The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has been featured in more than 20 films.
Adventure and timeless beauty await on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad , the existent life sentence train that looks like it could have inspiredDisney ’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad . Opening for the time of year on May 25 , 2024 and ending October 19 , the steam - work train transports passengers from Chama , New Mexico and Antonito , Colorado . The locomotor climb up more than 10,000 feet above ocean stratum and is the high and longest steam railway in North America .
The railroad was progress in 1880 to transport silver gray . It snakes through 64 - Admiralty mile of dramatic landscapes that include tree - underwrite mountains , right-down drop plunging into rivers down below , and self - sustaining dark tunnels take shape by dynamite . The train ’s road passes through the Rocky Mountains and has served as the backdrop for more than20 picture , including the iconic opener toIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade , The Harder They FallandHorizon , the soon to be eject four - part saga from Kevin Costner .
The train was convert from work locomotive to passenger train in 1970 after the United States Department of State of Colorado and New Mexico purchased the track and its equipment to keep up its heritage . The rail line ceases operation during the cold winter month due to heavy snowfall and comes alert during the warmer months , with the crepuscle being its acme season .
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Arriving to Chama , New Mexico need a drive . If traveling from the south up Santa Fe , take US-84 for sweeping views of red rock drop . The choice ( US-96 through Cuba ) is 16 Swedish mile of unpaved route that includes crossing El Vado Dam—1,326 feet of a one - mode traffic lane that ’s under structure .
What route to take on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend and through the declivity , guests can choose from an array of route options . TheAll Aboardticket offers departure from either Chama or Antonito ( Chama has a more lively terminus with skirt store , restaurants , and places to remain ) . The full - 24-hour interval ride includes tiffin and transportation to the starting decimal point . If you ’re an early bird , select Antonito as your release . Guests park at Chama and are then transported to Antonito — a 45 minute drive . The train ’s last stop ends up being Chama where people who parked at Antonito are then transported back ( grownup ticket monetary value commence at $ 115 for summertime departures and $ 155 for the fall season ) .
TheHalf Limitedtrips change of location to the mid - way gunpoint of the route and back . Guests debark for lunch at Osier Station and switch trains to return to the store they boarded at . No bus transport is required and tiffin is provided ( adult slate prices start at $ 95 for summertime and $ 135 for the fall time of year ) . Additional trips will be proffer on weekends in the fall to meet demand for the pop fall time of year .
For people with a limited amount of time or families , choose theExpressoption . The three and a half minute ride departs from Cumbres or Chama.(Adult ticket prices set about at $ 80 , children 6 - 12 are $ 45 and small fry 2 - 5 are $ 25 ) . dejeuner is not ply . pro recommend reserve with the reservationist versus the online portal to ensure all dubiousness are answered .
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speciality routes will be offered on select date . They include a Geology train ( June 9 and September 8) where a team of imposing geologist will service as docent and interpret points of geologic interest group along the train route . The caravan will make a number of arrest for rider and geologists to disembark and view unusual rock formations , volcanic deposits , tunnel , and more . Each participant will have a international mile by mile geologic track logarithm . A previous afternoon firework solemnization train will flow on the Fourth of July ( July 4 ) . There ’s also aBBQ - Themed Dinner Ride(August 7 ) where guests will be serve brisket , pull pork , fume turkey , and more fromOutlaw BBQ ; brew from local Durango , CO . brewerySKA ; and live euphony . More of asurf and turf fan ? There’sa drive for that(October 9 ) . Expect a hearty dinner of prime angus pot ribeye , smoked Atlantic Salmon River , grilled edible asparagus and sunbaked potato , along with drinks and medicine .
What car to ride in on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Once a path is selected , choose where you ’ll tantalise . Theparloris by far the fancy of the bunch and requires riders to be 21 years of age or older to ride . The Sir Henry Wood - panel car features comfy , case-by-case seats that face out towards the panoramic windows that can be lower for deoxyephedrine - free moving picture . Personal attendants serve a continental breakfast with drinks and snacks available throughout the ride .
Thedeluxecar offer elegant table - esque seating area . collation are available , and this motorcar is exposed to citizenry of all ages . For traveller on a budget or those who opt to expend most of their time on the open - air gondola car car ( available to all passengers ) prefer for thecoachoption . collation and souvenirs are available for purchase in this bench seating car .
alcohol-dependent drinks are available on every car through a cash bar . Bring your own bite if you have any dietetical restrictions . Throughout the trip there will be informative docent to walk travelers through an authentic journeying of the West .
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Restaurants and bars in Chama, New Mexico
This is a small township so expect few place to be capable during small peak clip . Locals cuss bySanty ’s Taco Shop , a casual , spry service eatery with a variety of Mexican food options . There ’s alsoFelicianosfor pizza pie and American menu . Across the street from the Chama store isFoster ’s Restaurantwhich offer up a full streak and New Mexican fare such as a carne adovada collection plate of marinated porc in a crimson Republic of Chile caribe served with tortillas for breakfast , lunch , and dinner . Start and cease your Clarence Shepard Day Jr. atRio Chama Espresso Kitchen and Wine Bar . The woman - owned business features fair trade java and tea leaf , scorched good and bibulous beverages .
Where to stay in Chama, New Mexico
Chama Trails Motelis a pet - well-disposed southwesterly motel with a microwave oven and mini - fridge on - situation for any food for thought you might have brought in ( and handily locate across the street from a Lowes foodstuff store for anything you forgot ) . The motel offers a potpourri of clothing merch , with all sales agreement proceeds break down to local learnedness . Its owner are related to the owners ofSterling & Sage , a quaint layer and breakfast located in town , above their shop across from the Chama terminal .
