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Ride the Galloping Goose NO. 5 through the rugged Rockies aboard the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Discover mountain vistas, tunnels, and trestles on this unique journey across Colorado and New Mexico.
Ride the Galloping Goose NO. 5 through the rugged Rockies aboard the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. Discover mountain vistas, tunnels, and trestles on this unique journey across Colorado and New Mexico.
Book with Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
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Operated by Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad · Albuquerque, New Mexico
Galloping Goose NO. 5 offers a distinctive way to journey across the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains along the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, one of North America’s most renowned narrow-gauge railways. Departing near Antonito, Colorado, this historic train ride covers 64 miles through high-altitude terrain marked by towering mountain peaks, dense forests, and striking geological formations. The route crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times, showcasing diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas few other modes of travel can match.
The Galloping Goose itself is a vintage motorcar on rails, originally designed in the 1930s to maintain remote sections of the railway. Today, it offers passengers an intimate and nostalgic view of the sprawling Rocky Mountain scenery, including numerous trestles and tunnels engineered with remarkable late 19th-century craftsmanship. Along this journey, riders encounter the San Juan Mountains’ rugged outlines and the vibrant seasonal colors that sweep over the landscape.
This ride stands out because it combines rich railroad history with direct access to a remote, lightly trafficked part of the Continental Divide. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark, preserving a unique method of transportation and connecting adventurers with the heritage of the American West’s railway pioneers. The craftsmanship of the trestles and tunnels, along with the wide-open views of the alpine terrain, offer an undeniable sense of place.
Visitors depart from Antonito, a small town that preserves the Old West spirit and serves as a gateway to this remarkable rail journey. Whether you’re fascinated by historic railroads or seeking a scenic escape through some of the Rocky Mountains’ least accessible areas, the Galloping Goose trip delivers a timeless yet thrilling outdoor experience unmatched by traditional sightseeing.
Turn this trip into a day of discovery, watching wildlife from your seat and soaking in the crisp mountain air — a standout adventure for anyone drawn to the raw beauty and legacy of the American West.
easy.
4–6 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels since the trip involves sitting; some walking at stations.
The ride typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours depending on the schedule and stops along the route.
Pets are generally not permitted aboard to ensure passenger comfort and safety.
Yes, children are welcome; however, supervising adults should be prepared for the lengthy trip duration.
Dress in layers, as temperatures can vary greatly with altitude and time of day.
Some trips offer onboard snacks and beverages, but bringing your own is recommended for longer journeys.
Scheduled stops are limited and do not typically allow passengers to disembark for hikes; check the itinerary beforehand.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, established in 1880, is the highest and longest narrow-gauge railroad in the United States.
Operators commit to preserving historic equipment while minimizing environmental impact on the sensitive mountain ecosystems along the route.
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.
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