} Cumbres is the highest point on the railroad and the highest elevation of any narrow-gauge railroad in North America. [9], In 1973, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and its boundaries were increased in 2007. section #origincode_videogallery li .overLayer ul li h2, more. font-size:22px !important; Shortly after leaving the station, the train heads straight for three miles (4.8km) until coming into some hills. From here to Cumbres, the railroad operates on the north side of Wolf Creek. [25][26] Among these are: Papas, Efstathios. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. #origincode_videogallery .origincode_big_li { } opacity: 0.801; Then they realized there was too much weight with all 8 train cars to go uphill on a wet track. Every time the conductor shouts "all aboard," my heart twitter pates in anticipation. Books, commemorative medallions and our annual calendar are all available through our gift shop! Oct-1943: From Oahu Railway & Land Co, weight 47 tons Leased to C&TS 2013: 19: GE: 44-ton: 27539: Oct-1943: The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) is a heritage railroad that runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. The railroad owns three classes of steam locomotives. So total time on the train was about 6.5 hours minus an hour and forty-five minutes for lunch. text-align: center; It was constructed in 1880, and the first passenger excursion over what is now the The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad took place October 4-5, 1880. Also, there is ample opportunity to move around the cars and change your view to see all you want. For dessert, apple cobbler. box-shadow: none !important; There is also a bar for adult beverages, as well as, complimentary juice, water, coffee is available all day. I have a pretty high heat tolerance, and it was HOT. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. section #origincode_videogallery li:hover .overLayer { At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West. We do not want to ride the bus, I'm 6'10" and my wife gets motion sickness in a bus. Constructed 135 years ago and little changed since, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad remains a 64-mile, fully operational steam railroad jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico. } Each time the train crossed Route 17, you would see the same pickup trucks with grandpas and children waving. Join us for a day trip through the unspoiled Rocky Mountain West and on what the readers of USA Today have called the best, and most scenic train ride in America (2016, 2019, 2020). Which one has the more impressive scenery? . It may be off the beaten path but it is oh so worth it! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Model Serial Built Notes; 15: GE: 44-ton??? Served cafeteria style. position: absolute; 19 was purchased by the C&TSRR in 1972 and is currently stationed in Antonito. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West. opacity: 0.801; You'll receive our quarterly C&TS DISPATCH publication, invitations to special events, the opportunity to participate in our summer work sessions and other volunteer projects, and the satisfaction of investing in America's historic and cultural railroad heritage. This is part of an effort to retire the older flat roofed cars due to their age. This is the oldest steam locomotive operated by the railroad. Exiting the canyon, the track makes a turn to the northwest and up Wolf Creek through Coxo. Locomotive #463 at Cascade Trestle by James Parfrey See my attached photos. section #origincode_videogallery { This prompted the railroad to purchase rotary snowplows. } This increase in revenue saved the line from abandonment. More, 20 First Plaza NW, Suite 601, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102 opacity: 1; max-width: 238px; The Truly irresponsible of them and so completely unnecessary. [8] After undergoing extensive refurbishment, the bridge was reopened on June 20, 2011. The train winds through tunnels, over trestles, through canyons, and gains altitude slowly by winding through mountain passes. Find out the latest and greatest that Albuquerque has to offer. CDOT Camera on Cumbres Pass (North) . I understand your problem Im 68. } A good DSLR camera was a must to stop the action. Got a question about Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad? border-radius: 5px; At the end of the day at both ends, motorcoaches are again provided for passengers who came from the opposite end. opacity: 1; No. The high elevation and various other factors lead to many terrible snow storms. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I would definitely recommend booking the first week in October for those gorgeous, prime fall colors. Rotary OM was purchased in the late 1800s by the D&RGW and has served the line ever since. font-size: 16px; About three miles (four point eight kilometres) later, the train makes the first of 11 crossings into New Mexico and climbs a ledge up to a lava mesa. Once ridden by Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad is a moving National Historic Landmark. About 40 of the cars in the yard are operational.[19]. top: 0; This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. About one mile (1.6km) later, the railroad begins up the mountain on a grade averaging 4%. Locomotive 484 traveling by Los Pinos - Video by James Parfrey 168 was completed in October 2019, and it now continues to operate on occasional special excursions on the C&TSRR. } .clear{ The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. The railroad intends to use this engine frequently in normal excursion service as much as possible. They then hooked us back up as 1 train and we limped into Osier at 3:00 where our aging lunch was waiting. This railroad was built in 1880 and is a national historic landmark. railroad photography and, the C&TS Commission : Camera Forum. You will feel like the railroad travelers of 126 years ago. 719-472-3984. A couple of smaller steam locomotives are used for special events. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and max-width: 240px; A message on the railroad website says the move was made "out of an abundance of For each ticket we paid $155 for a trip to. