Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Antonito, CO / Chama, NM, Colorado

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Antonito, CO / Chama, NM, Colorado · Updated October 19, 2026 · 12 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRegular steam excursions run in the warmer months, roughly late May to late October

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a 64-mile narrow gauge steam railroad between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, jointly owned by both states and named a National Historic Landmark in 2012.

  • 64 miles, Antonito to Chama
  • Over 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass
  • National Historic Landmark since 2012
  • Owned by Colorado and New Mexico
  • Hot lunch at Osier Station
  • Five operating steam locomotives

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad at a glance

Hours
Departure times vary by trip and season; check the online schedule
Admission
Fares vary by trip and car class; book online or call (888) 286-2737
Train rides
All Aboard Antonito (full line), Antonito Limited to Osier, Antonito to Cumbres, Antonito One Way, and the Cumbres Express
Seasonal events
Santa's Holiday Express, Dark Sky Train, Geology Train, Dinner Train, Centennial State Limited, Galloping Goose appearances
Plan for
A full day for most trips; about 6 hours 20 minutes for the one-way run
Best for
Scenic train fans, photographers and families with older kids
Best ages
Ages 5 and up for full-day trips

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Antonito, CO / Chama, NM.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Two states, one mountain railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec was built in 1880 as part of the Denver & Rio Grande's narrow gauge network, and travel guides note that its track, trestles and buildings still look much as they did in the first half of the twentieth century. The line runs 64 miles between Antonito, on the high plains of Colorado's San Luis Valley, and the mountain village of Chama, New Mexico, crossing the state border 11 times as it climbs over Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet.

When freight service ended, Colorado and New Mexico stepped in together, and the two states still own the railroad jointly. A Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, an interstate agency authorized by an act of Congress in 1974, sets policy. Its four members, two from each state, are appointed by the governors, and a nonprofit company, Cumbres Toltec Operating, runs the trains and manages capital projects. In 2012 the line was designated a National Historic Landmark.

A lot of the railroad's warmth comes from its volunteer docents, who ride along explaining the geology, wildlife, legends and railroad history of each mile. Their work, along with the shop crews who keep coal-fired steam engines in service, has helped the line win the USA Today 10Best readers' vote for top scenic train in 2016, 2019 and 2020.

From sagebrush to Toltec Gorge

Leaving Antonito, the train crosses wide sagebrush country before the land drops away into Toltec Gorge, where the rails run along an 800-foot drop and through historic tunnels. The 137-foot Cascade Trestle is a highlight of the Antonito side. Full-day trips stop at remote Osier Station for a hot meal that is included in the fare. You can sit in a coach, deluxe, premium or parlor car, or step out into the open-air gondola car to feel the wind and hear the engine work.

Before or after the ride, take a self-guided tour of the rail yards in Antonito or Chama. The railroad's collection of rolling stock can be seen at both yards, and walking tour brochures and a tour app point out landmarks along the way. Steam locomotives 484, 487, 488 and 463 burn coal, while 489 was converted to oil before the 2021 season. Locomotive 483 is on display at Chama.

Don’t miss

  1. Toltec GorgeThe railroad's namesake canyon, where the track follows a ledge high above an 800-foot drop.
  2. Cumbres PassAt 10,015 feet, the summit of the line; the Antonito to Cumbres trip ends right at the top.
  3. Cascade TrestleA 137-foot-tall trestle on the Antonito side and a favorite for photos.
  4. Osier Station lunchFull-day trips pause at this remote stop for a hot meal included in the ticket.
  5. Locomotive 463One of five operating steam engines, back in service since 2013.
  6. The open gondola carRiders can move around and take in the canyon from an open-air car, holding the railing on long curves.

Gondola cars, tunnels and a mountain lunch stop

Kids who like to move around will appreciate that riders can walk between cars and step into the open gondola car, and the tunnels and trestles on the Antonito side keep them watching. The full line is a long day, about 6 hours and 20 minutes one way, so families with younger children may prefer the Antonito Limited round trip to Osier, or the shorter Cumbres Express loop that the railroad suggests for families with limited time.

