Explore New Mexico’s dramatic geology aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad with bus and train travel. Expert guides and stunning stops await on this unforgettable journey.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required since most travel is seated.
Wildlife
History
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a narrow-gauge railway built in the late 19th century that played a key role in transporting goods and passengers across the Rocky Mountains.
Conservation
The railroad and surrounding areas actively promote sustainable tourism practices aimed at protecting fragile landscapes and minimizing impact on local ecosystems.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Explore New Mexico’s dramatic geology aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad with bus and train travel. Expert guides and stunning stops await on this unforgettable journey.
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.
Bring layers for changing weather
Temperature can vary greatly between the valley floor and higher elevations; dress in layers for comfort.
Charge your camera fully
There are multiple photo stops with unbeatable views, so bring additional memory or batteries if possible.
Arrive early for boarding
Give yourself plenty of time to check-in and get seated comfortably on the coach bus before the trip starts.
Hydrate frequently
Semi-arid high-elevation climate can be dehydrating; drink plenty of water during the trip.
Layered clothing
Adapt to temperature changes throughout the day by wearing or removing layers.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated especially during the high-elevation segments.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the unique geology and scenic views along the route.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Protect yourself from the strong sun exposure at high elevations.
spring|summer|fall