I wrote a review for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama, NM. The same railroad has a depot in Antonito, CO, so here goes a similar review... My daughters, significant other, and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. We were in Antonito, CO by 8AM to checkin as I was notified to be so we could ride about one hour to Chama, NM, via charter bus. We took this route since my SO lives near Antonito. As soon as we arrived at the train station, we had enough time for a restroom break which had a super long line of older women - just being truthful - LOL, then it was all aboard engine #484. Keep in mind, there are restrooms on the train. Our first docent in deluxe car B was awesome! She was funny. Pointed out features and historical facts in a timely manner. She had breakfast pastries out for us before we sat down. The docent we had after lunch at the halfway point was terrible. I spent most of my time standing with the breeze in my hair in the gondola car. The precipitation the landscape received as of June 27, 2024, made the ride much more enjoyable. It was gorgeous. The buffet lunch at Osier was surprisingly delicious. It was prepared by a women's group. Two adult and two child tickets for the whole ordeal was not cheap: $711.90 which included historical preservation fees in addition to other fees. I only wish the chairs were more comfortable and adult beverages could be bought and drank in the deluxe cars. We arrived back in Antonito at about 4:30PM. I probably won't do it again for a long time if ever again, but I have amazing photos of my daughters and memories I hope I'll not soon forget. Highly recommend. read more

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Some argue more scenic than the Durango train. I would disagree but this is definitely scenic. My trip in mid October traveled through the high mesa country along the New Mexico -Colorado border area with trees in bright yellows. I started at Antonito CO then traveled to Osier for lunch before continuing into Chama NM and riding the bus back. The narrow gauge allowed for sharper turns and numerous picture opportunities of the engine in action. The train twists its way up the side of a mesa before heading high above a second valley floor. Occasional rock cuts plus a few tunnels add to the journey. But for most it's the chugging of the locomotive, the swaying of the car and the lack of cell phone coverage that makes this trip relaxing. At Osier the train pulls onto a siding where it is greeted by the eastbound out of Chama. Here passengers are treated to a lunch of pulled pork, roasted chicken, salads, beans, potatoes and dessert. Once full you board either the continuation of your original train or head back to where you came. The trip lasts approximately 6.5 hours including the hour four lunch and travels about 65 miles. Elevations range from the bottom at 7500 feet to Cumbres Pass at just above 10,000 feet. There is an open air car, snack car and people are free to stand on the end platforms of each car. The bus option take 1:05 to get from one depot to the other. Mine was after the trip but one could get it done early in the morning as well. I suggest doing the whole run and use the bus. It's an all-around great trip. Grumpy old man note: young kids will love this trip for about an hour. Then they are going between cars and trying to overcome boredom. If traveling with kids too young to just sit and watch for hours then I recommend the shortest trip option available. read more

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Our first adventure on this one-day train excursion was an excellent experience. We boarded in Antonito and went through to Chama. Service on the train was outstanding!We sat in the parlor car, an excellent choice. The 1-star deduction was for lunch, my low expectation (food) level was achieved. read more

This was lots of fun! Runs on time, arrive 15 minutes early to pick up your ticket and then board. Our experience is the Parlor car. We were welcomed with commemorative plates, 50th Anniversary napkins, and embroidered zipper shoulder bags; accompanied by refreshing fruit plates and pastries. Each seat faces a huge window which delightfully opens all the way. That said, use sunscreen! I was shocked at how much unintentional sun we got. I got a kick out of having the Conductor punch my ticket - very Polar Express? That said, everyone in the Parlor car was at least over 60; zero children and it's summer? I wished my grandsons had been available since they would have loved it! There were antelope, deer and cow sightings along the way to match the epic scenery! Fem was our hostess who gave great advice - book the LEFT viewing side, sunscreen/bug spray, awesome stories, plenty of warning for great pics of map highlights and other gems too! She was incredibly attentive. Everything was free less alcohol which was very reasonably priced. Lunch was about halfway at Osier in the station. It's food. Cafeteria style, the salad bar is lettuce/dressing/croutons, and cold drinks. It hit the spot. This is a chance to ride the route of an 1880 replica train, experience what once was the only way for folks to travel and who doesn't love an old school steam engine train? read more

