Nestled in the picturesque San Juan Mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, the Cumbres-Toltec ScenicÌýRailroad is a historic gem that offers visitors a journey back in time.
This narrow-gauge railroad, often referred to as "America's Most Authentic Steam Railroad," provides a unique opportunity to experience the rugged beauty and history of the American West. If you're planning a visit to this iconic railroad, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your adventure.
25 pictures showing what you can see on the scenic Cumbres & Toltec Steam Railroad
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Rail Road steam engines pull a load of passengers from Chama to Antonito Colorado through the Cumbres Pass, over 10,000 feet in elv.
Riders of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad from Chama and Antonito, CO., take a lunch break at the junction where the two trains meet.Ìý
The Cumbres and Toltec steam locomotive chugs past an old water tank on the mesa on the northern portion of the train's route. The historic train ride from Antonito, CO., or from Chama, gives the rider a variety of New Mexico and Colorado scenery.
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Rail Road carries a load of passengers from Chama to Antonito Colorado and by this water tower that was built in 1881.
One of the steam engines of Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama gets ready to carry passengers to Antonito, Colo., this past Labor Day weekend. According to ticket agent Diane Verde, the end of September and October are the busiest months for the narrow-gauge railway.
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Rail Road steam engines pull a load of passengers from Chama to Antonito Colorado.
Jeff Stebbins, an engineer on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, gets ready to depart from Chama with a load of tourist and train lovers.Ìý
Volunteer Frank Yochey tries to entertain visitors to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama.Ìý
Volunteer Mike Fiath is one of the few people walking around the depot of the Cumbres and Toltec RailRoad in Chama.Ìý
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad carries tourist toward the Cumbres pass.
The railroad is one of the main attractions in Chama.Ìý
The railroad is one of the main attractions in Chama.
Two Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad steam engines haul a load of passangers from Chama to Antonito Colorado Thursday morning.
James Nebris 5, center, from Prescot Arizona, gets ready for his ride on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad on Thursday. Lawrence Hobbs, from Biscabin Ok., was also a passanger on the train.
The Cumbres and Toltec engine sits warming up at the top of Cumbres pass in Colorado Friday, July 2, 2010. Employees of the scenic railroad and Southways Construction moved the engine and 6 passenger cars, 1 snack car and one gondola car from Chama to Cumbres to resume offering rides.
A passenger train makes a stop at the Chama depot in 1924. At the time, the train was part of the San Juan Extension of the Denver Rio Grande Western Railroad.
The Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad carries riders 64 miles between Chama and Antonito each year from Memorial Day weekend through mid October.
Passengers can ride in comfort in one of the coach cars on the narrow gauge railroad.Ìý
Jim Poston, the fireman on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad's engine 484, gets it ready for the next day. He and others were working on the train at Cumbres Pass north of Chama, Thursday September 30, 2010.Ìý
Passengers unload from the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad cars at Cumbres Pass north of Chama, Thursday September 30, 2010.Ìý
Donald Gallegos, left and his brother Martin sit on a bench overlooking the Cumbres and Toltec railyard in Chama, Wednesday, May 25, 2011.Ìý
Railway uses 2 locomotive to pull 366 passengers through golden aspens to the top of La Cumbre Pass Thursday October 7, 2021. The narrow gage train was headed for Antonito Colorado.
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway uses 2 locomotive to pull 368 passengers through golden aspens to the top of La Cumbre Pass Thursday October 7, 2021. The narrow gage train was headed for Antonito Colorado.Ìý
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad train pulls out of Chama with 368 passengers headed for Antonito Co. Thursday October 7, 2021.
Ryan Goude, 4, from Albuquerque, looks out the widow while he waits for his ride to start on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway Thursday October 7, 2021. The narrow gage train was headed for Antonito Colorado.Ìý
Tara and Jacob Young, from Houston Tx., wait for their ride to start on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway Thursday October 7, 2021. The narrow gage train was headed for Antonito Colorado.Ìý
John Rinehart works as a conductor on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad during their run to Antonito Co. Thursday October 7, 2021.Ìý
Manuel Torres, a shop worker, fills two Cumbres and Toltec locomotives with water before their run to Antonito Co. Thursday October 7, 2021.Ìý
Steve Montano works the set the timing of the valves on Cumbres & Toltec Senic Railroad's engine 484 . The engine house in Chama has three striped down engines being repaired.
Boilermaker Orlando Ulibarri, leans out of a window, to assist mechanics Josh Talamante, left, and Ricky Rivas, bottom right, unveil the number 484 on a train engine before the opening ceremony of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama on Monday, April 26, 2004.