The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) was a major American railroad that operated in the western United States. Founded in 1870, it primarily served Colorado and New Mexico, connecting various mining towns and facilitating the transport of goods and passengers. The railroad was known for its scenic routes through the Rocky Mountains. In 1988, the D&RGW merged with the Southern Pacific Railroad, which led to the eventual dissolution of the D&RGW name. Today, parts of its former routes are still in use, and the legacy of the railroad is preserved through historical societies and museums dedicated to its history and impact on the region.