D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Old Ruins

About D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

The D&RG Narrow Gauge Trestle in Montrose County, Colorado is a historic wooden trestle that was built in the late 19th century. The trestle is located on a former railway line that was used to transport silver and other minerals from the nearby San Juans Mountains. The trestle is one of the largest and most impressive examples of railroad engineering from this period in American history. It is also one of the only remaining structures from the D&RG Railroad, which operated in Colorado.

Interior of a hotel

Hotels near D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Checkout accommodations closest to D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Things to Do at D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle in Montrose County, Colorado is a fascinating place to explore. The trestle was built in 1882 and is one of the oldest surviving examples of its kind in the state. Today, it is a popular spot for hikers, photographers, and bird watchers. The trestle spans a gorge that is home to a variety of plant and animal life. In the spring, wildflowers blanket the area, and in the summer, the gorge is alive with the sound of birdsong. Visitors can also enjoy views of the San Juan Mountains from the top of the trestle. Whether you are an avid hiker or simply looking for a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle is sure to delight.

Activities Around

History of D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

The D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle in Montrose County, Colorado is a historic wooden trestle that was built in 1881. The trestle spans the Gunnison River and is one of the few remaining examples of Early Railroading in the West. It is currently used by the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and is a popular tourist attraction. The trestle was originally built as part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, which operated from 1870 to 1988. The Denver & Rio Grande Western was one of the first railroads in the West and played an important role in the development of the region. 

Best Time to Visit D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

The best time to visit the trestle is in October, when the leaves are at their peak color. The views from the bridge are stunning at this time of year, and the air is typically clear and dry. 

Tips for Visiting D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

  1. Arrive early. The trestle is located in a remote area and can be difficult to find if you don't know where you're going. Arriving early will give you plenty of time to find it and enjoy the views.
  2.  Bring a map. The trestle is located on a large piece of property, and it can be easy to get lost if you don't have a map. Make sure to pick one up before you begin exploring.
  3. Wear comfortable shoes. The trestle is located on uneven terrain, so make sure to wear shoes that are comfortable and provide good traction.
  4. Stop and enjoy the view from below. The trestle is best enjoyed from below, so take some time to simply sit back and enjoy the view before continuing on your journey.
  5. When you reach the trestle, take a moment to catch your breath and take in the amazing view. This is one of the most popular spots for photography, so make sure to snap some pictures.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

  1. The D&RG Narrow Gauge Trestle is one of the highest railway bridges in the world, rising to a height of more than 200 feet above the river below. 
  2. The bridge is more than half a mile long, and consists of 14 separate spans. 
  3.  It was completed in 1882, and was used by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad until 1968. 
  4.  In 1969, the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Depending on how long you want to spend exploring, allow for at least half a day to enjoy all that the trestle has to offer.

How to Reach D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

To reach the D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle, take Highway 550 North fromMontrosefor 12.9 miles. Just before you reach the town of Ridgway, turn left onto County Road 8 and continue for 2.3 miles until you see a sign for the trestle on your right. Park in the small lot and walk the short trail to the trestle. 

Entrance Fee of D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Admission is free for all visitors.

Opening Hours of D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

The trestle is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Attractions Near D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Morrow Point Dam

Morrow Point Dam

1.09km from D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Morrow Point Dam is a concrete arch dam on the Gunnison River in Montrose County, which was built between 1963 and 1968 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the purpose of generating hydroelectric power. The reservoir is used for irrigation, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. The dam's power plant has a capacity of 72 megawatts. In addition to its main purpose of generating hydroelectric power, the Morrow Point Dam also helps to regulate water levels in the Gunnison River.

Crystal Reservoir

Crystal Reservoir

5.08km from D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Crystal Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located in Montrose County. The reservoir was created in the early 1980s by damming the Crystal River. The reservoir is located near the town of Nucla and is a popular recreation spot for boating, fishing, and water skiing. It is also known for its abundance of cutthroat trout. The reservoir is fed by the Crystal River and is surrounded by steep cliffs and evergreen forests. The reservoir is used for irrigation, recreation, and flood control.

Morrow Point Reservoir

Morrow Point Reservoir

7.12km from D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Morrow Point Reservoir is a man-made body of water in Montrose County. The reservoir was created in 1968 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Aspinall Unit of the Colorado River Storage Project. It is located in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and its primary purpose is to store water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir has a capacity of 36,700 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,200 acres. It is fed by the Morrow Point Dam.

Cerro Summit

Cerro Summit

8.11km from D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Cerro Summit is a high mountain pass in Montrose County, Colorado. The pass lies on the Continental Divide, at an elevation of 12,276 feet. The pass is traversed by State Highway 145, which connects the towns of Telluride and Placerville. Cerro Summit is one of the highest paved roads in Colorado. The views from the pass are stunning, with alpine meadows and wildflowers in summer, and snow-capped peaks in winter.

Curecanti Needle

Curecanti Needle

11.82km from D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Curecanti Needle is a 700 foot granite spire located deep within Curecanti National Recreation Area in western Colorado. Used for many years as an advertising symbol for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad, whose narrow-gauge railway famously ran along the northern bank of the river and passed near the Needle, the spire is today part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, a National Park Service facility that encompasses three impoundments of the Gunnison river.

Pulpit Rock Overlook

Pulpit Rock Overlook

18.14km from D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Nestled in the majestic San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Pulpit Rock Overlook provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The overlook is located just a short hike from the town of Montrose, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. From Pulpit Rock, visitors can see the nearby towns of Ouray and Telluride, as well as the 14,000-foot peaks of the San Juans. The overlook is also a popular spot for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of different species.

Discover More Attractions in Montrose County, Home of D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Montrose County

Montrose County

16 attractions

Montrose County is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colorado, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. The county is home to some of the state's most popular ski resorts, as well as a number of hiking and biking trails. In addition, Montrose County is home to a number of historic towns and villages, making it a great place to explore Colorado's rich history. Whether you're looking for an exciting vacation or a relaxing getaway, Montrose County is sure to have something

Location of D & RG Narrow Gauge Trestle

Comments