Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from The New Utopia, or Utah Epitomized: A Brief Compendium of the Resources, Attractions, Advantages, Possibilities, Mineral, Industrial and Agricultural, of Utah and Her Capital
Farther on, just beyond Canon City we reach the Grand Canon of the Arkansas, Which at its narrowest portion forms the Royal Gorge. When first examined it seemed impossible that a railroad could be constructed through this stupendous canon to the west. There was scarcely room for the river alone, and granite ledges blocked the path with their mighty bulk. These obstructions, however, were blasted away, a road-bed at the foot of the cliffs was made, and the canon is to - day a busy highway. But its grandeur still remains. After entering its depths, the railway follows the river's course between high walls and around impenetrable boulders of dark-hued granite, deeper and deeper into the heart of the range. The crested crags grow higher, the river madly foams along its rocky bed, and anon the way-becomes a mere fissure through the heights. Far above the road the sky forms a deep blue arch of light; but inzthe Gorge hang dark and sombre shades which the sun's rays have never penetrated. The place is a measureless gulf of air with solid walls on either side. Here the granite cliffs are athousand feet high, smooth and unbroken by tree or shrub; and there a pinnacle soars skyward for thrice that distance. N 0 ?owers grow, and the birds care not to penetrate the solitude. The river, sombre and swift. Breaks the awful stillness with its roar. Soon the cleft becomes still more narrow, the treeless cliffs higher, the river closer confined, and where a' long iron bridge hangs suspended from the smooth walls, the grandest portion of the canon is reached.
Escaping from the Gorge, the narrow valley of the upper Arkansas is traversed, with the striking serrated peaks of the Sangre de Cristo close at hand on the west, until Salida is reached. Here the main line crosses the Arkansas, leaves Poncha Springs on the left, climbs into a narrowing but verdant valley running down between low - browed hills, and begins to scale the heights of Marshall Pass, that wonderful path way over the Continental Divide. The grades at first are only moderately steep. Soon, however, the hills merge into mountains, and press more closely together. Looking up at the distant summit, there is seen a narrow rim of earth which marks the onward course of the road. The prospect broadens, and soon the valley. Lies far below. Two sturdy engines toil and pant, the curves are sharp and frequent, banks of snow surround us and tangled masses of half-dead forests are on every side. In an hour s time we are at the summit, feet above the sea. Looking back over the. Way we have come, Mount Ouray stands, bare, solitary and high above its mates, at our left. Around it lies a sea of granite billows, tumbled wildly together, and holding within their giant embrace green valleys and sparkling streams. Turning'to the westward, the scene changes. The view embraces less formidable heights, and is more soft, subdued and beautiful. At our feet, and doubling back and forth down the mountain side, are the loops of the road leading to the valley. 'it disappears within the forests, but is seen again far down the narrow vale. The descent begins, and the road winds around project ing headlands, on the verge of vast precipices, threads dark recesses where patches of light fall through leafy canopies upon the green slopes, follows the windings of the Tomichi, and later courses through culti vated meadows dotted with haystacks and small farm-houses. As the train rolls swiftly on, a back glance gives the traveler a comprehensive idea of the vast heights overcome in the passage.
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