Chama Things to Do Tips by MarkJochim

This scenic narrow-gauge railroad, built in the 1880s, runs 64 miles from Cumbres, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado. It chugs across the 10,000-foot Cumbres Pass in the San Juan Mountains through some spectacular scenery.

OPEN: mid-June through mid-October; Saturdays and Tuesdays: leaves Chama for Antonito at 10:00 AM (a free bus service provides the return trip, or you can provide your own transportation); Sundays and Wednesdays: leaves Antonito for Chama at 10:00 AM; there's a lunch stop at the mid-point (Osier CO)

FARES: $60 for adults, $30 for children 2-11

The official website (www.cumbresandtoltec.com) provides a wealth of great information.

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Phone: (505) 756-2151, (888) 286-2737
Address: 15 Terrace Avenue, Chama NM
Website: www.cumbresandtoltec.com

The railroad line was constructed in 1880 as an extention to the Denver & Rio Grande's San Juan route in order to transport gold and silver from the mines that straddled the New Mexico-Colorado border. In 1969, the line was abandoned, thereby ending the last use of steam locomotives in general freight service in the United States.

The following year, the states of New Mexico and Colorado jointly purchased the track from Chama to Antonito, several steam locomotives and railcars, and various support facilties. The railroad began hauling tourists in 1971 and is operated as a living history museum by the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

FRIENDS OF THE CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD INC.
6005 Osuna Road N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87109

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Phone: (505) 880-1311
Website: www.cumbresandtoltec.org

Even if you don't ride the train, it's fun to explore the train yard at Chama. The water tank at the edge of the yard is believed to be the only double-spouted tank still in use. A visit to the roundhouse, coaling tower, and other railroad facilities in Chama is a must.

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