Colorado’s Abandoned Railroads: A Hidden History Beneath Our Feet

If not for the railroads, Colorado may never have become the state we know and love today. So much of the 38th state was made accessible thanks to the Denver Pacific Railroad and the Colorado Central and Pacific Railroad.

These days, many of Colorado's busiest railroads are abandoned or forgotten. Keep reading to take a look at three significant Western Slope railroads you can still explore today.

Get our free mobile app

The Uintah Railway of Western Colorado

Colorado’s Uintah Railway was in use from 1903 to 1939 and was built to transport mined Gilsonite from mines in Utah to the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad connection in Grand Junction. This railroad ran 65 miles from Watson, Utah to Mack, Colorado. The railroad passed through the mining communities of Atchee, Carbonera, Rainbow, and Dragon. At its highest point, the railroad traveled over Baxter Pass at an elevation of 8,437 feet.

Denver & Rio Grande Western: Aspen Branch

One of Colorado's hidden gems is the Rio Grande Trail from Glenwood Springs to Aspen. The 42-mile trail follows the old route of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Aspen Branch. This line saw significant traffic until the end of the silver boom. Today it is a beautiful route for biking, running, or walking.

Read More: Thirteen Cool Facts About Colorado’s Uncompahgre River

Denver & Rio Grande Western: Ridgway to Ouray

Did you know you can still follow most of the route used by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad between Ridgway and Ouray? The easiest way to follow the route of this forgotten railroad is to travel North on N. Oak Street in Ouray and follow it out of town. This will turn into Colorado Road 17 which represents the DRGW Railroad to Ridgway. Stay West of the Uncompahgre River on 17 and you'll be following the historic route.