In 1877, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad pushed rails to the 9500 foot mark on Old La Veta Pass between Alamosa and La Veta.

This highest point was called “Uptop”, and marked the highest railroad line then in existence. It held that title for a mere three years until the Antonito line breached 10,000 feet.

The line connected young La Veta with Alamosa and points west. Uptop developed into a tourist town with a saloon, dance hall and chapel and was a popular destination during the torrid summers in Pueblo.

After the turn of the last century the line was rerouted to the south. The rails through Uptop were torn up and, in the 1930’s, turned into an auto road over “La Veta Pass”. Several fine overlooks were built to give drivers views of the Spanish Peaks, the foothills and the town of La Veta.

In the 1960’s, La Veta Pass was rerouted to its present location. Uptop, astride what is now Old La Veta Pass, turned into a ghost town. The site was recently purchased and is now in development as a tourist attraction once again.

The chapel has been preserved throughout the town’s life and is open to all visitors.