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I have ridden several tourist railroads. This one is by far THE BEST. It's an all-day excursion with incredible scenery the whole way. The bartender made great drinks (I wasn't driving so why not?). The lunch at Osier was delicious with plenty of choices and all you want to eat. I will try to visit this attraction every year. read more

A couple years ago we went on the Durango and Silverton train which was great, but we enjoyed this train ride more. The scenery was more varied and interesting. (At one time these two lines were connected between Chama and Durango) Everything was very well run and organized even the cafeteria style lunch in Ossier. All of the employees were very nice and friendly. We rode from Antonito to Cumbres and then took a 50-minute bus ride back to our car in Antonito so we missed the 4% grade between Cumbres and Chama. We might have to return to catch that part of the ride. The left side of the car has better views but you can move around and go outside. Even in June, between Ossier and Cumbres there was lots of snow. We were in the parlor car so we got a cloth bag and insulated mugs. Tina also served us a fruit plate and a Danish. She was very nice and provided lots of information. Linda was in our car in the afternoon after lunch at Ossier and she was great, too. The brakeman David was also very interesting to talk to. Lunch in Ossier is either soup and salad bar (salad bar was very basic), meatloaf, or turkey. There are separate lines for the different meals and the meatloaf line was much shorter and faster. read more

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Oh boy, what an experience this was! If you love trains, you HAVE to add this to your bucket list. Even if you aren't a diehard train nut, this trip has views that are to die for. I cannot recommend this highly enough! We took the all day trip from Chama to Antonito with the bus ride home in the evening. We decided to splurge and book the Parlor car and I am sure glad we did - it was a beautiful way to experience the landscape! You get some special gifts that I won't spoil, but the real gift is the amazing views and the option to go stand on the back platform with one of the train engineers (I spent most of my time here). Granted, this scenic railway is off the beaten path, but it is well worth the special trip. Do not pass up the opportunity to experience this landscape in a truly special way! read more

I have been riding this train for years, starting in Chama is best because pulling the train up to the top of Cumbres pass is awesome. My review is 5 stars for the train and the employees, and 1 star for the food in Osier. The lunch use to be a highlight of the trip, but this year it is terrible. Yuck. I understand they brought in a new company. just terrible. I just took a friend for the her first time, and bragged about the lunch. She will probably never believe a recommendation from me again. read more

Such an awesome experience! The train runs from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico or the other way around. They do all day train rides with lunch included in the price of your ticket and what a full spread do they put on. Salad bar for Vegetarians with plenty of sides and desert and drinks. For meat lovers they have turkey and meatloaf with all sorts of sides as well. My husband loves the meatloaf. The view during the fall is spectacular!! The Aspens changing color is so beautiful to see!! Great docents that are knowledgeable and fun! There are different cars that you can by your tickets for, depending on what kind of seating you want. They do half day trips, dinner and sunset rides, and other special events. Would highly recommend and is great for kids!! They have gift shops at both stations with fun Souvenirs too!! Should definitely check it out!! read more

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - A Glimpse into just a little of the view you will see on this great historic train ride! - Historical Tours Near Me - Antonito, Colorado

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We booked a trip but had to cancel due to health reasons. Even after the non-refundable fee that we fully understand, they did not refund the correct amount. Every time I call to get it figured out, they give me the run around and say they'll call me back but never call. I have lodged a complaint with the BBB. read more

This train ride was an absolute joke! it was terrible! when I looked online it looked like it would he fun , we drove 3 hours from Colorado Springs for this beautiful Scenic Ride , and all we seen was dry grass ! let's not forget the sofa that was just thrown out there. We rode on a trolley cart , not a train , we rode up a little hill and back . Unbelievable! I absolutely do not recommend this place at all! this is absolute false advertisement ! if I can get our money back I would! highly disappointed. Shame on them! read more

