, even today! But, I'd have the chance to rail fan Moffat, under Rio Grande operations!! And be able to get back to see Tennessee Pass in action as well. And one trip, back to car ferry operations on the Green Bay and Western. Missed that operation by 6 months! Wasn't happy when I found out either!
There is more than you think, you have to look for it though and its not easy. There is a bike/hiking trail called the galloping goose trail that follows the old roadbed up the west side of the canyon towards ophir from vance junction. Last time I was there the coal sheds at vance jct were still there and it looked like someone had been repairing them. There are still some old ties along the bike trail and one spot where you can see the trestle abutments and a water tank location. From the highway looking down at ophir you can see sections where the tracks clung to the side of the mountain. The ties were still there, but all the old trestles were gone. The water tank is still there at trout lake and if you follow the road around to the back you can see a complete trestle. Last time I was there it appeared that they had hired a contractor to rebuild the whole thing. I too wish I could have seen a steam train chugging its way up along that canyon! Kevo
Using Google Maps, I did see the complete trestle at Trout Lake. Missed the tank though. Did manage to lo/ate and follow a fair amount of the grade, but not entirely. I'm gonna have to think about heading that way next summer, and exploring! I'll have 3 weeks vacation time, after this Dec 1. Just gotta make sure I have cash on hand along with empty media cards for my camera! Totally agree, as it would have been great to see a 20 car train and 3 small 2-8-0 trying to tackle stiff 3% and/or 4% grades!! Much less watching a Rotary attempting to clear the line, without derailing on something!
Sorry its taken me awhile, its been a few years since I was out there and I had to dig up these pics from my old computer. I live in california and in my younger days loved to travel out there, but being married and a homeowner now its more difficult. Eventually I'll make it out again. You asked for it and I finnally had some time. Vance Jct coal shed: Water tank location off of galloping goose bikepath, south of vance jct: Bridge abutments, yes I dragged my new bike all the way out there to ride this! Railroad ties heading toward Ophir loop area: Enjoy! Kevo
Coming up to the Ophir Loop area. Unfortunately the trail drops down off the road bed and down to the dirt road in the bottom of the canyon. I believe most of the loop write of way is private property. Trout lake. You can just make out the water tank left center. Its a brownish dot. Trout lake water tank up close: If you keep following the road it takes you to the back of trout lake and this old trestle and as you can see its somewhat under restoration.
Ok, I’ll try this for a third time, darn computers! Water tank at Rico, only RGS thing left in the Rico yard area. Wish I had more vacation time! Enjoy! Kevo
Enjoyed the photos!! Too much to explore, not enough time to get it all in! Get 3 weeks vacation now, after Dec 1. Still thinking about a 2 week trip to locate what I can of the RGS. Areas own/on private property though, will definitely be a problem. Unless I knew who owned the land, a contact address, and seeing IF I could get written permission to explore those areas on private land. Certainly, a big undertaking. But, probably worth it, IF permission can be obtained. Oh well....I've got time. More pics, if you have 'em!!
