The purpose of the Denver & Rio Grande Western's Crater Loops (here just out of sight at the left) was to gain altitude as part of the climb to Toponas Summit. The train in the center of the slide has just descended the steep grade cut into the hillside behind it (a location known as Volcano), and will shortly navigate the Loops to lose yet more altitude in the narrow valley as it heads south towards Bond. This view from above is from Conger Mesa Road.