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure. margin:0 !important; One man put up a sign in a desolate area that read, "Welcome back C&T, we missed you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. There was an uncovered car towards the back of the train to stand on to take photographs, but there were plenty of opportunities to stand on the platform between train cars and take them as well. text-align: center; height: 150px; Enjoy the scenery in comfort. To find out more about the C&TS Commission, visit their website. padding:0 !important; 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Once we got through that we were once more halted by a big rain/hail storm that made it impossible to run a narrow gauge train going uphillreally. The major issue with the line was Cumbres Pass itself. -webkit-transition: opacity 0.3s linear; section #origincode_videogallery li:hover .infoLayer { If you love history and enjoy meeting people, we have the perfect opportunity for you. This made the trip uncomfortable as we wondered if it might cost us our health. color:#D9D9D9 !important; We were offered unlimited coffee, tea, water, soda, or juicesalcoholic options offered at an extra charge. May 25 - October 20, 2019: Direction: Train No. Learn about the flora, fauna, geology, history and wildlife you see from our on-board docents. This section covers the eastern portion of the line, from the small cattle and junction town of Antonito to Osier, the mid-point of the line. Well worth the price. Thanks so much! Had seats inside but walked to open cars border-bottom: none !important; The Granddaddy of All Snowstorms [6] hit in the winter of 19511952. These snow storms were a huge financial burden for the railroad. Was there a problem with smoke and cinders? Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (Chama) - What to Know BEFORE You Go. 168 and 315 are both not owned by the C&TSRR, but are included on the active roster due to frequent operations in special excursions and their loans. Highlights of the route include Toltec Gorge, where the tracks hug the cliffs 600 feet above the stream bed; Windy Point, the highest railroad summit in the West with its commanding view of the Chama Valley; two tunnels; and two 100-foot tall trestles. } All Aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for a Train Ride of a Lifetime! My son and I made our 6th trip from PA. to Chama to ride the C&T S RR. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West. Watch Video * Nos. Watch Video display: block; border-radius: 10px; -moz-transition: opacity 0.3s linear; The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad operates between late May and late October, with two trains (one in each direction) departing each morning from Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico. They tried putting sand on the tracks but that did not work. Locomotive #489 at Milepost 305 by James Parfrey Locomotive 497, a class K-37 locomotive, was restored to operating condition for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in 1984 and was traded to the C&TSRR in late October 1991 in exchange for class K-36 locomotive 482. Preservation Volunteers Due to weight restrictions, only one locomotive at a time is allowed to cross. position:relative; We invite you to "take a ride" on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The bridge was rebuilt in 2011 after a fire nearly destroyed it. It's path through steep passes and deep gorges is the stuff of adventure novels--taking passengers on the ride of lifetime. The facility now is rebuilt and our experience was a full buffet with several hot food choices, along with drinks and dessert. height: 150px; From Chama, the railroad proceeds northeast after crossing Rio Chama. Ride from one end to the other is 64 miles long with many options of starting and ending points. The staff were very friendly and knew their job. Ask the Yelp community! If you want to take a long ride, pick the Cumbres and Toltec, if you want to experience more breathtaking scenery, and changing, pick the Durango and Silverton, if you want to . Were confident youll see what we see a National Treasure fully worthy of preservation, interpretation and restoration. This was the worst recorded winter on the line and one of the deciding factors when abandonment was considered in the 1960s. color: #FFFFFF; } The decision was made "to ensure viability in diverse environmental conditions. Let's Eat; Frequently Asked Questions; Terms & Conditions; Area Resources. border-radius: 5px; [12] On certain days during the holiday season, the railroad offers special "Santa Trains" from both Chama and Antonito, and guests are encouraged to bring gifts and/or food for the less fortunate. At a narrow point of the valley, the track makes a horseshoe turn up to Windy Point. The Commission sets the policies for the management of the C&TSRR. Locomotive 487 at Coxo Curve - Video by James Parfrey 2023 Colorado Tourism Office. [4], When the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad arrived in Chama, other railroad companies were formed to take advantage of the local forests. Cumbres & Toltec steam engine historic train closeup of steam engine at Chama railroad station in New Mexico. font-size: 16px; Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. [21] In 2019, the car shop in Antonito, Colorado, finished the first in a line of new clerestory cars that will serve as standard passenger cars and new Parlor cars. } This allowed laying track where standard gauge would not fit. In addition to the through service, the C&TSRR operates various special excursions during the season such as dinner trains. Another engine that operates on the railroad is D&RGW No. These mills provided a steady stream of revenue for the railroad, lasting until abandonment in the late 1960s.[5]. In Chama you can also tour the yard, somthing you can't do without paying for in Durango. They are also used for operations outside the normal operating season. In 1970 it became the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad when the States of Colorado and New Mexico bought the section of track and equipment. At Tanglefoot Curve, the track doubles back on itself to lose elevation gradually. border-radius: 5px; We recognize these Indigenous peoples as the original inhabitants of this land. You can move around. Youll receive our quarterly C&TS DISPATCH publication, invitations to special events, the opportunity to participate in our summer work sessions and other volunteer projects, and the satisfaction of investing in America's historic and cultural railroad heritage. