Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Center of town along NM Highway 17
Chama, New Mexico
Tel:
(888) 286-2737
Come to New Mexico and visit one of America's most cherished artifacts on wheels! Established in 1880, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a great way to experience the thrill of steam railroading as our ancestors experienced it over a hundred years ago. All of the equipment and structures are all authentic replicas of that era, and the view from the railroad is still as stunning as it was then.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad originally served the silver mines of the San Juan mountain communities in Colorado. Like most western railroads at the time, tracks were built to a narrow three foot gauge. In 1890, however, Rio Grande railroads began converting to 4 feet 8-1/2 inch gauges to be compatible with the rest of the country.
Until 1969, the line continued hauling freight as an isolated relic of the old 3-feet gauge. In 1970 the railroad began hauling tourists instead. Today, you can ride the rail, and visit the old historic depots, Chama Depot, and Antonito Depot. The train itself is fully stocked, with an open observation car for taking in the majestic view, a souvenir shop where you can buy snacks and film supplies, and a parlor car with a carpeted and paneled coach. The train itself is fully wheelchair accessible, but be sure to call ahead to make arrangements for the lift.
As the train pulls out of Chama station, check out the old Lobato sheep ranch, with its high trestle and surrounding white aspen trees. Keep your eyes peeled for deer elk, and even bears! Look backwards as the train climbs the steep hills for a breathtaking view of the Chama Valley. Soon, you'll be at 10,015 feet, higher than any train in the United States. Be sure to bundle up! There are occasional snow flurries here, even in summer. Here, near the route's highest point, you'll stop for lunch in Osier, a former mining town on Colorado.
As you pull out of Osier after lunch, keep an eye out for Toltec Gorge. Here, you'll pass through two narrow tunnels, the Mud Tunnel, and the Rock tunnel, and then pass Phantom Curve, named for a ghostly rock spire. From here it's all downhill and nothing but beautiful views to Antonito.
The rail is active seven days a week, May through October, leaving from both Chama and Antonito. You can ride either round trip from your departure point to Osier and back, or one way across the whole line (return by charter bus is available). A Chama-Cumbres round trip is also available on Sundays in July and August. On Thursdays starting in June through August there is another Chama-Cumbres trip available called the Cinder Bear Express geared towards children. A great trip for the whole family!