Adventure Brief
Step aboard a historic train and scenic bus on this deluxe New Mexico adventure. Enjoy spectacular views, a hot lunch, and expert-guided exploration on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
6–7 hours
easy
From $231.65
Family Friendly
Step aboard a historic train and scenic bus on this deluxe New Mexico adventure. Enjoy spectacular views, a hot lunch, and expert-guided exploration on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels since the adventure is mainly seated, but mobility assistance may be required for some boarding areas.
Wildlife
History
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad operates on one of the last remaining original steam rail lines that opened in 1880, showcasing authentic western railroad heritage.
Conservation
The company emphasizes sustainable practices by limiting emissions during operations and promoting preservation of the surrounding natural ecosystem.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Step aboard a historic train and scenic bus on this deluxe New Mexico adventure. Enjoy spectacular views, a hot lunch, and expert-guided exploration on the 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.
Base Location
Antonito, CO
Station departure city for many trips
Trips Offered
11 unique trips
Dinner trains to geology excursions
Route Length
64 miles
Antonito–Chama scenic corridor
Historic Equipment
19th-century cars & 168
Authentic steam-era experience
Reserve seats for dinner trains, geology excursions, or the Cumbres Express — authentic mountain vistas and historic steam locomotives await.
Reserve Your Seats Early
Booking in advance is essential, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred travel order and seating options.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can vary greatly between morning and afternoon; layered clothing ensures comfort throughout the day.
Bring a Camera with Zoom
The open-air gondola offers great photo ops of distant wildlife and landscapes—zoom lenses help capture the best shots.
Prepare for Altitude
Chama's elevation can affect breathing and comfort; stay hydrated and take it easy if you’re not accustomed to higher altitudes.
Layered Clothing
Adjustable layers help manage temperature changes during the day.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses protect you when riding in the open-air gondola.
summer
Camera with Zoom Lens
Capture distant wildlife and scenic vistas with clarity.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated throughout the trip is key, especially at altitude.