A few views along the Denver & Rio Grande Western Tennessee Pass Line, mothballed 1997 by Union Pacific because after multiple mergers they had 4 lines across the Continental Divide, and sending transcontinental freight though the middle of the Rockies didn’t really make sense.
Malta, where the branch to Leadville (right) split off from the main line at 9593 ft. Elevation.
The valley of Tennessee Creek north of Leadville.
A signal waiting in vain for a train on the southern approach to Tennessee Pass.
The tunnel (10,221 ft.) on top of the pass, crossing the Continental Divide.
The line crossing under US 24 (on the arch) and Water Street in Red Cliff, CO, 8,750 ft.
If Colorado cared about making tourism sustainable, this line, running through some of the most spectacular landscapes in North America, passing near major tourist destinations like Salida, Leadville, Vail, Avon, Glenwood Springs, and Aspen, would have electric passenger trains.
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