Trippin' Again: Railroad takes passengers on scenic Western adventure

Editor's note: As we begin to see COVID-19 in our rear-view mirrors, travelers are cautiously returning to the roads. This series offers destination options for eastern New Mexico-area residents looking to get away for a few days.

Adventures of the West, scenic views, and off-the-grid wilderness experiences can all be explored by railroad.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a railroad experience jointly owned by the states of New Mexico and Colorado. It traverses 64 miles between Chama and Antonite, Colo. It crosses this border 11 times. It was voted the No. 1 Scenic Train by "USA Today 10 Best" readers in 2016, 2019, and 2020.

Most of the trip explores off-the-grid routes, which gives you various views of canyons and ridges. The train travels at the speed of 12 mph. While many will view that as turtle speed when it comes to driving, it is the perfect speed to enjoy the scenic views. The Chama departure climbs a 4% grade into the mountains. It first views the remainders of the historic Lobato Sheep Ranch. It includes rolling meadows, a view of the Wolf Creek, and roaming species of elk, deer, and bears.

As the train continues its trip up, the view backward reveals the Chama Valley. The locomotive soon chugs along the Cumbres Pass. This is the highest mountain pass reached by railroad in the U.S., marking it at 10,015 feet. The train hugs a sheer rock face as it looks down at alpine meadows and wildflowers.

After Cumbres lies the Tanglefoot Curve. This loop is so tight the caboose seems to meet the locomotive. Once through, the railroad crosses Cascade Creek Trestle and pulls into Osier, Colo. After a stop for lunch, the locomotive leaves Osier and heads for Toltec Gorge. There are two long tunnels, Mud Tunnel and Rock Tunnel, and the Phantom Curve. The gorge drops 800 feet as the train follows the narrow ledge. The rocky terrain begins to soften as views of Colorado rise around the locomotive. The train soon arrives in Antonito, Colo.

Each class of seating offers a hot meal midway, which is included in your ticket price. While the train offers various seating options, you also have the option to get up and walk around. You can explore the outdoors by riding the gondola car, or by holding on to the railing as you ride between cars.

Original buildings:

While the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad is already a unique experience, it also offers one more aspect. Many of its original buildings still lie along the route. At the top of the Cumbres Pass is the Cumbres Section House. The abandoned section town of Sublette is still used as a water stop for steam locomotives.

Where is it:

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Chama departure location is five hours northwest of Clovis. It is 31 minutes east of Dulce. Its address is Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, 500 Terrace Ave, Chama, NM 87520.

Admission and hours:

The railroad express has three options for departing from Chama; Chama All Aboard, Cumbres Express, and Chama High Noon! Half-Day Trip. Prices for Chama All Aboard and Cumbres Express are the same: $105 for adults and $55 for children (2-12) for a coach car, $165 for adults and $75 for children for a deluxe car, and $215 for ages 16 and up for a parlor car. For the Chama High Noon ride it is $85 for adults and $45 for children for a coach car, $105 for adults and $55 for children for a deluxe car, and $125 for ages 16 and up for a parlor car.

The summer schedule for Chama All Aboard and Cumbres Express goes until Sept. 12 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Chama High Noon has Friday departures until Sept. 10. Hours vary throughout the year.

For more information:

Call 888-286-2737, email [email protected], or visit the website cumbrestoltec.com