Courtesy/C&TSRR
C&TSRR News:
CHAMA — This year, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR), the nation’s highest, longest and most authentic narrow gauge steam railroad, will introduce its shortest – and most affordable – trip ever.
“Chama to Cumbres is a brand-new option that only takes two hours, perfect for families and those short on time,” C&TSRR General Manager Ed Beaudette said. “It offers a taste of the thrill of steam railroading at our most affordable price ever.”
Chama to Cumbres departs at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from the Chama, NM station. The train steams up the thrilling four percent grade to the 10,015-foot-high summit of Cumbres Pass, the highest point reached by any steam railroad in North America. At the summit, passengers disembark the train and board a deluxe motorcoach for a 20-minute ride down the mountain and are back to Chama by noon. The trip is $65 for adults, $35 for children ages 6-12 and $25 for children ages 2-5.
On the train, passengers ride in comfortable coach class and can enjoy the open gondola car, where docents point out geological and historical highlights. There is a concession car with snacks and a full bar. The train ride lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes and crosses over creeks and through meadows of wildflowers, aspen groves and forests. Foxes, deer, elk, and even bears are plentiful and frequently spotted from the train. Views of Windy Point and the entire Chama Valley are simply spectacular from the train as it chugs up the steep mountain pass.
The Cumbres & Toltec is famous for offering the longest steam train trip in the nation with its most popular trips traveling the full 64-miles between Antonito, Colo. and Chama. The full-day trip steams through tunnels, across trestles and crosses the New Mexico-Colorado border 11 times. Full day trips include a delicious lunch of regional specialties at scenic Osier Station.
There are also a variety of trip options and special excursions, dinner trains, a geology train and even a Hiker’s Pass for Continental Divide Trail hikers.
The new Chama to Cumbres trip is only available out of Chama and has limited seating. Information on all trips during the 2025 season, May 31-Oct. 25, can be found at cumbrestoltec.com or by calling 1.888.286.2737.
About the C&TSRR:
Nation’s Highest, Longest and Most Authentic Steam Train Built in 1880 as the Denver & Rio Grande Western, San Juan Extension, the railroad originally connected Denver and the east to the rich gold, silver, ranching and timber operations in Northern New Mexico and Southwestern Colorado. The railroad continued to operate as a steam railroad until service was discontinued in 1969, at which point the states of Colorado and New Mexico stepped in, purchasing 64 miles of the most scenic track and all remaining steam locomotives and equipment to maintain the railroad as a historic landmark. Today, the C&TSRR is a National Historic Landmark that moves and is the most complete example of late nineteenth and early twentieth century narrow gauge railroading in the nation.
