Bootlegger Canyon
Union Pacific’s Cane Creek Subdivision is a unique stretch of railroad. The 35-mile branch line extends from Union Pacific’s Green River Subdivision to the Intrepid Potash Mine, southwest of Moab, Utah.
Built in the 1960’s, the Intrepid Mine is one of the leading producers of Potash nationwide. “Potash” is a term used to describe a class of refined potassium salts. These salts are used in many different types of fertilizers.
For many photographer’s, the highlight of the Cane Creek Subdivision is the incredible Bootlegger Canyon. Here, the tracks emerge from the 7,050’ Bootlegger Tunnel and traverse through scenic red rocks. Although Bootlegger Canyon is just outside of Arches National Park, the Corona Arch towers above the canyon walls. As the tracks exit Bootlegger Canyon, they follow the Colorado River for several miles before arriving at the Intrepid Mine.
On Friday, September 24th, I traveled to the treacherous Bootlegger Canyon to photograph Union Pacific’s ‘Potash Local’. The Potash Local makes a once-a-week journey from Grand Junction to Moab.
After a short, quiet wait in Bootlegger Canyon, the silence was broken by the sound of the UP 3778 guiding a lengthy train down the Cane Creek Subdivision. The incredible sound echoed off the jagged canyon walls.
UP 3778 — Potash Local — Bootlegger Canyon, Utah
September 24th, 2021
jakemiillephotography.com
Bootlegger Canyon
Union Pacific’s Cane Creek Subdivision is a unique stretch of railroad. The 35-mile branch line extends from Union Pacific’s Green River Subdivision to the Intrepid Potash Mine, southwest of Moab, Utah.
Built in the 1960’s, the Intrepid Mine is one of the leading producers of Potash nationwide. “Potash” is a term used to describe a class of refined potassium salts. These salts are used in many different types of fertilizers.
For many photographer’s, the highlight of the Cane Creek Subdivision is the incredible Bootlegger Canyon. Here, the tracks emerge from the 7,050’ Bootlegger Tunnel and traverse through scenic red rocks. Although Bootlegger Canyon is just outside of Arches National Park, the Corona Arch towers above the canyon walls. As the tracks exit Bootlegger Canyon, they follow the Colorado River for several miles before arriving at the Intrepid Mine.
On Friday, September 24th, I traveled to the treacherous Bootlegger Canyon to photograph Union Pacific’s ‘Potash Local’. The Potash Local makes a once-a-week journey from Grand Junction to Moab.
After a short, quiet wait in Bootlegger Canyon, the silence was broken by the sound of the UP 3778 guiding a lengthy train down the Cane Creek Subdivision. The incredible sound echoed off the jagged canyon walls.
UP 3778 — Potash Local — Bootlegger Canyon, Utah
September 24th, 2021
jakemiillephotography.com