The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad excursion train headed by locomotive 484, approaching ‘The Narrows’ east of Chama. Courtesy/wikipedia
CHAMA News:
CHAMA —The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – the highest, longest and most authentic steam railroad in America – will offer a series of special trains in 2025.
Special Trains will give passengers the opportunity to wine and dine on surf & turf, learn about ancient volcanoes, enjoy BBQ sliders and local craft beers, enjoy the “best seats in the house” for Chama’s renowned Fourth of July fireworks and even the opportunity to celebrate a very special 100th anniversary for the Cumbres & Toltec’s beloved K-36 locomotives, the workhorses of the fleet.
2025 Special Trains:
Geology Trains, June 15 & Sept. 7 from Antonito
These special trains will steam through spectacular geologic settings along the Cumbres & Toltec track and stop at outcroppings and rail cuts along the right of way so passengers can mingle, marvel and take photographs of wonders only accessible along the train route. Because of the many stops, this is a 10 hour excursion, letting you experience the incredible overviews of the Rio Grande Rift, the eruptive evidence of the San Juan Volcanic Field, the Precambrian core of the Tusas Mountains, and recent glacial deposits, all explained by onboard geologists. Bus service makes it possible to get to the departure point of each trip from either Chama or Antonito, Colo.
July 4th Celebration Train, July 4, 2025
Depart from Chama Depot at 3 p.m. and climb to the top of Cumbres Pass (the highest operational railroad pass in America) and then steam back down to enjoy a barbeque dinner. After dinner, steam out to a perfect view point for a world-class fireworks display hosted by the Village of Chama. Passengers are then returned by train to the Chama Depot after the fireworks at approximately 9 p.m.
#168 Dinner Trains, July 26 and Aug. 30, 2025
Back again are the extremely popular dinner trains that include a trip from Antonito, Colo. to Osier Station (mid-point location on the C&TSRR line). The July 26th is a Surf & Turf Dinner Train paired with wine, while the August 30 theme is more easy-going, the Local Brews & Sliders Dinner Train, featuring local craft beer from San Luis Brewing. You’ll ride in Victorian splendor aboard all original Denver & Rio Grande 19th century cars, pulled by locomotive #168, the railroad’s oldest locomotive built in 1883. Both trains leave Antonito Depot at 3 p.m. and return to the station at approximately 11 p.m.
Continental Divide Trail from Chama
The Continental Divide Trail was formally established in 1978 and runs (depending on the route chosen) for 2,700 to 3,150 miles following the Continental Divide through five states from the U.S. border at Chihuahua, Mexico to the U.S. border at Alberta, Canada. It generally takes hikers 147 days to complete the trail, much of which is through desolate wilderness with no opportunity to resupply food or water. The trail crosses the C&TSRR line at the top of Cumbres Pass.
In the past, hikers often hitch-hiked down the road to Chama to resupply and rest for a day before the long difficult stretch through the San Juan Mountains. But hikers can plan ahead and board the train traveling from Chama to Cumbres at 10 a.m. or Cumbres to Chama at 3 p.m. for a special hiker-only rate of $50. Using the railroad to resupply adds another exciting element to the Continental Divide Trail, already ranked as one of the top three in America along with the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
A Century of Steam: Celebrating 100 Years of K-36 Power, Aug. 13-17
Mark your calendars for a once-in-a-lifetime, week-long tribute to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the K-36 locomotive, the workhorses of the C&TSRR fleet that conquered the Rocky Mountains and shaped the American West. Ten of these 2-8-2 “Mikado” type steam locomotives were built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad and shipped out west in 1925. Incredibly, five of them (No. 483, 484, 487, 488 and 489) are owned by C&TSRR with four still in operation.
There will be many free and ticketed opportunities announced including:
- Special photo freights through spectacular mountain terrain;
- Night photography sessions under the stars;
- Authentic freight train experiences;
- Behind-the-scenes tours of historic facilities;
- Birthday celebration with cake & ice cream; and
- Evening Whistle Salutes and Parade of Steam.
For more information and to book your ride, visit www.cumbrestoltec.com.