The hot lunch at Osier Station breaks up the ride, and the onboard docents are good at answering questions about animals and rocks along the way. Bring layers: at over 10,000 feet, Cumbres Pass can be much cooler than Antonito.

Plan your visit: tips for Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

  • Hot lunch at Osier Station is included in full-day fares.
  • The Antonito One Way trip has no bus back, so arrange a ride from Chama.
  • Antonito to Cumbres and Antonito One Way trips must be booked by phone.
  • Special trains run on set dates and often sell out.
  • Pick up a walking tour brochure at the depot to explore the rail yard.

Beyond the daily departures, the railroad runs limited-seat special trains on set dates, including the Dark Sky Train for stargazing, the Geology Train, sunset dinner trains, the Centennial State Limited, rare runs of the Galloping Goose railcar, and the holiday Santa's Holiday Express. These often sell out, so book early and see our guide to Christmas train rides in Colorado for more holiday choices.

Two states, one commission and a team of docents

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission sets policy for Colorado and New Mexico, and Cumbres Toltec Operating, a nonprofit LLC, runs the trains every day. Volunteer docents ride along to share the history and natural world of the route. Riding, booking group trips or chartering a caboose all help support the line.

More narrow gauge and rail history within a drive

At the other end of the line, the Cumbres & Toltec in Chama, New Mexico is about 33 miles away by road. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the other surviving Rio Grande narrow gauge line, is about 104 miles west, and the Pueblo Railway Museum is about 112 miles. See every option on our Colorado train museums page.

Every train museum in Colorado

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The Antonito side of this railroad slips through old tunnels above Toltec Gorge, and I can picture the quiet that falls in the dark before the canyon opens up again. Our book has that same moment: Rally's train goes into a dark tunnel, then a big bright light, and everyone cheers. My kids cheer out loud at that page every time. You can find a tunnel picture on our coloring pages.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

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More for train families

Work or volunteer at Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Cumbres & Toltec from Antonito: 20 questions riders ask

Is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad open?

The Cumbres & Toltec runs its regular steam excursions in the warmer months, which travel guides list as roughly late May to late October, with special trains such as Santa's Holiday Express on set dates. Check the online schedule or call (888) 286-2737 for the dates the trains are running this year.

Where does the Cumbres & Toltec leave from in Antonito?

The Antonito depot is at 5234 B US Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120, in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Trains also depart from Chama, New Mexico, at 500 S Terrace Ave, and some trips start at Cumbres Pass. Check which depot your ticket uses before you leave home.

How much are Cumbres & Toltec tickets from Antonito?

Fares depend on the trip and the car class you choose: coach, deluxe, premium or parlor. The railroad shows current prices when you book online at cumbrestoltec.com, or you can call (888) 286-2737. Full-day fares include a hot lunch at Osier Station, which is worth counting when you compare prices.

How long are the Cumbres & Toltec trips?

The Antonito One Way trip covers the full 64 miles to Chama in about 6 hours and 20 minutes. All Aboard Antonito also covers the full line. The Antonito Limited is a round trip to Osier Station, and the Cumbres Express is a shorter high-country loop that returns by mid-afternoon. Ask about exact durations when you book.

What is the All Aboard Antonito trip?

All Aboard Antonito is the railroad's most popular trip for first-time riders. It covers the entire 64-mile line from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico, over Cumbres Pass and past Toltec Gorge, with a hot lunch at Osier Station. Book online at cumbrestoltec.com.

What is the Antonito Limited on the Cumbres & Toltec?

The Antonito Limited is a round-trip steam journey over the eastern half of the railroad, from Antonito to Osier Station and back. It passes through Toltec Gorge and historic tunnels, and a hot lunch at Osier is included. It is a good pick if you want to start and end in Antonito.

Is there a bus back on the Cumbres & Toltec one-way trip?

