Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Chama, NM
A narrow-gauge steam railway owned by New Mexico and Colorado, crossing Cumbres Pass between Chama and Antonito. Runs late May to October; book ahead, especially in autumn.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a narrow-gauge steam railway between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The route is 64 miles (about 103 kilometers) long, and Frommer's calls it America's longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad. It crosses Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet (3,052 meters), the highest pass in the U.S. used by scheduled passenger trains, and runs through the Toltec Gorge of the Rio de los Pinos.
The line was built in 1880 as an extension of the Denver & Rio Grande to serve the mining camps of the San Juan Mountains. Today it is owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico. The trains meet at Osier, halfway along the route, where passengers eat lunch in a large, barn-like dining hall.
Choices include full-day trips from Antonito and from Chama, the shorter Cumbres Express from Cumbres, and special trips such as the Dark Sky Train or Dinner Train, which often sell out. Booking is online. Check the online calendar for the timetable and season before you go.
- Nearest town
- Chama, NM
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 36.9030, -106.5790
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Rio Chama RV ParkMotorhome stopover0 mi from Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RailroadMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Little Creel RV ParkMotorhome stopover2 mi from Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RailroadMotorhomes
- Chama Basin Trailhead CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
- Trujillo Meadows CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RailroadTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Elk Creek CampgroundCampsite19 mi from Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
- Cooper's El Vado RanchMotorhome stopover23 mi from Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RailroadMotorhomes
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is in Chama, NM, at GPS 36.9030, -106.5790. It is about 34 mi from Antonito.
Can you camp near Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rio Chama RV Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: O’Keeffe Country and the Cumbres & Toltec railway.
What is there to see near Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?
Places worth a stop nearby: Echo Amphitheater (38 mi), Abiquiu Lake (47 mi), Wild Rivers Recreation Area (53 mi) and Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (55 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)