The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado, is more than a scenic ride — it's a place where generations connect over a shared love of trains.
"It's a passion," said Adam Clawson, who serves as an engineer, conductor and historian for the railway. "It's a lifestyle."
Engineer Bruce Barrett, 72, has spent more than five decades at the controls.
"This is my 52nd year running trains — a real blessing," Barrett said.
When Barrett releases the brake and takes his seat, he leads hundreds of passengers through the stunning Royal Gorge, 956 feet below the world-famous Royal Gorge Bridge. The railway follows the Arkansas River along a 10-mile stretch out and back.
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For Barrett, the emotion of the job never fades.
"I do get up here alone, and it is emotional at 72 years of age and be able to do this — have the health and the mind to give a good ride," Barrett said.
Superintendent Alan Schade describes the experience of working on the railroad as something close to rock stardom.
"I grew up wanting to be a musician, the long hair, wanted to be a rock star, but then it was either rockstar or trains, and trains paid better — had the chance to make it there," Schade said.
Schade has also worked to blend the railroad's history with modern experiences. One example is a 1954 railcar that has been reimagined for today's riders.
"We took this open-air car and now we added some modern technology to it. Trusses and lights and lasers, speakers — you're still in the gorge but now you have music playing, lasers, people are dancing out here having a blast," Schade said.
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Clawson, the historian who is just 23 years old, represents the younger generation finding a home here alongside veterans like Barrett.
For all of them, each trip through the gorge brings something new — including wildlife that even lifelong Coloradans rarely see.
"They've lived in Colorado their whole life and have never seen a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep," Clawson said.
"Look at God's creation — seasons change. I see different herds of bighorn sheep, and see their babies grow up. Yes, it is an emotional time for me — part of the privilege and honor," Barrett said.
This story was originally published by Mike Castellucci with the Scripps News Group in Denver.
