11: Tracing A Railroad Legend | Historic & Beautiful Rio Grande Southern Revisited

The Grande Tour Episode 11.
Day 6: 14th July 2023

Trains haven't run since 1951, but let's take the journey again.
An AMAZING journey tracing a true legend of railroad history. I follow the 160+ mile long path of the Rio Grande Southern from Ridgway to Durango through the stunningly beautiful San Juan Mountains. I see remnants along the way such and depot station buildings, trestles and water towers. This was a very special day.

The Rio Grande Southern was a 3-foot narrow gauge railroad built by Otto Mears, who had a reputation for building highways and railroads where no-one else dared to go. The railroad operated from 1891, to access the lucrative silver mines up in the mountains, mainly Rico and Telluride. As mining dried up around 1893, the railroad struggled financially. The Denver & Rio Grande took control of the RGS and kept the line running until 1951.
As a way of saving money, a fleet of seven iconic motor vehicles or rail buses were built which later were affectionately named "Galloping Geese". These could carry the mail, small amounts of freight and a handful of passengers without the need for an expensive to run steam train. In the latter years, some of these were converted to be entirely for passengers as there was a call for tourist trips along the stunningly beautiful line. However, this was not enough to keep the line open, and the tracks were torn up over 1952 and 1953.
But the story of this railroad lives on in the hearts of many, which is why I made the pilgrimage to visit the sites. I urge you to do the same if you have the chance.

A big thank you to RGSrr.com for permission to use the route map. See the map and other RGS resources at http://www.rgsrr.info

A big thank you to the "Railroads of the San Juan Mountains" Facebook group, especially admin Richard Crabtree for all the beautifully colourised old images.
See the group at   / 297689325334513  

Galloping Goose Historical Society at Dolores: https://www.gallopinggoose5.org/

Ridgway Railroad Museum: https://ridgwayrailroadmuseum.org/

If you'd like to support me after this very expensive trip and for the future, there is a "Super Thanks" function near the 'Like' button. Not expected, but would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

This is part of my amazing SOLO historic railroad-based trip between Salt Lake City and Denver, filled with interest, fun and adventure.
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