THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover a scenic train voyage combined with a rewarding hike along the Continental Divide. Experience stunning Rocky Mountain views and rich regional history aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Discover a scenic train voyage combined with a rewarding hike along the Continental Divide. Experience stunning Rocky Mountain views and rich regional history aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Book with Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad · Antonito, Colorado
The Continental Divide Hike from Cumbres | Coach offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey aboard the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, traveling from Cumbres to Chama through some of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes. The open-air gondola car provides unobstructed panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, making it an ideal setting for photography and nature appreciation. Onboard, snacks are available to keep you energized, and expert guides share fascinating insights about the region’s history and geology. This one-way train ride is designed to complement your hike along the Continental Divide, allowing you to explore challenging mountain terrain with the convenience of a scenic return trip. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a nature lover seeking a unique outdoor experience, this combination of rail travel and hiking highlights the natural beauty and cultural heritage of southern Colorado. The crisp mountain air and the quiet rhythm of the train create a peaceful yet invigorating atmosphere, making this trip memorable and accessible for a broad range of adventure enthusiasts.
moderate.
4–6 hours.
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle varied terrain and altitude changes along the Continental Divide.
The train ride on this experience is a one-way journey from Cumbres to Chama, perfect for those planning to hike the Continental Divide.
The route passes through elevations between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, so be prepared for thinner air and cooler temperatures.
Yes, light snacks are available onboard to keep you energized during the journey.
The hike is moderate in difficulty; beginners with basic fitness should be comfortable but should pace themselves accordingly.
Cell service is limited in many parts of the route, so plan accordingly for safety and communication.
Bring waterproof layers and warm clothing, especially in spring and fall when weather can change rapidly.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad dates back to 1880 and was historically vital for transporting goods and passengers through rugged terrain.
Ongoing efforts focus on preserving the historic railroad and protecting the fragile mountainous ecosystems from overuse and climate impacts.
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.
Book with Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad