My phenomenal wife bought me Tom Klingers book "C&S Platte Canon Memories." I've got his other book on the High Line which I bought in Como a couple of years ago when I drove over Boreas to Breckenridge. Both are simply outstanding and I highly recommend 'em. While writing this post, I discovered that he has a new book on the Gunnison Division which I shall be purchasing ASAP. I’ve read the High Line book twice and I'm reading the Platte Canon book now. It’s got me itching to see the Platte Canyon area. It'll be a few years before I can make this trip, but when I do, I'd like to drive the route from Denver through the Platte Canyon to Como. Based on old topo maps, it looks as though it'll take at least 2 days to do this. The first day would start at Denver Union Terminal and trace the line to the current end-of-track near Sheridan:
[
www.google.com]
Is there anything to see around Morrison?
There doesn't appear to be anything left to see between Sheridan and the Platte Canon. South of Sheridan the grade appears to have been used for State Highway 75, a short section of 470, and then 124 to where it becomes Waterton Canyon Road. As near as I can tell, Waterton Canyon Road is the old grade all the way to the Waterton Canyon Dam.
From the dam, I assume the railroad continued to follow the river (under the Strontia Springs Reservoir) to where it meets County Road 97/96 a bit further west. So, this would end Day 1 because it would take too long to backtrack and go around the reservoir to continue west.
The second day would begin at Sedalia, heading west on 67 (W Pine Creek Road) to where it eventually T's into County Road 97. Then north (right) on Co Rd 97, taking 97 to where the South Fork of the Platte joins the North Fork. This appears to be where the DSP&P grade meets County Road 97 and they become County Road 96.
From there it looks like a simple, easy drive west. After Foxton, 96 turns into 126 near Buffalo Creek. At Pine, however, it looks like things change. The grade continues along the river to Estabrook in a narrow canyon, but the road on the grade dissolves into a trail, ending at a camp site a few miles west of Pine. Might have to stay on 126 to Pine Junction (Highway 285) and go around to Bailey. From Bailey it would be easy to backtrack a bit to Estabrook where the grade comes out of that canyon.
From Baily to Kenosha, I believe the grade runs generally parallel to 285.
Here are some questions for the South Park experts:
-Is everything above correct?
-What are the roads like in the canyon? From Google maps they look well-traveled and maintained. Several stretches are even paved. Looks to be a much easier drive than say from Dulce to Pagosa Jct on the Rio Grande.
-Are there any railroad related, not-to-be-missed artifacts on this drive? I know about the Billy Westall monument near Dome Rock, but I don't know exactly where it is. I imagine if I keep my eyes open, I'll see it. I also know about the partially rebuilt Wye on Kenosha and the Depot at Jefferson. Anything else in the canyon? Klingers book shows some cabins still standing that were around in the C&S days. I don’t see any bridges on the satellite images.
-Is camping allowed in the canyon near Foxton or Pine? If so, can anyone recommend a good spot? I'll either use a tent or camper on the truck.
-How's the fishing in the North Fork of the Platte?
Previous DSP&P Trip Reports:
Como & Boreas: [
RioGrandeExplorations.net]
Kenosha, Jefferson & Como: [
RioGrandeExplorations.net]
Climax Branch: [
RioGrandeExplorations.net]
Alpine Tunnel (Pacific Portal): [
RioGrandeExplorations.net]
Alpine Tunnel (Atlantic Portal): [
RioGrandeExplorations.net]
Thank you,
Jason Rose
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El Discípulo de los Viejos Gruñones
RioGrandeExplorations.net
Spring, Texas - MP 209.7 - UP Palestine Sub
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" - Wendell Phillips
"Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid." - Sgt Stryker USMC
"Life is too short to deal with other people's drama. - Sgt Jason Rose USMC
