Found a book on the Nevada County Narrow Gauge in the school library, in the 7th grade I think (1968/69). So, I went out and bought my own copy -- $7.50! Book prices have changed! My parents drove me to Colfax, and we started looking for the right of way. In those days, it was fairly easy to find. Unfortunately, much of the area has been "developed" now, so it is getting harder to find.
The bug bit deeper in 1991, when my wife and I visited Durango. We stayed in the Palmer House, in a second floor room overlooking the station. (I've tried unsuccessfully to get the same room since, but it is VERY popular.)