Crossing the Canyon
Four bridges once stood southwest of the original town site of Sapinero. Cars and trucks used the high bridge to travel between Gunnison and Montrose. Anglers used the low bridge to access the river.
The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad needed two bridges to cross the Gunnison River and the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. The rails then ran south to the mines near Lake City. The site of this complex crossing, known as "Lake Junction," is now deep under the waters of Blue Mesa Reservoir.
[Photo captions, left to right, read]
• Truss bridge for the railroad to cross the Gunnison River and access Lake City.
• The high bridge was part of the scenic "Rainbow Route" from Pueblo to Salt Lake City.
• Truss bridge for the railroad to cross the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 38° 27.468′ N, 107° 18.167′ W. Marker is in Sapinero, Colorado, in Gunnison County. Marker is on U.S. 50, on the right when traveling west. Marker is at a roadside pulloff. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gunnison CO 81230, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 617 times since then and 127 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
