FW&D and the EP&SW (Dawson railway) blocked any diversion to the East.
There do appear to be a pair of canyons to the west that could be part of a new route with a summit of similar height if desired, at around 36°56'33.70"N, 104°44'40.78"W. Clearly, though, there is no demand for such a line and the EP&SW could probably be rebuilt for less.