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Announces 2022 Season. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a place in Chama in the country of United States. CHAMA, N.M. Facing high fire danger and a water emergency in the village of Chama, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has delayed the start of its 2022 season to July 1. The purpose of this extension was to tap into the mineral resources around the Silverton, Colorado area. Aren't there assigned seats and you have to stay put? The town is a bit out of the way, but so worth the effort. -o-transition: opacity 0.3s linear; Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Becoming a FRIENDS Member is easy and rewarding. Shortly afterwards, trains pass through Mud Tunnel, which is unique because it is lined with wooden pillars due to being bored through soft volcanic ash. The yard is open and can be toured by anyone. We want to do either the Antonio limited or the Chama limited. This water tank is used when operating smaller engines, such as No. Copyright 2000-2020 RailsNW Lobato Trestle is located at Lobato, and is the second-highest trestle on the line, built in 1883. The line traverses a remote, unpopulated section of Colorado and New Mexico, crisscrossing the border eleven times. width: 100%; The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark that moves. max-height:80px; Our scenic railroad is jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico. & Reservations. Trains exit the tunnel entering Toltec Gorge, where the track is 600ft (180m) above the river. -moz-transition: opacity 0.3s linear; font-size: 22px !important; transition: opacity 0.3s linear; If you have a historical (pre 1970) Colorado or New Mexico narrow gauge railroad photo collection that you would be interested in donating to FRIENDS, please contact Wes Pfarner or Tim Tenant at 505-880-1311 or email DormanCollection@CumbresToltec.org. Michael also creates architectural metal castings and does historic preservation work for the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito, Co. At-Large Representative. color: #FFFFFF; Let me say that the first week of October is by far the prime time to ride this train to see the fall colors. This is the Cascade Trestle, perched 137 feet above Cascade Creek, and the highest bridge on this 64-mile track. The first siding on the line is at Lobato (MP: 339.99). border-bottom: none !important; overflow:hidden; You'll meet people from all over the world, enriching their experience at one of the C&TSRR stations or enroute as the train winds . display:inline-block; height: 150px; Depart from Antonito, Colorado or Chama, New Mexico for a steam train ride of a lifetime! About. .load_more3 { Built in 1880, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a proud remnant of the spirit that won the west. Locomotive #489 at Cascade Trestle by James Parfrey The Cumbres & Toltec 2022 schedule kicks off on July 1st through October 23rd and features a mix of offerings, including: Originally built in 1880, the railroad offers an authentic 19th Century steam railroad experience. This route is only in partial operation with all tours ending in Osier. position: absolute; Please complete and submit the following: This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Excursions run from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. My husband and I chose the Parlor Car for our train ride. It was such well planned and the views were spectacular indeed. color: #FFFFFF; We have been all over the world riding trains and this is (in my opinion) the best scheduled steam train in the continental US. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West. It crosses the borders of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times as it chugs its way up and over the 10,015 high Cumbres Pass. } Once on the train you are free to walk about, view and film from the open observation car and stand on the platforms between cars which can eliminate the accidental photo being spoiled by someone leaning into view. However, the work was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. CDOT Camera on Cumbres Pass (South) . This consisted of a few scattered buildings and a giant mess hall where we ate lunch. padding:5px 15px; overflow:hidden; Friends Elevation of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ranges from 7,863 feet at Chama, to 10,015 feet at Cumbres Pass, and back to 7,888 feet at Antonito. Gaye Jeffers - gaye-jeffers@utc.edu. No. OF THE CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD, INC. Members, Volunteers & Donors Tending to the Stewardship of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, PRESERVATION I INTERPRETATION I RESTORATION, DISCOVER THE JOYS OF BECOMING A FRIENDS VOLUNTEER, Everything We Do Is All About The Railroad. So we eventually made it back to the depot in Chama at 6:30 pm (we were due back at 4).I must say, the scenery was breathtaking.They offered no apology or refund or anything, they actually made a lame joke "you got a much longer trip at no extra cost" So that was on my Bucket List of things to do in NM. Train Name: Destination: Time: Remarks: Eastbound Standing only Plus, youll have fun and will make plenty of new friends along the way. transition: opacity 0.3s linear; The Parlor Car experience was another good choice for us. Staff and employees are very accommodating and friendly, because they appreciate the gem that they have. Owned by the states of The entrance to the C&TS yard in Antonito, October 2012, The station and shed in Antonito, October 2012, The water tower in Antonito, October 2012, The station building in Antonito, October 2012. I only qualified my opinion because several lines have not opened for the season due to COVID. For each ticket we paid $155 for a trip to Antonito, Colorado, with a lunch stop in Osier, Colorado, included. No matter which car you ride in, we recommend sitting on the right side of the train, this is the side that gives the best views of most of the particular sites that are pointed out during the trip. [18] As of 2023, No. In recognition for its place in our national history, it was awarded National Historic Landmark Designation in 2012.
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