cumbres & toltec scenic railroad

Most folks who are attracted to steam locomotives are probably well aware and have possibly ridden the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. I am writing this review for the benefit of those who may be vacationing or otherwise in Northern New Mexico or Southern Colorado. This day long trip between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO is one of the really scenic railroad trips in the United States and a magnificent addition to any vacation in this area. It is different from the also popular, and nearby, Durango - Silverton excursion in that the train climbs up into the high country where the high views can be enjoyed and the wide open spaces almost above timberline are absolutely breathtaking. There are many "tortuous" turns on the trip providing the aficionado wonderful views of the steam motive power at work. While the trip can be taken from either town and then return by bus, I would recommend travel from Chama to Antonito. The climb out of Chama to the pass at Cumbres (10,000 ft), though relatively short versus the entire trip, provides a steep climb (up to 4% grade) and a generous serving of smoke and cinders and that "music to our ears" of a working locomotive. Stops are made at a number of points, notably at the pass where it will be cool (or down right cold) depending on the weather conditions - even in summer and for lunch at Osier where a restaurant provides a buffet lunch and plenty of time for a break. Here both trains may meet and opportunities to view the second train across the open high pastures is a photographer's delight. In total this is approximately a 63 mile trip....but a realtively slow locomotive in the mountain country.Many volunteers are involved in your trip. Those at the stations provide ready answers for all of your questions while awaiting departure and those on the train know the history of the area and many good stories. In 1973 on my first visit to this railroad we saw a Basque sheep herder with his dog tending a large flock of sheep. While I'm not sure if that is still practiced, we did see herds of cattle in the high summer pastures on this visit. When you look up the Cumbres and Toltec on the internet, many of your questions around price, seating, schedules, etc. are answered and one can easily book well ahead with this method. It is highly recommended that you might want to consider one of two cars generally provided (for a modest price upgrade) which allow you to be seated at a table or other special seating where refreshments can be provided. These seats can be reserved at booking. There is also an open gondola car directly ahead of these two enclosed cars where a visit will expose one to the rocking of the cars, an open exposure to all of the sights and sounds and a great opportunity for photos. Standard coach seating is usually a bit closer to the locomotive and coupled to a snack and souvenir car.The return trip from the opposite station by bus normally takes about an hour. You will be back at your starting point in adequate time for dinner. It is suggested if you are traveling any modest distance to arrive at Antonito or Chama that you book a room at local lodging on the day before and after the trip since this activity will take most of the day.

This was so soooo cool! We came because they had a special engagement--they partnered with a local food pantry and admission was a can of food. The trip was of course, abbreviated from the normal 64-mile one in the summer, but it was just perfect for a taste of the railroad. We traveled from Chama to Lobato (?) and back, we had cookies and hot cocoa and SANTA WAS ON THE TRAIN!! The kids went nuts for the whole thing, it was very sweet. The scenery was pretty incredible too, can't wait to check it out in the summer time for the whole trip! Everyone was very friendly and even the engineers didn't give my super-inquisitive son a hard time for wanting to ask so many questions, lol!

Our journey began in Chama, New Mexico, elevation 7,871’ on the highest narrow gauge steam railroad in the US. The train climbed to 10,015’ over the Cumbres Pass, through the Toltec Gorge to Antonito, CO. We were advised to take the train beginning in Chama and ending in Antonito to see the most dramatic elevation and topography changes and I think that was excellent advice since the Antonito side was less dramatic but after a day long trip we were grateful for being able to relax and enjoy the ride with less dramatic scenery. I don’t think there is a bad seat on the train but if you are not going to get up and stand in the open viewing car in the rear, or move around on the train at all, you might consider choosing a seat on the right hand side from Chama to Antonito. But I encourage you to get out of your seat because the views are extraordinary and constantly changing. Personally I found the open car to be too sooty and crowded with people. Instead, I positioned myself on the platform between the cars for the best views and photo options since I was able to move freely from one side of the train to the other.We chose to take this train in the fall hoping to see the yellow aspens at their peak and we weren’t disappointed! Although fall foliage is never an accurate science, on Sept 23rd we were in Chama, NM with a smattering of fall color but as our train climbed up to the pass and the gorges we were rewarded with some of the most spectacular fall foliage on our entire 3 week trip. Brilliant spots of yellow and orange punctuated the dark evergreen forests on the surrounding canyons and mountains. As a bonus, along the way we passed horses, cattle, deer and herds of elk running from hunters in the valley below, with occasional hawks that flew overhead. I highly recommend taking the entire trip to Antonito, CO and the return bus back to Chama. Lunch is included on this trip, although that is not the reason to take the full journey since the lunch is over-cooked steam table food: meat loaf or turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes, and something green resembling green beans. I did see a salad bar downstairs that proved much better. If you are into desert though, don’t miss the coconut cake, that is quite good! But I digress, the real reason to take the entire journey to Antonito is that if you didn’t you would miss the Cumbres Pass and Toltec Gorge and some of the most spectacular scenery of the trip.Make a day of it to really get the most of this wonderful trip back in time!

Fantastic scenery. The meal halfway through the trip was exceptional. At one stage the railway line was high above the road below. Amazing

We took the full ride which ended up being about 7 hours. The parlor car is the way to go 1st class. Only 20 adults in the car. Being the last car, we had access to the back of the car for picture taking. Also had access to the open car. The whole trip we were pampered with food and gifts. The scenery was phenomenal. At the half way point, the train stops for a Hugh lunch. Turkey and dressing or meatloaf and all the fixings. Deserts galore. Back on the train for the later half of the ride. A trip you will never forget.

