Giants in the Hills Colorado Narrow Gauge 4k Super 16mm film

The Denver and Rio Grande, use to be one big circle of narrow gauge railroads which supported the mines and mills in the south western part of Colorado. Over the years, the rail traffic moved to trucks, but the railroad was still fully operational until 1968, when the D&RGW was finally given permission to abandon. One small branch line from Durango to Silverton, was very profitable for tourism and stayed operational through this abandonment period. Another section of track from Chama New Mexico to Alamosa Colorado, was too costly to remove. They decided to walk away and do nothing. In 1970, the states of Colorado and New Mexico came together to turn that section of the San Juan extension back into a railroad. Now called the Cumbers and Toltec Scenic Railroad, this over 60 mile line, takes guests from the little town of Chama New Mexico all the way to Antonito Colorado.

These two remaining lines are featured in this film.

As part of a series of new films about the narrow gauge, Giants of the Hills looks at what remains of both railroads.

The film is produced by Tyler Purcell in conjunction with Narrow Gauge films.

Shot entirely on Kodak Vision 3 film stocks on Super 16mm.