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Take a scenic one-way train journey from Cumbres to Chama, ideal for hikers exploring the Continental Divide. Enjoy stunning mountain views from the open-air gondola and learn about the region’s rich history along the way.
Take a scenic one-way train journey from Cumbres to Chama, ideal for hikers exploring the Continental Divide. Enjoy stunning mountain views from the open-air gondola and learn about the region’s rich history along the way.
Book with Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad · Antonito, Colorado
Experience a unique outdoor adventure combining the thrill of hiking with a memorable one-way train journey along the Continental Divide. Departing from Antonito, Colorado, this trip aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad takes you from Cumbres to Chama in an open-air gondola, offering expansive views of the Rocky Mountains. This scenic ride is ideal for hikers planning to explore the Continental Divide Trail or surrounding wilderness. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the railroad’s history and the area’s rugged landscape. Comfort is prioritized with onboard snacks available for purchase. After disembarking at Chama, adventurers can set out on their hike, refreshed by the relaxing ride and inspired by the stunning alpine scenery. This experience offers a perfect blend of relaxation, education, and outdoor exploration, making it a must for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an outdoor novice, this journey provides a breathtaking introduction to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of southern Colorado’s mountainous region.
moderate.
4–6 hours.
Suitable for hikers with moderate fitness who can handle hiking at high elevation and some uneven terrain.
Snacks are available for purchase onboard, but you are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
The train has limited accessibility; please contact Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in advance to discuss specific needs.
Pets are not permitted onboard for safety and comfort reasons, except for service animals with proper documentation.
Elevation changes vary depending on your chosen trail, but the area averages around 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level.
No advanced experience is necessary, but moderate fitness and basic hiking ability are recommended due to elevation and terrain.
The train journey typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather and operational conditions.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a restored narrow-gauge railway dating back to the 1880s, once vital for freight and passenger travel across the Rockies.
Efforts focus on preserving the historic railroad while protecting local ecosystems, promoting sustainable tourism and minimizing environmental impact.
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