Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

On our last full day in Cripple Creek, the skies cleared. We decided to head down the street for a train ride.

The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a short ride on a narrow gauge railroad. The trip is short, lasting only 45 minutes or so. But it does provide a good look at some beautiful mountain country. Please visit the link above for details concerning rates and schedules.

Ticket office and gift shop

Ticket office and loading platform. Since this is a narrow gauge railroad, the rails are only 2 feet apart.

Donna in the gift shop

The depot is at the east end of Bennett Avenue. The small engine pulls two cars, one enclosed in glass and the other open. Donna and I opted for the open car. The ride was quite breezy and cold, but I wanted the open car to provide clearer pictures.

Car nearest is enclosed in glass. Donna and I road at the back of the second car, which is open.

Coal fired engine gives off a unique smell that reminded me of tar.

Before leaving the station, the engineer provided some background information on the train as well as Cripple Creek itself. The track winds south a few miles. At the end, it comes to a complete stop, allowing the engineer to provide more information. We then backed up a short distance so the train could reverse direction on a side track. Near the station, the train then pulled into another side track, which allowed us to back into the station.

We made 3 full stops on the journey, and at other times the train slowed to a crawl while the engineer provided information. He pointed out various old mines located along the route, for example. Below are pictures of the tour.

This is the inside of the car we rode in. We sat at the very back, but were able to move around freely to snap pictures. The engineer is at front center speaking into the handset. Speakers are located on both cars.

Leaving Cripple Creek

We passed through some beautiful mountain country on this short trip. That is the highway heading to Victor, another old mining town south of Cripple Creek.

Along the route, the engineer would point out items of interest, such as this old chute from an old mine.

The track winds through the trees.

More beautiful mountain scenery. Note some of the trees turning color.

I believe the engineer called this the World's Fair mine; I'm not sure. It's a pity to see this beautiful country raped.

Aspens along the track.

Nice color near the end of the ride.

All bundled up for the ride. I'm not good at taking selfies. I can't pose and snap the photo at the same time. No good at multi-tasking these days.