In the 1880s the mines in the northern San Juan Mountains were thriving.

People, equipment and supplies were heading up daily to those high-altitude camps, and the mines were sending tons of ore down to be processed.

Otto Mears’ alpine toll roads became the routes up and down the mountains for walkers, riders and wagons. He and other investors envisioned trains as the next step in supporting the booming mining industry and a service center for the ranches popping up in the valley.

What was needed...