Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
4.8(1.6K)google
4.4(71)yelp
CanyonMountainScenic LookoutTrain
Overview
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, often abbreviated as the C&TSRR, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 64 miles (103 km) of track between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, in the United States. The railroad is named for two geographical features along the route: the 10,015-foot (3,053 m)-high Cumbres Pass and the Toltec Gorge. Originally part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad's narrow-gauge network, the line has been jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico since 1970.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeStrictly seasonal, operating historical coal-fired steam engines from late May through mid-October. The world-renowned peak window is late September to early October for golden aspen tree foliage. Board the 10:00 AM full-line weekend excursion crossing the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass for a jaw-dropping look at narrow rocky gorges.
Getting ThereThe historic train depot commands downtown Chama, NM, at 500 Terrace Ave. Driving is essential due to the remote mountain terrain: drive north from Albuquerque along the US-84 N corridor for a scenic 3-hour journey directly to the rail yards. The property offers an expansive, complimentary private visitor parking plaza wrapping around the train sheds.
Travel Tips
- The historic narrow-gauge steam rail trip takes 6.5 hours; book specialized open-air gondola seats months in advance as walk-ups are non-existent.
- Tracks cross the high Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet where sudden summer hail or freezes occur; passengers must pack a heavy winter coat.
- Coal smoke and airborne soot regularly drift through open-air cars; avoid wearing white clothes and wear protective sunglasses or goggles.
Reviews
Positive
- America's best narrow-gauge steam rail, crawling along 10,000-foot Rocky Mountain crests with stunning historic visual shock over aspen canyons.
- The open-air gondola viewing car is an absolute blessing for photographers, offering unhindered mountain air and vintage steam smoke photos.
- The mountain buffet lunch included at Osier Station is staggeringly good, with hot roasted turkey and fresh pies served by exceptionally warm staff.
- A pure cultural feast for rail history enthusiasts and slow travelers, untouched by commercialism; its antique narrow-gauge charm maximizes high value.
Heads up
- The vintage journey lasts over six hours on rustic, historic hard seating; long hours leave your back stiff and heavily test toddlers' patience.
- Being 100% coal-fired, heavy clouds of dark soot particulates drift through open windows; clothes get soot-stained and sensitive eyes get irritated.
- Ticket pricing ranks at the luxury-tier premium, especially for parlor cars; total family transit costs are steep, making its value subjective.
- Internal passenger corridors are physically restricted and narrow due to historic cabin heritage, making wheelchair movement between cars tough.