If you like railroads or scenery, you will love the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. My family unanimously agrees that it's a better experience than its more famous sister railroad, the Durango and Silverton. Why? Well, the trip is much longer, the scenery more expansive and varied, and the railroad equipment not quite as polished and shiny -- i.e. it's more authentic. It's also fun to see steam engines working hard when pulling a train up a 4% grade. Special thanks to the engineers who interacted with our 9 and 10 year olds and made their trip special! If you go, here are a few recommendations. The guide book Ticket to Toltec is a well-written book with general history of the area and the railroad, as well as a mile-by-mile guide to the sights you'll pass by, written for both directions so you will never have to go backward through the book. We especially enjoyed the tales of train wrecks and the listing of movies the C&TSRR has been in. If you can only go one direction, the Chama-to-Antonito route really showcases steam power when pulling the train up a 4 percent grade on the way to Osier. As the train reaches higher altitudes, it gets chilly, so bring a windbreaker. At Osier, the tasty buffet lunch has turkey or meatloaf with several sides, while also offering mac-n-cheese or a hotdog for the kids. The best scenery on the trip is viewed soon after leaving Osier on the way to Antonito. Wear sunscreen. We did the full route in both directions and were glad we did. For the best views, sit on the right from Chama, and on the left from Antonito. The train from Antonito is much less crowded. Popcorn, drinks, and a few other treats are available from the snack car. Surprisingly, the souvenir shops at each end of the trip and at Osier each have items not available at the other locations. read more

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I have been meaning to do the full excursion from Antonito to Chama on the Cumbres & Toltec railroad. This is definitely worth the drive down from Colorado Springs. I had family visiting and this seemed like a fun thing to do so we spent a few days in Antonito. First, if you want to take pictures, the trip from Antonito to Chama is better in terms of lighting and the position of the sun. We did the trip in the fall; the Aspens were really stunning. The view of the Toltec gorge was incredible. We wanted to upgrade to the parlor car or the tourist car. But, they seem to fill up quickly. However, the other cars were comfortable as well. The lunch provided was decent. The staff was friendly and helpful. I ended up spending much of my day on the open air car listening to the docent and taking it all in. The smoke and cinders from the engine were not bad on that day so it was a good place to ride. As a train aficionado, I had a great time. Steam locomotives have always been an interest of mine. But, my family visiting from out of town actually had a great time, also. read more

Someone recommended this train ride to me, so I decided to check it out. What a great idea! The scenery was beautiful, the docent had a lot of information to share, and the lunch they served was very good. We spent almost the whole ride in the open air car, because it was really nice being out in the natural environment. I took this ride a few months ago and it's still on my mind; a very eventful day. read more

My husband saw this on Facebook after I had painstakingly planned our 10-day road trip through New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. Very thankful we were able to rearrange some stops to fit the all-day trip from Antonio to Chama into the itinerary. We upgraded to the parlour car and appreciated the personal service and in-car bathroom. Husband and son spent most of the trip in the open air car which was a great option. Didn't realize that lunch was included in ticket price and it was a great meal (full turkey dinner, home style meatloaf with/or soup and salad bar. Served cafeteria style but a nice treat nonetheless. One of the most striking things about the trip was pulling into the Chama station at the end of the day. There were so many volunteers who had been working hard (e.g., manual labor) all day on projects. I wouldn't be surprised if there were over a hundred folks of all ages keeping this treasure in good shape. Initially thought the ticket was a bit pricy, but seeing the stewardship of the "friends of the railroad" makes it a great investment in history. Worth the day. All ages, though young children may appreciate the half-day trip. We're not train buffs but felt comfortable surrounded by so many! read more

