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New Mexico Train Rides And Excursion Trains

Along with Arizona, New Mexico offers some of the most spectacular scenery of the southwest with its combination of mountainous terrain and flat deserts. Today, there are just two New Mexico train rides available; the incredibly popular Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (located in the northwestern corner of the state) and the Santa Fe Southern Railway (not as popular as the C&TS but they also have a lot to offer guests) located in Santa Fe. Much of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic's celebrity is simply the incredible scenery passengers are afforded as the railroad uses tracks once part of the venerable Denver & Rio Grande Western's mining branches in the region, which passed through both the South San Juan Mountains and the Brazos Mountains. Also, New Mexico is also home to a few railroad museums. To learn more about these organizations please click here.

New Mexico has quite a storied history with railroads as legendary names like the Southern Pacific, Rock Island, Denver & Rio Grande Western, Colorado & Southern, and the Missouri Pacific all reached the state. Additionally, the iconic Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway began life in the state's capital and became one of the most powerful railroads in the country (not to mention its fame by the general public). Despite the state's fascinating railroad heritage there isn't much in the way of train rides available although I would highly recommend taking a trip of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic. In any event, to learn more about New Mexico train rides please read about each covered below.

New Mexico Train Rides And Excursion Trains

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, as mentioned above, has gained a lot of its success from the stunning scenery visitors are offered on trips. However, it's also just as well recognized for the historical significance of the line it operates and the number of amenities and special events guests can choose from. For instance, they offer dinner and wine trains, holiday runs, photo charters, and much more all using restored, 19th century passenger cars (which goes perfectly with their large roster of restored steam locomotives). If you have time also stop by and see the nearby Durango & Silverton. For more information about riding the railroad please click here. Finally, to learn more about the railroad and its history please click here.

Santa Fe Southern Railway

The Santa Fe Southern Railway based in Santa Fe operates a former AT&SF branch line to Lamy with trains boarded from the restored mission-style depot on 410 South Guadalupe Street in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Southern operates a number of special and seasonal trains throughout the year including BBQ trains and wine & cheese trains. For more information about riding the railroad please click here.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Tourist Railroads Section

To read more about New Mexico's railroad history please click here. Also, for more information about New Mexico train rides you might want to consider the book Tourist Trains Guidebook, which is put together by the editors of Kalmbach Publishing's Trains magazine. The guide below is the latest, released in just April, 2011 that now includes more than 470 museums and tourist trains (it also lists all of Alabama's rail museums). In any event, if you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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