I've driven the highway over North (Old?) La Veta Pass many times, which is pretty much on top of the original narrow gauge right-of-way. I've never driven South (New?) La Veta Pass where the std. gauge runs, was not aware there were even any roads through there, and would be very interested in such a trip.
What about the coaches & equipment in Del Norte? What kind of shape is it in? Could it be used? Not knowing ANY of the history of the Creede operation, it seems to me that if the Friends could market the trip, and the Creede folks were paid appropriately to supply the train, it could be mutually beneficial.
Run it during "color season" or either just before or just after the RailFest in Durango and you'd probably attract a pretty good ridership ...
- Russo de los Locos