CANON CITY, Colo. — The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colo., is more than a scenic ride — it's a place where generations connect over a shared love of trains.
"It's a passion," Adam Clawson, who serves as an engineer, conductor and historian for the railway, said. "It's a lifestyle."
🚂 WATCH: Denver7's Mike Castellucci's takes a scenic ride with the people who make the Royal Gorge Route Railroad run
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.
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.
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.
For Barrett, those moments in the gorge never grow old.
"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 reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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