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New Mexico Beer Tasting Train Rides

Published: September 29, 2025

By: Adam Burns

New Mexico pairs wide-open skies and storied rail lines with a craft beer scene that punches well above its weight. Put the two together and you get one of the Southwest’s most memorable experiences: beer tasting train rides.

Whether you’re a traveler looking for a one-of-a-kind evening or a local seeking a fresh way to sample the state’s brews, here’s what to know, who’s running them, and how to get the most from your ride.

Locations

Sky Railway

If you’ve heard about beer on rails in New Mexico, odds are it’s Sky Railway. Running the historic line between downtown Santa Fe and the railroad town of Lamy, Sky Railway operates themed excursions with live entertainment, light bites, and a focus on local food and drink.

Their schedule changes seasonally, and beer-centric rides tend to appear as limited-run specials or as part of broader “sips” experiences that feature regional producers.

Expect curated tastings featuring New Mexico craft breweries, scenic desert vistas through the Galisteo Basin, and a relaxed, social vibe. Departures typically originate from the Santa Fe Depot (near the Railyard) or Lamy Station, with round-trip experiences lasting a few hours.

Because Sky Railway rotates themes often—think sunset rides, stargazing trips, or holiday specials.  For instance, their "New Mexico Ale Trail Train" features regional brewers including the Nuckolls Brewing Company, Tractor Brewing Company, Bow & Arrow Brewing Company, and Marble Brewery among others.

In any event, it's best to check their current calendar and look for descriptions that highlight breweries, beer pairings, or tasting menus. Seating ranges from standard to premium lounge-style cars, and some rides include souvenir glassware or small bites designed to complement the pours.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic is a beloved heritage steam railroad that straddles the New Mexico-Colorado border operating a historic segment of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad's narrow-gauge San Juan Extension, with New Mexico departures from Chama. Its bread and butter are full-day scenic journeys, but it also runs special events throughout the season.

Depending on the year, those specials may include themed trains with regional culinary or beverage partners. One popular outing is the "Dinner & Beer Train" which pairs a dining experience with regional beers from nearby San Luis Valley Brewing.  Please note this experience is an all-day affair lasting about eight hours.

What To Expect

Curated pours: Tastings are typically led by the onboard team or brewery partners, highlighting a range of styles—pilsners and lagers for easy sipping, hop-forward IPAs, malty ambers, and seasonal one-offs. Expect tasting flights or tokens for select beers, with full pours available for purchase on some rides.

Local flavor: New Mexico’s craft scene is deep. Depending on the event, you might see breweries from Santa Fe, Albuquerque, or smaller towns showcased. Lineups rotate, so think of each ride as a snapshot of the state’s liquid culture.

Scenery as a pairing: On the Santa Fe–Lamy line, the golden hour washes over adobe silhouettes and the high desert; after dusk, stars put on a show. In the north, the Chama Valley and high passes offer a cinematic backdrop of pines, meadows, and wide mountain skies.

Responsible Enjoyment and Policies

Age restrictions: Beer tasting components are for guests 21+. Family-friendly cars may exist on some rides, but alcohol is restricted to adults with valid ID.

Onboard rules: Typically, outside alcohol is prohibited, cannabis is not allowed, and smoking is restricted to designated areas or not permitted at all. Policies vary—check your confirmation email.

Motion and accessibility: Trains sway and historic cars can have stairs and narrow aisles. If you have mobility considerations, contact the operator ahead of time for accessible seating details.

Why Beer By Rail Works

New Mexico’s craft beer identity emphasizes place: water profiles tailored to bright, clean lagers; bold, aromatic hops that suit the dry climate; and barrel-aged or mixed-fermentation projects that reflect an experimental streak.

On a train, that sense of place expands—your glass becomes a lens on the landscape. As you sip, the terrain shifts: juniper-dotted hills, rust-red mesas, far-off peaks. It’s an experience that slows you down in the best way.

Bottom Line

Beer tasting train rides in New Mexico are limited, popular, and worth planning around. Sky Railway in Santa Fe is the most frequent home for beer-forward excursions, while the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic offers a combination tasting and dinner experience.

Because offerings change, your best move is to watch event calendars, book early, and show up ready to sip responsibly. Do that, and you’ll be rewarded with a uniquely New Mexican pairing: craft beer and unforgettable views, one mile of track at a time.