What time of year is best for riding the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?

The trip is enjoyable year-round, with summer and fall offering the most vibrant scenery and milder weather.

Are there dietary accommodations on the train?

Complimentary refreshments are available, but special dietary needs should be communicated at booking.

Is the journey suitable for young children?

Absolutely, it's a family-friendly experience with minimal walking and comfortable seating.

How long does the trip last?

The full journey lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, including scenic stops and commentary.

Pets are generally not permitted inside the passenger cars, but check with the operator for specific policies.

Is the train accessible for travelers with mobility challenges?

Most cars are accessible, but it's best to inform the staff of any mobility needs at the time of booking.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Adventure in Antonito | Train | Sightseeing Tour

Set against the rugged backdrop of Colorado’s Southern Rockies, Antonito offers a window into the authentic West’s historic railway routes. At the heart of this experience stands the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a vintage train journey that immerses visitors in a slice of 19th-century railroading. This trip is more than just transportation; it’s a rolling window into the scenic landscapes, with options to ride in the lavish Parlor Car or soak in views from the open-air Gondola Car.

As the train chugs along 64 miles of historic track, travelers traverse a tapestry of striking scenery—craggy mountain peaks, lush valleys, and sweeping vistas of the vast, open landscape. Passengers may glimpse herds of elk grazing in the high meadows or catch sight of the distant Rio Grande River snaking through the terrain. Informative guides narrate stories of the railroad’s role in settling the West and constructing the rail line through rugged mountain passes, offering context to the impressive engineering feats.

The journey’s charm lies in its accessibility; perfect for families or those pressed for time, it provides a comfortable, informative, and scenic experience suited for all ages. Complimentary refreshments enhance the ride, making it a leisurely yet immersive outing. The historic locomotives and vintage cars, combined with unspoiled views, create a nostalgic atmosphere that celebrates the enduring spirit of the West.

This railroad is a vital part of Antonito’s outdoor culture, preserving the region’s historic transportation and connecting visitors to its natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique way to see Colorado’s high country, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers an elevated adventure that sticks with you long after the whistle blows.

The closest major city to Antonito is Albuquerque, New Mexico, making it a convenient and memorable side trip on any southwestern Colorado itinerary. It stands out in Colorado's outdoor scene as a journey that combines heritage, scenery, and comfort into a small vanishing window of the American West.

About Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad based in Antonito, Colorado, that operates scheduled scenic train experiences across the historic Cumbres Pass corridor. The railroad runs vintage 19th-century train cars and operates the historic locomotive 168 on select departures, delivering authentic steam-era travel through high mountain landscapes.

Trips include themed dinner and wine trains, deluxe and parlor-car Cumbres Express services, coach and open-air gondola options, geology-focused excursions, one-way journeys between Chama and Cumbres, and combined bus–train itineraries covering the Antonito–Chama route. Many departures feature a hot lunch or dinner at Osier station, interpretive commentary from knowledgeable guides, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

The railroad highlights the region’s geology, historic trestles, and sweeping mountain vistas while preserving original rolling stock and track alignment. Visitors travel across iconic structures such as the Wolf Creek trestle and ascend Cumbres Pass, experiencing panoramic views of the Rio Grande Rift and surrounding peaks.

Tickets are offered for specific named departures, including Dinner & Beer Train, 168 Dinner & Wine Train, Cumbres Express (Deluxe, Parlor, Coach), Continental Divide and Geology trains, and All Aboard Antonito one-way combinations. Passengers can choose seating classes ranging from coach to premium parlor cars and open-air gondolas for unobstructed scenery.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad emphasizes historic preservation, guided interpretation, and curated dining options to create memorable, authentic western railroad journeys from Antonito, Colorado. Reservations and ticketing details are available through channels for each named departure and seating class. Plan ahead for limited seating on popular dates.