San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad


The San Luis and Rio Grande Railroad is a class III railroad operating in Colorado.
The SLRG began operations in 2003 using 154 miles of former Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad tracks on three lines radiating from Alamosa, Colorado. The SLRG operates an eclectic variety of equipment from the SD90MAC to 100-year-old steam locomotives. Steam engine #18 is sometimes found pulling freight, and also modern dome passenger cars on excursion trains.
The railroad meets the San Luis Central Railroad at Sugar Junction in Monte Vista, Colorado.
The railroad was established by RailAmerica following the divestiture of the tracks by the Union Pacific. Holding company Permian Basin Railways purchased the railroad from RailAmerica in 2005.

Heritage railroad

A subsidiary heritage railroad, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, operates passenger excursion trains on the line crossing the Sangre de Christo Mountains to the town of La Veta during the summer months.
These lines were freight only for decades under the previous railroad owners, making it popular with railroad enthusiasts who log rare mileage. The route over Veta Pass offers historic views inaccessible by road, and outdoor events are held at the Fir Concert Grounds near highest point on the railroad.