The antique steam engines of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad are stoked up and ready to roll complete with passengers and a season-long celebration of train rides and activities starting May 23. The First Whistle Blow of the Season will be heard on Opening Day in Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado as trains prepare to pull out of both depots. Continued...
Opening day ceremonies for America's Highest and Longest Narrow Gauge Railroad begin at 9AM and will include a red-ribbon cutting ceremony, patriotic entertainment, and a "Blessing of the Train." Welcoming remarks by Political Dignitaries, Train Commissioners and Officials will mark the start of the railroad's 128th season followed by the official First Whistle Blow of the Season. The first trains will roll out at 10am sharp on May 23.
Be sure to join us!
 Trains depart from historic stations of both Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. For the ultimate experience, ride the train's entire route by catching a comfortable motor coach either before or after your train ride. Plan on a full day.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a living history of the spirit of the American West. Built in 1880, it was part of the San Juan Extension of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroads. Its narrow-gauge tracks ran from Denver through the ore-rich Rocky Mountains. Steam-powered locomotives pulled both passengers and freight, especially silver, along the mountainous route—a vital link in the economic development of the West. Continued...
The train's path over steep passes and along deep gorges was an engineering feat for its time. But the sharp decline of silver mining in the 1890s diminished the train's role, although it continued to operate into the 1960s. Finally, in 1969, it was abandoned. But the most scenic portion of its route, its buildings, and its equipment were saved. Today, operated by a bi-state commission, it proudly carries passengers on a remarkable trip through time.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs both directions along a 64-mile route between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. Either way, it is filled with heart stopping scenery. Leaving from Antonito, the train first crosses the vast San Luis Valley. It winds into the mountain forest past several old mining towns and crosses between Colorado and New Mexico a total of 11 times. Wildlife, including bear, elk, and deer are easily spotted. The train crosses high trestles and plunges into dark tunnels along the way. Passengers are breathless as it snakes along the 800-foot deep Toltec Gorge. As it nears the high point of the route, Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet elevation, the train passes through vast alpine meadows that are filled with wildflowers during spring and summer. As it makes its sharp descent, sweeping vistas of the Chama Valley unfold.
What makes the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad the most authentic in North America is the fact that its cars, locomotives, buildings, and even its route are original. All are carefully restored and maintained. Four powerful steam locomotives, built in the 1920s by Baldwin Locomotive in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pull the train up steep mountain passes. A fifth is on display in Chama, New Mexico, but is not in operation. Continued...
Besides the passenger cars, including a stylish parlour car, that are used on the train's scenic runs, the railroad owns a large collection of rolling stock. Visitors can view the entire collection, which is stored in the Chama and Antonito rail yards, on a walking tour. Be sure to listen for the Cumbres & Toltec's unique set of whistles, which serve to coordinate the efforts of the crew.
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