Trains and Trout

Before a reservoir was created here, the towns of Iola, Cebolla, and Sapinero stood along the Gunnison River. The Denver & Rio Grande Railroad carried freight and passengers to them, bringing sightseers for Rocky Mountain scenery and anglers for the Gunnison River's legendary trout. As automobiles became more popular, the railroad could no longer compete financially, and train service to the three towns ended in 1954. Tourism then fell sharply and the local economy suffered. A reservoir was proposed to revive the economy, and the towns' buildings were moved or destroyed. The sites of Iola, Cebolla, and Sapinero are now underwater. In Cebolla, Colorado, the Sportsman's Hotel was a renowned destination for anglers and big game hunters, and the historic resort site lies just west of here.

Colorado · United States