Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad — Attraction in Antonito

I don't do many excursions on travel, but this opportunity to take my dad for his birthday on a steam locomotive ride was well worth it. I'm not a big steam locomotive fan, but I find the history and technology interesting. We road coach with wheelchair access in mid August.

This trip was absolutely worth it. We took the train ride from Antonito to Chama with the return bus ride. Entire trip was about 7.5 hours as advertised. The included lunch was tasty and hot and no fuss cafeteria style which I'm fine with. Staff was absolutely superb all the way around from ticket counter, to on-board staff conductor and concessions, lunch staff, and bus driver.

My party included a wheelchair bound person, so our accommodations were more particular. I included pictures of the wheelchair accommodations. Staff was all aware of our situation and had lifts ready when we needed them. We were seated in a special car that was open inside with movable porch chairs for able bodied persons that can be positioned as necessary to accommodate a wheelchair(s). Everyone in our party could sit in front of a window. There was a wheelchair accessible bathroom in our car as well. The car on the train has a lift on either side of the train. The bus also included a lift. Staff was on hand as we arrived at Osier for the lunch stop to take us directly to the handicap table (other tables have attached benches/seats) and staff brought each of us our meals on a tray. Awesome service! That helped with the short turn around time for lunch (I believe it was 40 minutes for us).

The train ride was gorgeous. The scenery was beautiful with ample opportunities for pictures. You are allowed to move about the train for concessions (we were coach rate) and the open car for unobstructed views and pictures. We were able to open windows as necessary for pictures and fresh air. A docent had a wireless microphone and traveled up and down the train to chat with riders and explain history and scenery that was broadcast on speakers in the open car.

I liked the flexibility to wander around, especially since it was not crowded. It gave me in interesting impression of traveling back the day when this was the fastest mode of transportation. The ride is long enough to get a feel for traveling with steam locomotives and experience the technology as brakes are checked at stops, occasional water filling, tunnels, trestle bridges, road crossings, whistle blowing, bell ringing, steam blow off, and more. This ride has it all!

No complaints but concerns: Requesting wheelchair access was annoying. There is a request or option when purchasing tickets, but it doesn't prevent you from purchasing non-wheelchair accessible tickets. I called ahead as mentioned on the website and learned tourist tickets are not compatible. We were refunded the difference and give the coach rate. I realize staff needs to verify actual permanent wheelchair situation vs. a walker or wheelchair for movement. I found that discouraging and complicated, but as I said earlier, they have the resources and staff for wheelchair accessibility.

Also, we ran into an issue while boarding after lunch when a new passenger was in our seats. Seats are unassigned in our car and this women insisted on taking two chairs in front of the window to have her injured leg raised. This women was able to make other arrangements with the helpful staff, but I question why she was there in the first place. She was able to walk around, but we were restricted only to that car since the wheelchair does not fit in the car doors between cars.

I really want to go back and ride again, perhaps from Chama to Antonito. That direction works up a steep hill and you'll probably have a louder locomotive pulling up the steep grade. Another suggestion is to arrive early to watch the staff couple the locomotive to the cars. You walk up close to the operating locomotive to take pictures and witness the work of the...

Was really fortunate to partake in the annual Cumbres & Toltec rail run as part of a photo workshop. We arrived in time for the end of Day 1 and the night photo shoot, which was technically challenging and I've been in the photo industry for 26 years! When the shots finally got nailed down, the final images were immensely satisfying. Such a specific and unique photo experience. Loved it. Our group rode day two on Engine 315. This was my first experience for anything this railroad intensive outside of a museum and, for me, it was a fantastic experience. The volunteers and crew are an absolute wealth of knowledge as are, frankly, the railroad fanatics that joined up. I love people who are passionate about their hobbies and these folks are fully committed, thoroughly obsessed, rail riders. I learned a ton about the history of the C&T, it's overall run from Antonito into Chama, and even a few interesting pieces of deep Americana: the James A Garfield memorial found in the absolute middle of nowhere was a brilliant addition to an already historic run. Look for the petroglyph just a few miles south of Antonito, up the hill on the west side of the track ... And the miner's grave somewhere just before Oshei. Either way: pack a camera with a good long lens because the photo ops are numerous... But benefit from the telephoto compression in a big way. PS the train may come down with a few mechanical issues, as ours did. I see zero reason to get upset: this engine is over 100 years old and runs unbelievably well for all of that. Keep in mind: this is how it was for runners and conductors of their day. Consider it a more authentic experience. Kill the need for a schedule and just enjoy the total feel of it all. 100%...

Antonito Station is beautiful, spotlessly clean, and possibly newly remodeled. What an amazing breathtaking western landscape where many movies have been filmed! The train trip was stunning the entire ride! Loved the Sublette ghost town and riding the ledge above the bottomless Toltec gorge, the Garfield Monument was spectacular, not to mention the cool tunnels! I have never seen anything like this!!! Up, up, and farther up to Osier Station at the top of the Rocky Mountains...where the meal was delicious. This Station Restaurant appears to be brand new - very nice with massive picture windows! Several uncongested self-serve food lines with so many delicious entrees and sides. Cravable deserts fresh served on plates in the separate desert area. Wow, what an adventure! Perfect time of year for the journey, not too hot or cold at all. Going again at least annually. No butt or leg pain, comfortable seats in coach with enough seating to move around and spread out. It never felt overcrowded. The volunteers announcing all the landmarks and features were wonderful and knowledgeable, thank you! Very clean restrooms with plentiful paper towels, sanitizing soap, and TP. Margaritas and Bloody Mary's at the consession for $10. Went earlier to the souvenir shop to buy stuff. If you need an extra travel bag for the trip, they have cute Steam Engine bags and waxed canvas rugged backpacks. There are travel mugs, too. I bought the bronze little steam engine keychain. Maybe get the copper Cumbres Toltec coin and keyring next time I go. Going back! Also, wear a hat or soot crumbs will go in...