Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Celebrates 127 Years of History

With its antique steam engines stoked and passenger cars filled, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad kicked off a season-long celebration of train rides and special events Saturday (May 24, 2008), with Opening Day ceremonies at both the Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado depots.

“This unique treasure gives New Mexicans and their visitors the opportunity to explore one of the state’s most scenic areas, and at the same time, share in a family experience sure to be remembered for years to come,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “With this kind of entertainment available in our own backyard, why go anywhere else this summer?”

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is co-owned by the people of Colorado and New Mexico. Its locomotives, cars, buildings, and even its 64-mile narrow-gauge route were all part of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway, making it the most authentic train in all of North America.

A ride on the train is an adventure in time. It chugs up the 10,015-foot-high Cumbres Pass, winds through tunnels and over trestles, and snakes along the 800-foot-deep Toltec Gorge, past waterfalls, mountain forests, and alpine meadows. This popular historic narrow-gauge train engages passengers, photographers, historians, and train aficionados on one of the most scenic and historic rail experiences anywhere.

The trains will run daily through October 19, 2008. Highlighting the railroad’s 127th year will be a number of planned special train rides, including Sunday themed trains and a host of special themed trains: Galloping Goose & Locomotive  #315, Plein Air-Artist Train, Cinder Bear Express, the Moonlight Train, and the restored OB Pile Driver Special (both new and returning).

Details and dates for these themed train rides and other information, including pricing and scheduling, is available on the railroad’s newly designed website, www.cumbrestoltec.com, or by calling 888-CUMBRES (888-286-2737). 

For more information contact
Gayle Martinez, Director of Sales & Marketing, 505-209-0218 or gmartinez@cumbrestoltec.com.