National and State Register

Vance Junction Coal Chute

San Miguel County

The circa 1890 chute is associated with the Rio Grande Southern Railway’s narrow-gauge line that operated through the mountainous regions of southwestern Colorado. 

A picture of the chute with wooden scaffolding in black and white.

Vance Junction Coal Chute (2002 photograph.)

Once common along coal burning railroads, it is Colorado’s only remaining coaling chute on a narrow-gauge line.

State Register

Address

Along railroad grade, north of Ilium, Telluride vicinity

Site Number

5SM.951.8