Dale Creek Crossing, Railroad bridge ruins near Laramie, United States.
Dale Creek Crossing is a railroad bridge spanning a deep gorge in Wyoming, extending roughly 220 meters across. The structure rests on massive granite masonry piers that rise about 45 meters above the stream bed.
The structure was built in 1868 as part of the transcontinental railroad and originally consisted of wood. By 1876, it was replaced with an iron framework from the American Bridge Company designed for greater longevity.
The site shows how 19th-century workers shaped and fitted stone without mortar to create stable foundations. This hands-on craftsmanship was essential to building across the challenging mountain terrain.
The site is located about 6 kilometers west of Ames Monument at the highest point of the Union Pacific route. The remains are visible from a dirt road and offer good views of the gorge and the old piers.
The iron bridge had to be crossed at walking pace during strong Wyoming winds due to the structure's movement. This wind sensitivity was a defining characteristic of the design that affected train operations for years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
