Cumbres Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cumbres Pass |
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Cumbres Pass on October 24, 2012
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| Elevation | 10,022 ft (3,055 m) |
| Traversed by |  SH 17, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad |
| Location | Conejos County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Range | San Juan Mountains |
| Coordinates | 37°01′14″N 106°27′00″W / 37.02056°N 106.45000°W |
| Topo map | USGS Cumbres |
Cumbres Pass is a high mountain pass located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, United States. It sits at an elevation of 10,022 feet (about 3,055 meters) above sea level. This pass is unique because it is crossed by both a state highway, State Highway 17, and a historic train line, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The highway has a moderate slope, making it generally easy to drive. It is rarely closed in winter and usually doesn't cause problems for vehicles, as it's not a major highway.
The Historic Railroad
The train line over Cumbres Pass was built in the early 1880s. It was part of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad's "San Juan Extension." This important line connected Alamosa, Colorado, to Durango, Colorado.
The railroad track has a steep slope, especially when coming from the west. Because of this, extra helper locomotives were often used to push or pull trains up the pass. These helper engines would then turn around at the pass to go back down. The railroad also built facilities at the pass to provide water for the steam locomotives after their tough climb.
Some of the buildings at the pass, like the old station, were taken down when the highway was changed. Regular train service for passengers ended in 1951. However, many special trains for train fans continued to run until 1967. Freight service on the line stopped in 1968.
Since 1970, the railroad from Chama to Antonito has been owned and operated by the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. This railroad runs special tourist trains over the pass during the warmer months. Some original buildings, like the section house and parts of an old snowshed, still remain at Cumbres Pass. They are cared for by the Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. No one lives at the summit of Cumbres Pass today, but in the past, railroad workers lived there full-time.
Hiking Adventures
Cumbres Pass is an important spot on the Continental Divide Trail. This long trail stretches across the United States. For hikers, Cumbres Pass marks a change between states. Hikers heading north from the pass will enter Colorado's beautiful San Juan Mountain Wilderness. Those hiking south will go into New Mexico's Carson National Forest.
