Cumbres Pass, Rail mountain pass in San Juan Mountains, Colorado, US
Located at an elevation of 10,022 feet, Cumbres Pass features both State Highway 17 and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad traversing its slopes.
The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad constructed the railway line through Cumbres Pass in the 1880s as part of their San Juan Extension from Alamosa to Durango.
The section house, car inspector's residence, and remnants of the old snowshed are maintained by Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.
The pass remains accessible throughout most winter months, with a 5.8 percent grade on the north approach and a 4 percent grade on the south side.
Helper locomotives were necessary to assist trains climbing the steep western grade from Chama, New Mexico, to reach the summit of Cumbres Pass.
Location: Colorado
GPS coordinates: 37.02060,-106.45000
Latest update: March 5, 2025 13:56
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