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - Historical Tours Near Me - Antonito, Colorado

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Our family went on the day long train ride from Chama, NM and return. The narrow gage locomotive is a coal burner from 1926. The passenger cars are about the same vintage. Making an average speed of probably 15 MPH the steam train winds its way through some very spectacular scenery in northern New Mexico into Colorado. A well stocked refreshment stand on the train provides snacks. Its a ride into history and a way to see the wild country. Dozens of car people stand at road crossings and wave to the train. At noon they arrive at a station in Colorado and provide a well prepared lunch for all passengers. After lunch the train from Chama, NM continues on to Antonito, CO. You can continue on or change trains and return to Chama by a similar train that began its run in Antonito, CO. If you continue on, a bus will bring you back at the end of the train ride. Visited July 2016 read more

Once in a lifetime experience! Highly recommend for a day away with family! A relaxing, scenic ride into CO and NM. read more

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Great time by wife and I in "tourist" car with bathroom. Took the West bound train and enjoyed the scenic Colorado beauty. RR buffs will drool and rate this 5 star. This choice of seating included car attendant, light snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, soda/water and souvenir glass cup. Parlor car you all face out and NO children are allowed. We would suggest 4 seat side in tourist car for best views. Open gondola car is right in front of this car. Lunch meal of turkey or meat loaf at Oster was average but filling. Original historic tracks and the longest narrow gauge ride in the state. We returned to Antonio in a very nice coach bus. Plan all day. Only Negative is NO time allowed to visit towns on either end from depots before bus returns. We would not enjoy a round trip by train - too long and two slow with very little change in view. Would suggest you book early and select seats prior to visit. read more

This is one of two remnants of the old Denver & Rio Grande network of three-foot gauge railroads which once extended from Denver to Salt Lake City and Santa Fe in a vast network mostly in scenic portions of the Colorado mountains. The other remnant is the Durango & Silverton -- also recommended. The history is fascinating. The engines are the authentic, coal fired locomotives always used on the old D&RG, and the scenery is remote and grand. You can also board at the other end -- Chama, New Mexico. read more

Nice station house in Antonito w clean restrooms. Buses looked clean an up to date. Antonoto station has ample parking and is outside of town. read more

What an amazing adventure. Our family of 4 did the bus trip down to Chama and took the train back up to Antonito. The bus ride was comfortable, and the driver told us to look out for certain animals. We bought the seats in the tourist car, and were so glad we did. The open air car was right in front of us so it made it easy to go out there to check things out. The service in our car was top notch, and we were able to take home souvenir cups. Like another person stated, the view is best on the right side coming from Chama. The men in the open car are full of information and they thoroughly explain things as you come to them. Overall, I would do this again in a heartbeat. It was one of the highlights of our 12 day journey through NM & CO. read more

One of the most amazing experiences of my life. The scenery, especially when the Aspen are turning in the fall, is amazing. The history is thrilling, and the experience of riding in the train is nostalgic. We opted for the Parlor Car -- more comfortable seating, no children allowed. read more

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We reserved 4 (adult) tickets in the Parlor Car for the roundtrip Chama/Osier/Chama on Wednesday, October 3. 2018. The total cost of these tickets was over $800. We had ridden the train before and were aware that there is definitely a preferable side to sit on to see the scenery. The ticket agent assured us that we would be on the scenic side either going or coming. We were not. That would have been fine, but it is not what happened. We had the choice of looking at rock walls or the back of other's heads both directions. Not at all what we had in mind for 800. When we tried to discuss this with Ms. Morales at the train depot in Chama after the return trip, her response was "Too Bad For You. We DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY PARTICULAR SEATS ON THE TRAIN. WHAT THE BOOKING AGENT TOLD YOU DOES NOT MATTER." This was very embarrassing for us since we had another couple with us as our guests. A mistake we will not make again. read more

We had a great time on this scenic railway. Beautiful scenery and the lunch was great. Take time for this tour