Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The 64 miles of track now preserved as the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the finest remaining example of a vast network of narrow-gauge railroads that once connected commercial outposts in the Rocky Mountain region. Built in 1880 as the San Juan Extension of the Denver & Rio Grande, this section served the rich mining camps in the San Juan Mountains.

Leaving the north station at Antonito, Colorado, the railroad angles southwest through rolling high-country, and begins a steady climb into the forested slopes of the San Juan range, passing through groves of pine and aspen, dramatic rock formations, and through the spectacular Toltec Gorge of the Los Pinos River. Cresting the 10,015 foot Cumbres Pass, it then drops down a precipitous 4% grade into Chama, New Mexico.

Today, this dramatic railroad, once called by author Lucius Beebe "the most spectacular example of mountain railroading in North America", is owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, and is a Registered National Historic Site. It is operated as a tourist attraction by Kyle Railways, Incorporated.

The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Inc. is the official museum support group. They maintain an office at 5732 Osuna Road NE in Albuquerque (880-1311.

You can get more information or make reservations by calling one of the depots:

Most of this material was shamelessly stolen from the brochure, which has a lot of detailed information, including how to dress, a full time-table, etc. Ask for it when you call.

If you are a railroad buff, you will probably enjoy seeing this railroad resource.