During the Spring of 2013, I took some family for a ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad. The ride begins at the Cañon City, Colorado railroad station. From there, it travels the length of the Gorge (upstream), then reverses direction and comes back down the Gorge. The rail journey ends in the same place it began, which would be here:
Our motive power for the journeyA 19th Century, narrow gauge caboose on display at the stationOur train sitting at the Canon City railroad station prior to boardingHey, it’s Dusty Hill! Or is it Billy Gibbons?Dusty (Billy) was in this Shay locomotive, on display right next to the station.The view from our seats, whilst still sitting at the station
All right, let’s get this show on the road. (I refuse to say “All aboard”)
Leaving the station, headed for Royal GorgeWe have entered Royal Gorge! Yes, parts of Colorado are actually this dry.Believe it or not, this is the Arkansas River.I’m guessing this building had to do with the old aqueduct (more on that later).They forgot to turn the waterfalls on.Man, Barbra Streisand has really let her place go!Intriguing rock layer at the base of the canyon wallThis bridge was part of a 19th century aqueduct. It supported a wooden pipe.This power pole reminds me of Jack from “The Muppet Movie”.They got creative with the support structures for the old aqueduct.The horizontal line is the Royal Gorge suspension bridge.
As nice as the observation / dining car was, we decided to make our way to one of the open-air cars for the return trip. In addition to being better for photography and providing some Colorado fresh air, the open-air car also…
…gave us a better feel for how tight the gorge is in some spots.More of the 19th Century aqueductCurses! Photobombed by the disembodied head of a small child!They got creative with the supports for the railroad line, too.Looking up at Royal Gorge bridge. Yes, the road (deck) is made of planks.This was the world’s highest suspension bridge when built in 1929.More of the old aqueductI’m not sure, but I think this bridge pier was part of the old aqueduct.This appears to be a much more modern aqueduct.Cholla! Yes, there are parts of Colorado that are supposed to be this dry.Crazy cool rock layers in the canyon wallI found these black streaks in the rock to be especially curious.
All good train rides must come to an end. Rolling back into town…
Colorado Territorial Prison (still used as a state penitentiary), as seen from the trainWould you like some ice?Is that…? Nah, it can’t be! Holy crap, it’s Bear!And the great rail voyage ends with a freaky-lookin’ tree……and a visit to everyone’s favorite friggin’ restaurant.
Voyages with Parkinson's 