Ride the Rails on North America's Highest and Longest Steam Train
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has been featured in more than 20 films.
Adventure and timeless beauty awaits on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the real life train that looks like it could have inspired Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Opening for the season on May 25, 2024 and ending October 19, the steam-operated train transports passengers from Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. The locomotive climbs more than 10,000 feet above sea level and is the highest and longest steam railroad in North America.
The railroad was built in 1880 to transport silver. It snakes through 64-miles of dramatic landscapes that include tree-covered mountains, sheer cliffs plunging into rivers down below, and self-sustaining dark tunnels formed by dynamite. The train’s route passes through the Rocky Mountains and has served as the backdrop for more than 20 movies, including the iconic opener to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Harder They Fall and Horizon, the soon to be released four-part saga from Kevin Costner.
The train was converted from working locomotive to passenger train in 1970 after the states of Colorado and New Mexico purchased the track and its equipment to preserve its heritage. The rail line ceases operation during the cold winter months due to heavy snowfall and comes alive during the warmer months, with the fall being its peak season.
Arriving to Chama, New Mexico requires a drive. If traveling from the south up Santa Fe, take US-84 for sweeping views of red rock cliffs. The alternative (US-96 through Cuba) is 16 miles of unpaved road that includes crossing El Vado Dam—1,326 feet of a one-way traffic lane that’s under construction.
What route to take on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend and through the fall, guests can choose from an array of route options. The All Aboard ticket offers departure from either Chama or Antonito (Chama has a more lively depot with surrounding shops, restaurants, and places to stay). The full-day ride includes lunch and transportation to the starting point. If you’re an early bird, select Antonito as your departure. Guests park at Chama and are then transported to Antonito—a 45 minute drive. The train’s last stop ends up being Chama where people who parked at Antonito are then transported back (adult ticket prices start at $115 for summer departures and $155 for the fall season).
The Half Limited trips travel to the mid-way point of the route and back. Guests debark for lunch at Osier Station and switch trains to return to the depot they boarded at. No bus transport is required and lunch is provided (adult ticket prices start at $95 for summer and $135 for the fall season). Additional trips will be offered on weekends in the fall to meet demand for the popular autumn season.
For people with a limited amount of time or families, choose the Express option. The three and a half hour ride departs from Cumbres or Chama. (Adult ticket prices start at $80, children 6-12 are $45 and children 2-5 are $25). Lunch is not provided. Pros recommend booking with the reservationist versus the online portal to ensure all questions are answered.
Specialty routes will be offered on select dates. They include a Geology train (June 9 and September 8) where a team of distinguished geologists will serve as docents and interpret points of geologic interest along the train route. The train will make a number of stops for passengers and geologists to disembark and view unusual rock formations, volcanic deposits, tunnels, and more. Each participant will receive a mile by mile geologic rail log. A late afternoon fireworks celebration train will run on the Fourth of July (July 4). There’s also a BBQ-Themed Dinner Ride (August 7) where guests will be served brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and more from Outlaw BBQ; brews from local Durango, CO. brewery SKA; and live music. More of a surf and turf fan? There’s a ride for that (October 9). Expect a hearty dinner of prime angus smoke ribeye, smoked Atlantic salmon, grilled asparagus and baked potato, along with drinks and music.
What car to ride in on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Once a route is selected, choose where you’ll ride. The parlor is by far the fanciest of the bunch and requires riders to be 21 years of age or older to ride. The wood-paneled car features comfy, individual seats that face out towards the panoramic windows that can be lowered for glass-free pics. Personal attendants serve a continental breakfast with drinks and snacks available throughout the ride.
The deluxe car offers elegant table-esque seating. Snacks are available, and this car is open to people of all ages. For travelers on a budget or those who prefer to spend most of their time on the open-air gondola car (available to all passengers) opt for the coach option. Snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase in this bench seating car.
Alcoholic drinks are available on every car through a cash bar. Bring your own snacks if you have any dietary restrictions. Throughout the trip there will be informative docents to walk travelers through an authentic journey of the West.
Restaurants and bars in Chama, New Mexico
This is a small town so expect few places to be open during low peak times. Locals swear by Santy’s Taco Shop, a casual, quick service restaurant with a variety of Mexican food options. There’s also Felicianos for pizza and American fare. Across the street from the Chama depot is Foster’s Restaurant which offers a full bar and New Mexican fare such as a carne adovada plate of marinated pork in a red chile caribe served with tortillas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start and end your day at Rio Chama Espresso Kitchen and Wine Bar. The woman-owned business features fair trade coffee and tea, baked goods and boozy beverages.
Where to stay in Chama, New Mexico
Chama Trails Motel is a pet-friendly Southwestern motel with a microwave and mini-fridge on-site for any food you might have brought in (and conveniently located across the street from a Lowes grocery store for anything you forgot). The motel offers a variety of clothing merch, with all sale proceeds going to local scholarships. Its owners are related to the owners of Sterling & Sage, a quaint bed and breakfast located in town, above their shop across from the Chama depot.