Not on the Antonito One Way trip. That option covers the full 64 miles to Chama with lunch at Osier, but it does not include a bus back, so it suits tour groups or riders with someone picking them up. Antonito One Way and Antonito to Cumbres trips are booked by calling (888) 286-2737.

What do reviews say about the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?

USA Today 10Best readers voted it the number one scenic train in 2016, 2019 and 2020. Riders often praise the canyon views, the slow pace that lets you see wildlife and aspens, the open gondola car and the hot lunch at Osier. Tripadvisor and Google carry many recent reviews from Antonito riders.

How high does the Cumbres & Toltec train go?

The train climbs over Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet. From Chama, the climb begins with a 4 percent grade, one of the steepest in North America. Bring warm layers, since the weather at the pass can be much cooler than in Antonito or Chama.

Is lunch included on the Cumbres & Toltec?

Yes, on full-day trips. Midway through the journey, trains stop at remote Osier Station for a hot meal that is included in the ticket price. The Antonito Limited, All Aboard Antonito, Antonito to Cumbres and Antonito One Way trips all include the Osier lunch.

What kinds of cars ride on the Cumbres & Toltec?

You can choose coach, deluxe, premium or parlor seating, and riders in any class can visit the open-air gondola car. Moving between cars is allowed as long as you hold the railing on curves. Car options vary by trip, so check the details for the departure you want.

Is the Cumbres & Toltec steam or diesel?

The railroad runs narrow gauge steam locomotives. Its five operating engines are 484, 487, 488, 489 and 463. All burn coal except 489, which was converted to oil before the 2021 season. A guest engine, 315, from the Durango Railroad Historical Society also burns coal.

Who owns the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?

The states of Colorado and New Mexico own it jointly. A four-member commission, two from each state appointed by the governors, sets policy under an interstate agreement authorized by Congress in 1974. Cumbres Toltec Operating, a nonprofit LLC, handles daily operations and capital projects.

When was the Cumbres & Toltec railroad built?

The line was built in 1880 as part of the Denver & Rio Grande's narrow gauge system, and travel guides note that it has changed little since. It became a National Historic Landmark in 2012, recognizing its place in the history of mountain railroading in the West.

Can you tour the Antonito rail yard?

Yes. The railroad encourages self-guided tours of its rail yards in Antonito and Chama, where much of its rolling stock is on view. Walking tour brochures are available at the depots, and the railroad's app has a map of historic landmarks, trestles and tunnels.

Is the Cumbres & Toltec good for kids?

Kids can move between cars, ride in the open gondola car, watch for wildlife and go through tunnels, which helps on a long ride. Full-day trips are long, so families with younger children may prefer the Antonito Limited or the shorter Cumbres Express. Lunch at Osier gives everyone a break.

Does the Cumbres & Toltec have special event trains?

Yes. Special trains run on set dates with limited seats, including the Dark Sky Train, the Geology Train, sunset dinner trains, the Centennial State Limited, rare Galloping Goose railcar runs and Santa's Holiday Express. They often sell out, so book early through cumbrestoltec.com.

Can groups book the Cumbres & Toltec?

Yes. In summer the railroad designs group programs with special pricing for 20 or more people, such as birthdays, church outings, reunions, company parties and tour buses. Call (888) 286-2737 or email groups@cumbrestoltec.com to start planning your group trip.

Can you charter a caboose on the Cumbres & Toltec?

Yes. You can rent a caboose, reserve your own coach car or charter an entire train for friends, a company outing or a special event, choosing from the railroad's rolling stock. Email charters@cumbrestoltec.com or call (888) 286-2737 to ask about dates and options.

What train museums are near the Cumbres & Toltec in Antonito?

The Chama, New Mexico end of the line is about 33 miles away by road. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Canon City is about 103 miles, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad about 104 miles and the Pueblo Railway Museum about 112 miles. Santa Fe's rail sites are about 96 miles south.

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Kelsey Cecil
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