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Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) is a heritage railroad that runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. Named after the Cumbres Pass and Toltec Gorge, the railroad has six operational steam locomotives and two diesel locomotives. A couple of smaller steam locomotives are used for special events.

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General Info

The C&TSRR runs for 64 miles, and it is the longest and highest steam-powered railroad in the country. Created in the late 1800s. Narrow gauge track was used due to its cheaper cost and ability to handle the tight curves needed in the mountains.

Because the tracks run through Cumbres Pass, which has an elevation of over 10,000 feet, snow storms were originally a problem. To take care of this issue, the railroad began running two rotary snowplows. Both are still in existence. You can view them at the Cumbres station.

Today, C&TSRR is jointly owned by the state of New Mexico and the state of Colorado. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is designated as a National Historic Landmark, and is designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

What to Expect

You can ride the C&TSRR from May through most of October. Each morning, one train leaves Antonito, Colorado and heads to Chama, New Mexico. Another train leaves Chama and heads to Antonito. Both trains meet around lunch time at Osier, Colorado. At that point, you can swap trains and go back to where you started or continue along your way.

At Osier, both trains stop for lunch. You can spend a while enjoying a great meal of turkey or homemade meatloaf, or simply enjoy the fantastic views.

The C&TSRR ride travels through the San Juan Mountains and offers unforgettable views of the countryside. You'll wind through colorful aspen forests, alpine meadows, over mountain rivers and through tunnels carved in the mountainside.

Two of the most iconic areas along the way, are the Cumbres Pass and Toltec Canyon. Cumbres Pass has an elevation of over 10,000 feet, with a 4% grade on one side and an almost 6% grade on the other. Toltec Canyon runs along a narrow ledge, with an 800 foot drop, that'll take your breath away.

Maximum speed of the train is 12mph, so plan on sitting back an enjoying all the beauty of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

Schedules and Fares

The C&TSRR offers three schedules originating from Chama: Chama All Aboard, Cumbres Express, and Chama High Noon. Fares vary, depending on the season. Fares listed below are for the upcoming Summer schedules.

Chama All Aboard

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:05 PM, Tuesday - Sundays
Fares: Adult $105 to $215; child $55 to $75

Cumbres Express

Schedule: 11:10 AM - 2:45 PM
Fares: Adult $105 to $215; child $55 to $75

Chama High Noon

Schedule: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Fares: Adult $85 to $125; child $45 to $55

Reviews

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My wife and I rode this railroad just a couple weeks ago and wow! I have lived in Colorado Springs for almost 50 years now and I regret not doing this trip greatly. Incredible scenery, great experience and holy cow, what a meal during the trip. (Part of the price of the trip.)

Super. Roger P, Trip Advisor

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We did one trip last year in September, and enjoyed it so much we planned this year’s trip for October, hoping for peak fall colors. We were not disappointed!! Stunningly beautiful vistas, perfect weather, and an awesome staff made this a perfect outing for our family trip. Due to COVID, there were some minor changes, but everything went smoothly. I think anytime would be wonderful, but the fall trips are simply gorgeous. This adventure is definitely worth taking, book early for the fall

Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad's. Tim H, Trip Advisor

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Great experience. The volunteers are very knowledgeable Nd helpful. The train ride is great and wonderful scenery. The food at the stop is good home cooking. It is worth the time and money.

Great trip back in time. kak7114, Trip Advisor