Chama New Mexico USA - The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers the most historic scenic train ride in North America.
 
This unique experience covers 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado.
 
The train crosses the borders of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times as it climbs up and over the 10,015 foot high Cumbres Pass.
 
The journey winds through steep mountain canyons, high desert, and lush meadows.
 
Cumbres & Toltec was originally constructed in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande's narrow gauge San Juan extension, serving the silver mining industry.
 
Today it is jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico.
 
In recognition for its place in America's national history, it was awarded National Historic Landmark Designation in 2012.
 
Volunteer docents join the ride to share the history, legends, and lore of this region and the railroad.
 
Trains depart daily from Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, from late May through October.
 
Riders can choose from the premium parlor, deluxe tourist, or coach car experiences.
 
The fresh-air gondola car is open to all passengers so they can fully enjoy the stunning beauty of the ride.
 
A delicious buffet lunch is included in the ride and a luxury motor coach returns riders to their origination point.
 
Adventurers Wanted
 
One of the things that makes the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad unique is that many of its original buildings remain along the route.
 
At the top of Cumbres Pass is the historic Cumbres section house.
 
Soon after Cumbres comes Tanglefoot Curve, a loop so tight that it almost seems the locomotive will meet the caboose.
 
Trees are sparse and there are vast mountain views crisscrossed by streams teeming with fish.
 
After crossing Cascade Creek Trestle, the highest on the line, the train pulls into Osier, Colorado, a rustic town site that is the midway point and lunch stop.
 
Another spectacular part of the trip starts as the train inches its way along the rim of Toltec Gorge.
 
We'll head through Mud Tunnel, which is supported by wood beams.
 
Then we'll come around Phantom Curve, named for a spire of rock that casts a ghostly shadow.
 
As we pass through Rock Tunnel, you'll encounter a narrow ledge where the dizzying view is straight down to the rushing Rio de los Pinos.
 
These are just a few of the moments that will take your breath away.
 
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