All Aboard Chama: Scenic Train & Bus Adventure in New Mexico

Read the full experience

Experience an unforgettable journey through the stunning Rocky Mountains aboard the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. The "All Aboard Chama: Train then Bus | Coach" adventure offers a one-of-a-kind trip combining a picturesque train ride with a scenic bus tour. Begin your day seated comfortably in vintage coach cars, where you can relax and enjoy panoramic views of rugged peaks, deep canyons, and dense forests. Along the route, pause at Osier Station for a delicious hot lunch served in a charming historic setting, providing a perfect break to recharge. For those seeking fresh air and unobstructed vistas, the open-air gondola offers a spectacular vantage point. The journey tells a story of the Authentic West, with historical narration that brings the railroad’s rich heritage to life. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful mountain escape, this private adventure delivers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and comfort against the backdrop of New Mexico's breathtaking scenery.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

6–7 hours.

Fitness level

This adventure requires minimal physical exertion as most of the experience involves sitting comfortably on the train and bus.

Frequently asked questions

Is food included with the All Aboard Chama trip?

Yes, a hot lunch is served at Osier Station, included as part of the experience.

Can I choose between coach seats and the open-air gondola cars?

Yes, you can select seating preferences during booking, but open-air gondola spots fill quickly.

Are pets allowed on the train?

Pets are not permitted on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for safety and comfort reasons.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?

While the historic train cars have limited accessibility, the company can provide information on accommodations — please inquire when booking.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring layered clothing, a camera, sunglasses during summer, and water to stay comfortable throughout the day.

How do I get to Chama from nearby cities?

Chama is accessible by car from Santa Fe and Albuquerque; rental cars or shuttle services can be arranged.

Local insights

Wildlife

Mule deer
Red-tailed hawks

History

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a preserved narrow-gauge railroad dating back to the late 19th century, representing the vital role of railroads in western expansion.

Conservation

The railroad operates with a focus on preserving historic equipment and protecting the surrounding natural landscape, encouraging eco-friendly tourism practices.

About This Experience

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 locationChama, New Mexico

Tours offered46+

Adventure tips

Reserve Your Seat EarlyThis popular adventure fills up quickly, so book your tickets well in advance to secure your preferred seating, especially on the open-air gondola.

Dress in LayersMountain weather can change rapidly; bring layers to stay comfortable in both warm coach cars and cooler open-air cars.

Bring a Camera with ZoomThe scenic vistas and wildlife are best captured with a zoom lens to get detailed shots from the train and bus.

Plan for Limited ConnectivityCell service is spotty in the mountains, so prepare accordingly with offline maps and entertainment.

Recommended gear

Layered Clothing: Adjust to fluctuating mountain temperatures by dressing in layers for comfort throughout the journey.
Camera with Zoom Lens: Capture detailed landscapes and wildlife from a distance aboard the train and bus.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from strong mountain sun while enjoying open-air gondola views.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the trip with your own water bottle to reduce waste.