The state herald., 1904-10-07
Miles from


The line has been open to Mammoth
since June. The railway after leaving
Denver and passing Argo runs up the
fertile valley of Ralston creek, with its
prosperous farms and truck gardens;
thence by a series of wide curves, to
Coal creek. beyond which II commences
to climb the eastern face of the front
range, affording unequalled views of
the vast plain as height is steadily
gained.
By a series of skllful engineering
feats and numerous tunnels, ii crosses
the high ridge lying between Coal creek
and South Boulder creek, furnishing
numerous blrdseye views of the latter
hundreds Of feet below Eventually the
road gets practically on n level with
South Boulder creek and at water level
passes PactOlus, Rollinsville and event
ually reaches Mammoth In Boulder
park. which has hitherto been the ter
minus Of the road.
The road runs some distance up
South Boulder creek above Mammoth,
then turns to the right for mile or so,
then TO the left for a similar distance,
then again to the right. constituting n
series of huge zigzags along the noun
tain side, but every yard trayersed is
upward, gaining height steadily at
minimum grades and maximum curves.
Every diversion of the track, right or
left, gives n higher birdseye view of
Mammoth and Boulder park below. un-
til new turns and pine woods obscure
them. and timber line Is reached and
passed and region Is entered from
which the snow never entirely disap-
pears, lingering in Isolated patches
from winter TO winter.
Some little distance TO the south the
snow-crowned summit OF James peak
looms up l32o3 feet above sea level,
while similar distance TO the north
Is the pointed cone OF Arapahoe peak.
1880 feet altitude, with numerous
other peaks which are either nameless
or have names not generally known.
Nor must mention be omitted OF the
numerous blue tarns OF unknown depth,
the beds OF ancient glaciers, which are
passed en- route
Finally. the summit Is reached. II 600
feet above sea level. said to be the high
est standard-gauge track In the world.
II Is difficult readily to realize that this
wild, troeloss place, from which dozens
of snowy mountain peaks are visible
Is now within few hours railroad ride
from Denver.
But possibly the greatest scenic treat
of the whole trip Is the first view OF
Middle park as the summit Is passed
and tho descent OF the western slope
is commenced.
The engineering Of the road In its
descent to Arrowhead & equal to that
on the eastern side Of the continental
divide though not so strenuous, Ar
rowhCad itself is located among the
pines.
The following resolutions were signed
by every visitor on the train and
handed to Mr. Moffat'
Whereas. the undersigned have this
dag had the opportunity OF Inspecting
the line Of the Denver. Northwestern a
Pacific railway Ibotter known ms the
. 'Mo6at roadD from Denver TO Arrow
head. It's present. western terminus. n
distance Of gcyouty-scycn miles,
Resolved, that we hereby express
our appreciation Of
-. The wonderful engineering skin
/ displayed In the building Of such road;
"2. The substantial and permanent
] character of IL construction.
"3 The magnificent and unequnllcd
scenic attractions OF said rond, which
] will make Il the future fnyoritc tourist
route to and from Denver and
~ It's Immense Import and future
benefit to northwestern Colorado In
general and Denver In particular, com.
morclnlly and otherwise;
Resolved further, that we hereby
record our highest appreciation OF the
courage, Engncity and public spirit Of
David II, Monnl In building such road
which will be- q monument 20 his mem
ory for gcncrnliunE 20 come