Gilpin observer., 1904-10-06
Miles from

Arrowhead. ........ II 5000 it.
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 it's
prosperous farms and truck gardens;
thence by series of wide curves, to
Coal creek, beyond which it commences
to climb the eastern face of the front
range, affording unequalled views OF
the vast plain as height is steadily ,
gained
By series of skillful engineering
feats and numerous tunnels, it crosses
the high ridge lying between Coal creek
and South Boulder creek, furnishing
numerous birdseye views of the latter
hundreds of feet below. Eventually the
road gets practically on a 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 similar distance,
then again to the right, constituting a
series of huge zigzags along the noun
tain side, but every yard traversed is
upward, gaining height steadily at
minimum grades and maximum curves.
Every diversion of the track, right or
left, gives 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 a 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 1898 feet above sea level,
while a 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. IL 800
feet above sea level, said to be the high
est standard-gauge track in the world
1t is difficult readily to realize that this
wild. treeless 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 the descent of the western slope
is commenced
The engineering of the road In its
descent to Arrowhead Is equal to that
on the eastern side of the continental
divide, though not so strenuous. Ar
rowhead itself is located among the
pines.
The following resolutions were signed
by every visitor on the train ana
handed to Mr. Moffat:
Whereas. the undersigned have this
day had the opportunity of inspecting
the line of the Denver. Northwestern n
Pacific railway (better known as the
head, its present western terminus, q
distance of seventy-seven miles;
Resolved, that We hereby express
our appreciation Of
IL. The wonderful engineering skill
displayed in the building of such road:
"2. The substantial and permanent
character of its construction;
"3. The magnificent and unequalled
scenic attractions Of said road, which
will make 1t the future favorite tourist
route to and from Denver. and
"a. Its immense import and future
benefit to northwestern Colorado in
general and Denver in particular. COM
mercially and otherwise;
Resolved further. that we hereby
record our highest appreciation Of the
eourage. sagacity and public spirit Of
David H. Moffat In building such road,
which will be monument to his mem
ory for generations to come"