Argentine Pass Then and Now

The always fantastic Then and Now, Images of Colorado and the West posted this before and after of the end-of-track of the Argentine Central.  Notice the Colorado and Southern excursion coaches behind the Shay locomotive.  Also, it is interesting to note the old wagon? trails that still remain.  The photo was taken by Christi Couch.

One of the comments on the Then and Now page also shed some interesting background:

"The Argentine Central is a wonderful bit of Colorado Mining history. A short distance from Denver. 

"The only train that didn't run on Sunday as Wilcox, original owner was a preacher (on top of his mining interest). The railroad claimed to be the highest in the US, with it's extension to McClellan Mt. 2nd owners had grand plans for that portion to continue to Gray's and Toreys. Where a Hotel and a grand spotlight would be built. A survey was all that was done with that idea.

"A fun hike is to follow the old grade from Silverplume. Can hike it all the way to Pavilion Point. A hotel was built here we're riders could stop for the night. Later in the days of the Argentine Central. As you hike, you can here the Georgetown Loop whistling down in the valley. Shay #9 working away.

Argentine Pass, as the Leavenworth Valley is known today, is adopted by the Rising Sun 4x4 club. Lots of fun outings with the Clear Creek Ranger District, cleaning the trail and learning about it's awesome history!"