The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Narrow-Gauge Railroading Through The Scenic San Juan Mountains

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is another famous narrow-gauge tourist railroad in southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico, like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (except that it operates entirely in Colorado). The C&T is quite similar to the D&S in many ways, including the use of famous narrow-gauge steam locomotives that are native to the line (which were originally owned by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad). Also like the D&S, the C&T operates through the gorgeous canyons and mountains located in the region. So, if you are ever in southwest Colorado I would strongly consider stopping by to see this historic and super scenic tourist railroad! Even better, if you time, also stop by and see the nearby Durango & Silverton.

Of the classic fallen flag systems that had rail lines in Colorado, the Rio Grande is by far the state’s most celebrated and recognized, mostly due to its fabled and sprawling narrow-gauge system, which lasted until the late 1960s. It’s narrow-gauge operations, or what remained of them anyway (over the years the once almost exclusive narrow-gauge system had been converted to standard gauge), was centered primarily in the southern part of Colorado and northern New Mexico. It was originally built to serve coal, timber, silver, and gold although most of this (particularly the latter) had dried up by the 20th century and in its final days the narrow-gauge operations were mostly a tri-weekly service carrying mixed trains of people and freight. One of the Rio Grande’s narrow-gauge operations did survive, however. The Silverton Route survived abandonment and today continues on as the very popular Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Along with the Silverton Route the Rio Grande’s narrow-gauge line between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado (called the San Juan Extension) also survived. Today this line is home to the likewise famous Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Today, Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad’s passenger trains are pulled by vintage and authentic (to the railroad line itself) narrow gauge steam locomotives that operate over a 45-mile route between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado (very close to the same mileage as the Duragno & Silverton). Below is a complete roster of the railroad, which includes several steamers and diesel both:

· #19 – General Electric 44-tonner

· Critter – An Alco-Rogers 5-ton switcher

· #463 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-27

· #483 - Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #484 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #487 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #488 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #489 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #492 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-37 (Not Operational)

· #494 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-37 (Not Operational)

· #495 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-37 (Not Operational)

· #497 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-37

A trip to see the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad and its historic steam locomotives is well worth the time, the beautiful mountain scenery of southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico is something to behold. And, if you have more time, you might also want to stop on over to the Durango & Silverton and see their historic operations as well. All in all, you shouldn’t be disappointed in your trip, if for nothing else than the scenery!

For more information on tourist railroads like the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad you might want to consider the book Empire State Railway Museum's Tourist Trains 2006 from the Empire State Railway Museum. Given excellent reviews this guidebook covers nearly all of the tourist railroads and museums operating in the country in fine detail. So, if you’re interested in locating a tourist train or railroad near you, or simply want to know more about a particular one, you will certainly not be disappointed in Empire State Railway Museum’s guidebook to tourist railroads and museums. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".