Osier, Colorado facts for kids
Osier is a small, historic spot in Conejos County, Colorado, USA. It's an old railroad settlement and train stop located about halfway along the famous Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. This makes it a special place where trains traveling from both ends of the line meet up. Passengers often stop here for lunch before continuing their journey or heading back to where they started.
This area, right by the Rio de Los Pinos river, was also a halfway point on an old toll road. This road connected Conejos, Colorado, to Chama, New Mexico. You can still reach Osier today by taking Forest Road 103 from State Highway 17.
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A Look Back: Osier's History
In 1878, the valley where Osier is located was home to a toll gate. This gate was part of the Park View and Ft. Garland toll road. A toll road is a special road where you pay a fee to use it.
Just two years later, in 1880, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad created Osier. They built it while constructing their narrow-gauge railway line. This line, called the San Juan Extension, stretched from Alamosa, Colorado, to Durango, Colorado.
The Rio Grande Railroad built several important buildings at Osier. These included a section house, a station, a water tank, and a bunk house. A bunk house was a place where workers could sleep.
More recently, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad took over the old Rio Grande line. They built a kitchen and dining area at Osier. Here, train passengers enjoy a hot lunch every day during the summer season.
A Story of Survival at Osier
In early January 2008, Osier became a place of refuge for six snowmobile riders. They had gotten lost in the Colorado backcountry. A big snowstorm and the danger of an avalanche made it hard for rescuers to reach them.
The two families in the group found their way into the kitchen building. There, they found some food supplies. They had popcorn, chicken bouillon, and gravy mix. These items helped them stay alive until help finally arrived.
Where is Osier?
- Osier Station 37°0′44″N 106°20′9″W / 37.01222°N 106.33583°W
Places Near Osier on the Cumbres & Toltec Line
- Cumbres Pass 37°01′10.4″N 106°26′53.4″W / 37.019556°N 106.448167°W
- Toltec Gorge 36°59′3.9″N 106°18′22.2″W / 36.984417°N 106.306167°W
- Sublette Station 36°59′20″N 106°13′48″W / 36.98889°N 106.23000°W
