The San Juan Extension

La Jara, Colorado

La Jara, CO is located at Mile Post 266.2, about 14 miles north of Antonito, CO.  The line here was originally built narrow gauge, but a 3rd rail was added in the 1890's when the Grande standard gauged all of it's lines with the exception of the 3rd and 4th Divisions. The narrow gauge rail was removed in 1970-71 when the final remnant of the San Juan Extension was sold to the States of Colorado and New Mexico to create the Cumbres & Toltec. The final movement of narrow gauge equipment through La Jara occurred in September 1970 as the Grande hauled all of the rolling stock and locomotives purchased by the states to Antonito for transfer to the C&T.

 

Union Pacific operated this branch after purchasing the DRGW/SP in 1996. Today it is operated by the San Luis & Rio Grande. Most days a single Alamosa-based local freight passes through town on it's way to and from the perlite plant in Antonito. When the C&T is operating during the summer months a passenger run is made twice a day to connect with them in Antonito.

 

The Rio Grande depot survives today and is used as the Town Hall.

To correct or add additional info please contact me at: RioGrandeDude @ SmittysHouse.net (no spaces)

La Jara Depot

Looking south towards Antonito & Santa Fe

This was once dual gauge territory