Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

This was the main objective of our trip out west! The opportunity to ride the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad. What an experience! We believe all railroad travel is good and fun, and ride trains whenever possible, but we are not train enthusiasts or have any knowledge of trains. We think it's fun and enjoyable and this train was all fun, total enjoyment. We had tickets in the parlor car with great views out our window that lowered for fresh air. We were greeted with a nice danish, a bowl of fruit and coffee if wanted. Our car had a dedicated, knowledgeable guide who not only pointed out interesting sights and answered any and all questions, she also served any drink requests that we had, including cocktails if that is what you might desire. The train chugged thru the southern Colorado high plains as it made its way to the mountains and then weaved thru beautiful mountains and valleys with 2 tunnels. The vistas were more beautiful than I could describe. The scenery was breathtaking, and I was humbled at the beauty that lies within our incredible country. A spectacular day of weather on this spectacular train ride and followed with a smooth and comfortable bus ride back to our original departure point! Highly recommended!

Loved our day on the train! The scenery was gorgeous - with the aspen trees turning yellow in the end of September. Saw coyotes and pronghorn antelope. We spent most of the ride in the open air car, so we had fabulous views. The train goes max 12 mph so you’re never wind blown. But you do need sunglasses for the sun and cinders. Staff is very friendly. Everything well organized. Lunch was buffet style and very good. One hint: if you’re looking for coffee and a freshly prepared breakfast burrito before the train departs Antonito, go to the Sinclair gas station.

Was really fortunate to partake in the annual Cumbres & Toltec rail run as part of a photo workshop. We arrived in time for the end of Day 1 and the night photo shoot, which was technically challenging and I've been in the photo industry for 26 years! When the shots finally got nailed down, the final images were immensely satisfying. Such a specific and unique photo experience. Loved it. Our group rode day two on Engine 315. This was my first experience for anything this railroad intensive outside of a museum and, for me, it was a fantastic experience. The volunteers and crew are an absolute wealth of knowledge as are, frankly, the railroad fanatics that joined up. I love people who are passionate about their hobbies and these folks are fully committed, thoroughly obsessed, rail riders. I learned a ton about the history of the C&T, it's overall run from Antonito into Chama, and even a few interesting pieces of deep Americana: the James A Garfield memorial found in the absolute middle of nowhere was a brilliant addition to an already historic run. Look for the petroglyph just a few miles south of Antonito, up the hill on the west side of the track ... And the miner's grave somewhere just before Oshei. Either way: pack a camera with a good long lens because the photo ops are numerous... But benefit from the telephoto compression in a big way. PS the train may come down with a few mechanical issues, as ours did. I see zero reason to get upset: this engine is over 100 years old and runs unbelievably well for all of that. Keep in mind: this is how it was for runners and conductors of their day. Consider it a more authentic experience. Kill the need for a schedule and just enjoy the total feel of it all. 100% recommended.

A great fall experience. The leaves were beautiful. The buffet at the Osier station was beyond expectations. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars was they did not honor my request for seats on the left side of train. We rode from Antonito & the best side of the train is the left side especially if you’re into taking photos. Unfortunately on the day we rode the train it was too cold & windy for me to go to the open air gondola car to take photos. The docent was very friendly & informative. If you want souvenirs buy them in the morning as the gift shops are closed by the time you get back from the bus ride. When you arrive at the end you barely have time to use the restrooms before boarding the buses so there’s no time to shop then.