The scenery was outstanding. We reserved seats in the Parlor Car and even though it was rather expensive it was well worth the extra money. We took the bus to Antonito and rode the train back to Chama. If you travel on this route be sure to book seats on the left side as a majority of the photo ops are on this side of the train. Half way through our trip we stopped at Osier for a delicious lunch. The Aspens were slightly past prime but still provided a beautiful view. We enjoyed the trip very much and would recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Growing up in a small NM town, the train depot was about 200 yards away and I learned to Love the sound of the trains. My mom asked me to take her on this train ride because she thought it was the last time she'd have enough energy to do it so of course I booked us on the next opening season. We had seats in the "Parlor Car" at the end. We were waited on all day during the trip. Seats were comfortable and we switched to the other side to see the other views on the way back. We saw some beautiful scenery and wildlife. My mom was in heaven! Best part is if you want to get up and walk, you can to the other cars and the open car. Will definitely ride again!

This is an all-day trip (we did bus from Charma to Antonito and train back) across high desert and was very scenic. We went for Tourist with free tea/coffee/soft drinks but spent a lot of the trip in the open wagon as the weather was great. Great views and sounds from the old steam engine (though the run back to Charma from Cumbres was a bit of a noisy anti-climax with squeaky brakes) and lunch is included at half-way point.

We will ride it again. Very nice train. Wish we would have gone a couple weeks earlier for the foliage.

We were there in October, so the colors of the Aspens and the Cottonwood trees were breath taking. It's a day-long ride on the rails that crosses between New Mexico's northern border and Colorado's southern boarder 16 times. The other good time to go, I understand, is in June when all the baby animals are about. We went on the last weekend of the season, and they were running out of a lot of food/drinks, so I'd suggest going earlier in October if you want to see the Fall colors. It was a very comfortable ride -- a great way to see a beautiful part of the USA.

I have lived in NM all my life and had never ridden the train until now. We rode the last train of the season from Chama to Antonito. The staff treated us like we were the first riders of the season - all good natured, friendly and most helpful. If you have all day to spend on this adventure, recommend taking the train all the way to Antonito, and the comfortable bus back. The scenary from Osier to Antonito was different and more magnificent than the round trip from Chama to Osier. I will do this trip again next season. Seeing the mountains, trees, geology and wildlife reminds me of the beauty I call home.

Riding this trail is a great all-day experience. There is a good buffet lunch at the Osier stop. there is a nice open car to enjoy with high walls for safety with kids.

Great train trip! We went on both trains in the area in the space of a week (this and Durango Silverton) and this one outshines the Durango. What's better? Well, this has an open air (as in open to the sky) car in which the volunteer guide knows everything about the route, the train, the wildlife, geology...etc.. And the open air car is open to all, just step on out and hang there as long as you like. The meal stop was a great variety and the whole trip just seemed better organized by the folks at the CumbresToltec. The scenery, especially at the middle of October was spectacular with the aspens turning bright yellows and oranges. The windows also open DOWN so no need to worry about them slamming shut! If you only have time for one, I'd opt for the Cumbres and Toltec. I would say unless you are just a train nut, opt for the trip from Chama to Antonito by train and bus back. If you want a bunch of opportunities for dining, shopping and such, then Durango is better. If you have time, do both!

Last minute we decide to take an adventure to the C&T RR. We bought tickets to go by train and return by bus. The train scenic route took all day. October is the best time when all the leaves change colors. It is also very fold at night and in the mornings but it warms up nicely enough to have a long sleeve. The first half of the trip is the best...the views are wonderful. About lunchtime..I was done though. If you love nature and smoky trains, you will not be disappointed. Youre able to open the window by your seat and the smoke burns your nose after a while. No biggie. There are cinders and ashes that will get in your eyes, face and hair especially in the open box cart. So dress accordingly. You can purchase snacks on the train though they dont accept bills larger than $100. The hottest it ever gets in Cumbres is about 85 with high humididty but its perfect near the end of season's run. They do not run the trains past October. The tickets include a full hot meal with salad and soup bar and desserts served at a cafeteria along the way. I will do the half journey next time as it dragged for me after lunch. There are bathrooms on the train and sink dor washing hands however the bathroom on the bus is super cramped and tiny wity no sink. There is no baby changing station. Kids are not allowed in the parlor. All workers have tip jars. The train has alcohol in mini bottles and beer in cans, popcorn and candies. They accept debit and credit cards. Great experience overall. My toddler did great and is perfect for your little train enthusiast.

The train is interesting because it goes over a 10,000+ foot pass and is narrow gauge, is coal-powered steam engine. It's a long day, though. Following advice on TA, I took the bus to Antonito and returned by train. Starts in high sage-pinyon/juniper desert and winds through aspen/spruce/fir and valleys. I opted for the middle class of seating, but stood in the open air car almost the whole way. The smoke and particles do get blown over you now and then, I'm glad I had a scarf to put over my nose after a while.The docent was excellent, very informative. I'd just missed the peak fall colors by a few days, but it was still very pretty. The lunch is mediocre. I chose the soup and salad and the lettuce was brown and inedible. Soup was so-so. But that's not what you come for.It's not something I'll do again, but I'm glad I did it once. And I'm glad I did the entire route rather than the half-way and back option. Met nice friendly people.