All Aboard!...Next Stop 1880!

by Jill Lane

Chama, New Mexico [2005]

Climb aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and enjoy a truly awesome experience on the most authentic steam era railroad in North America! 

Hidden away in a little-known corner of the southern Rocky Mountains on the border of New Mexico and Colorado is a precious historic artifact of the American West that time forgot!  Built in 1880 and relatively unchanged, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the finest and most spectacular example of steam era mountain railroading in North America.   Jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, this 64-mile railroad connects Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico via the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass.   The train, operated as a living history museum, provides one of the most spectacular museum experiences imaginable.  This rolling history lesson aboard our antique train will welcome you to step back into time to travel just as they did in the 1880s, as well as transport you over some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. 

From the highest mountain summit of Cumbres Pass to the depths of Toltec Gorge, this Scenic Railroad will take you on a high-mountain steam rail adventure like none other! 

The 2005 Season for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs from Saturday, May 28 to Sunday, October 16.  It operates comfortable enclosed coaches with windows that open. Seats are pre-assigned and reserved on board the enclosed cars, but all passengers are welcome to enjoy the view from the open observation car.  In Season, trains operate every day of the week except Friday. Please call or visit our website for schedule details.  Fares for coach seating range from $54.75 to $69.75 for adults, and $29.50 to $37 for children ages 2 through 11. 

A first class experience is also offered aboard the Cumbres & Toltec’s  Parlor Car.  The Parlor Car prices range from $103.75 to $108.75 and Parlor Passengers ride in a carpeted and paneled coach featuring complimentary snack service and a dedicated Concierge.  Lunch and transportation are also included in the ticket price.  There are no child fares for the Parlor Car and all Parlor Passengers must purchase a ticket. 

Lunch is a special treat on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Your ticket price includes an incredible homestyle hot meal at the old stagecoach town of Osier.  Be prepared for a memorable meal, topped off with incredibly delicious homemade desserts made fresh daily.  There is a gift shop at Osier, as well as supplies, gifts and snacks on board the Train’s Concession Car.  Guests should bring lots of film—the scenery throughout the 64-mile ride is absolutely stupendous.  The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad invites group aboard, and the Train is handicap accessible.

New this year to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is our Family Train ride—“THE CINDER EXPRESS!”  This two-hour trip, designed with children in mind, will provide a fun and educational experience aboard the Special.  The ride will include Cinder Bear-the official Mascot of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad- on board storytelling, special surprise guests, snacks and a memento for each child.  This train will operate on a limited schedule.  Ticket prices are $40 per adult and $25 per child age 2 through 11.  Babies under 2 are free if they do not book a seat.   Adults can only purchase a ticket on the “Cinder Express” IF a child accompanies them! Call for schedule information and reservations for this fun, new family railroad experience!

Other special train rides and events will be offered at various times throughout the year, including “The Christmas Train”.  This magical holiday train ride takes passengers of all ages into the snowy mountain splendor of the Rockies.  Unlike other holiday train rides, The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers its very own holiday story on board the ride, starring Cinder Bear, Santa Claus and the C&TS Train.  This two hour Special includes storytelling, refreshments and the on-board arrival by two surprise visitors who hand out a holiday story memento for all children!  A real hit in 2004, we anticipate The Christmas Train to sell out early again in 2005.  The Christmas Train will operate out of Chama on Saturday, December 3, 2005 and out of Antonito on December 10, 2005. 

So, whether your “All Aboard” experience takes you on a magical holiday train ride, or you wish to take in the spectacular colors of Fall Foliage or Summertime beauty in the Mountains, plan now for a MUST-DO antique train experience aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad! 

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a registered State and National Historic Site, was recently named “one of the best 20 railway experiences in the world” by the Society of International Railway Travelers.  In 2004 at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was named “Outstanding Attraction” by the Tourism Association of New Mexico. 

Call 1-888-CUMBRES (1-888-286-2737) or visit www.cumbrestoltec.com for schedules and information.