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Incline Railway
Built in 1931, and traveling at a 45-degree angle, the world's steepest Incline Railway is still considered one of the most difficult structures ever built. Here, timeless granite walls loom all around as you descend over 1,500 feet to the canyon floor, a mere 50 feet at its widest. Looking up, the Bridge appears as a delicate ribbon cutting across the sky.
Stepping off the car, you'll enjoy the cool spray of the roaring Arkansas River, while whitewater rafters brave the Class 5 rapids below your feet. One can only imagine what it must have been like with guns blazing and dynamite exploding as early railroad officials hired Bat Masterson to protect their crew and materials in the Royal Gorge War.
Engineering Facts
• Construction began in 1930 and completed in 1931
• Length of incline: 1,550 feet (473 meters)
• 100% grade, 45-degree angle
• Powered by Otis Elevator with a completely automatic SCR drive system
• Standby emergency diesel engine
• Maximum speed: 11.4 mph
• Rate of descent: 3 mph
• Weight of cars: 4,500 lbs.
• Travel time: 5.5 minutes each way
• Same engineering and construction crews that built the Bridge
• Safety: 19 manually operated stopping devices, also equipped with automatic governor to stop each car
• Listed on the National Historic Register
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