ALIGNMENT OF TOLTEC GORGE DISTRICT.
Creede.—Del Norte branch. New mining camp of great promise. Population 8,000. The latest and greatest mineral discovery.
Entrance to the Gap.—Del Norte branch. The gap proper is a cleft through a great hill with walls suggesting the palisades of the Hudson and of about the same height. Through this gap flows the waters of the Rio Grande del Norte, bright and sparkling, fresh from their mountain sources.
San Luis Park.—This park or valley is one hundred miles long by sixty broad, altitude 7,000 feet, surrounded by mountains from 4,000 to 7,000 feet higher than the plain. The soil is fertile, and by irrigation is being developed into a fine agricultural region. Distance from Denver, 250 miles.
Phantom Curve.—After Sublette, 305 miles from Denver, has been passed, the road makes a great bend around the side of a mountain; on the left rise tall monuments of sandstone cut by the elements into the form of weird and fantastic figures; this has been appropriately named "Phantom Curve."
Toltec Gorge.—From Big Horn, distant 298 miles from Denver, to Cumbres, there is a succession of magnificent and awe-inspiring views. About midway between the two, at Toltec station, 309 miles from Denver, is Toltec Gorge. The road traverses the verge of this great chasm, the bottom of which is 1,500 feet below. The best view is on the bridge immediately after passing through Toltec Tunnel.
Garfield Memorial.—Just beyond the bridge at Toltec Gorge stands a monument of granite in memory of President Garfield. On the 26th day of September, 1881, the National Association of General Passenger Agents, at the time President Garfield was being buried in Cleveland, held memorial services at the mouth of Toltec Tunnel, and since have erected this beautiful monument in memory of the event.
Cumbres Summit.—Distant from Denver, 329 miles. Summit of the Conejos range. Elevation, 10,014 feet.
Trimble Hot Springs.—Health and pleasure resort, 459 miles from Denver, 9 miles from Durango and 36 miles from Silverton. The springs are noted for their strong remedial character. Elevation, 6,644 feet.
Animas Cañon.—Just beyond Rockwood, 469 miles from Denver, the Animas Cañon begins. This gorge is formed by the breaking through the range of the Rio de las Animas Perdidas. The road is built along a shelf cut in the solid rock-wall of the cañon, which towers 500 feet above and drops 1,000 feet below the track. In this it differs from all other scenes on the line.