Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Posted by: DjARoswell
N 36° 54.153 W 106° 34.715
13S E 359359 N 4085225
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is both the highest and longest narrow gauge railroad in the United States. On its 64 mile trip, it crosses over the beautiful Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet,
Waymark Code: WMG45
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 07/01/2006
Views: 86
The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is both the highest and longest narrow gauge railroad in the United States. It encompasses 64 miles of track, terminating in Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. Cumbres Pass is the highest point along the route at an elevation of 10,015 feet.
Owned jointly by the states of New Mexico and Colorado, it is administered by a bi-state commission which contracts with a private operator to run the trains and maintain the revenue stock, track and structures. Other rolling stock and buildings are restored and maintained by the volunteer group, the Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. The Friends also provide docents for self-guided walking tours at both terminals and on the trains. Great pains are taken to ensure authenticity to the 1880s.
There are two basic ways to ride. You can either go one-way by bus and the other way by train, or you can ride the train to the mid-way point, change trains, and return. On Thursdays, there is a three-hour ride from Chama to Cumbres Pass that is designed with kids in mind.
The trains currently run daily from mid-May through mid-October. Fares include lunch along the way. Because of the changes in altitude and weather, take a jacket with you. Don't forget your camera, hat and sunscreen!! The official website is (
visit link)
The coordinates above are the Chama, NM terminal. The Antonito, CO terminal is located at N 37 04.199' W 106 00.721'.
When you log this waypoint, if you have a camera, please include a picture of something either on the train ride, or at either of the terminal yards. Have FUN!!! NEXT STOP: 1880!
Visit Instructions:Provide a picture of something with the train. Possible photos include the entertainment on board the train, the train itself at any location along the route, a picture of the scenery with part of the train in view, the kids borrowing the engineer’s hat. Show us you had a good time visiting the train. If the train isn't running when you visit get a photo of one of the many railway related items that can be found in locations like this.