The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) will begin its 50th season on May 23, 2020 with authentic, coal-fired steam locomotives departing daily from both Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico through October 18, 2020.
This year is especially significant for the nation’s highest and longest and best preserved steam railroading operation. The tracks of the railroad were originally laid 140 years ago, in 1880, as part of the San Juan Extension of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway. And 50 years ago, the railroad was saved from abandonment when the states of Colorado and New Mexico stepped in and purchased the tracks and equipment with the mission to preserve and interpret the railroad as a living history museum for the benefit of the public, and for the people of Colorado and New Mexico, who own it.
In honor of these landmark anniversaries, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has celebrations and special trains planned throughout the season, starting with Opening Day on May 23, 2020.
On May 23, the Cumbres & Toltec will launch its 2020 season with the official first appearance of historic engine No. 168, which will steam up and pull a ceremonial train from Antonito, Colo. To train buffs around the world, this is an unprecedented historic moment. For the first time ever, a steam locomotive from the 1880s has been completely restored and will run regular excursions on the exact same tracks across the Rocky Mountains that it originally did from 1883-1938.
What is truly remarkable is that No. 168 sat outside in Antlers Park in downtown Colorado Springs for 75 years where the engine was exposed to the elements of snow, hail and rain, and even at one point had homeless people sleeping in the cab. It has been completely restored to its accurate 1915 beautiful appearance and is one of only two locomotives of its class left in the world.
Today, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the nation’s highest, longest and most authentic steam railroad. It was judged in 2017 and 2019 by the readers of USA Today to be the best train ride in North America.
The train follows 64-miles of the same tracks first laid down in 1880 that cross the border of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times, skirting along canyon walls through Toltec Gorge, burrowing through two tunnels, steaming over Cascade Trestle (137-feet above a roaring river), and climbing to the top of 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, the highest point reached by any steam railroad in North America.
Traveling on the train provides the most authentic look at steam railroading in the 1880s, where passengers can move between cars, ride outdoors on an open air gondola car, listen to a steam whistle echo down a canyon, enjoy mile after mile of aspen and conifer forest, see wildlife such as elk, deer and even bear, or visit the bar and snack car — all at a stately top speed of 12 mph.
All season long, there will be special trains and anniversary celebrations to commemorate this important year. They include:
Opening Day of the 50th Season of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
May 23, 2020
Historic opening day events and very special trains will be announced for both Antonito, CO and Chama, NM departures. Locomotive #168 and historic cars #65, 256 and 292 run a special historic train from Antonito to Osier and return.
50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Agreement
July 1, 2020
A special ceremony at Osier, CO will be held exactly 50 years after the historic July 1, 1970 agreement was signed by Colorado Governor John Love and New Mexico Governor David Cargo. Dignitaries from both states will be invited to preside at this event meeting up in Osier, CO, the mid-point on the daily train.
Galloping Goose Reunion
July 18-26, 2020
This is a highly visual event that will feature a gaggle of operating Goose motors. The Galloping Geese are homemade rail buses built by the Rio Grande Southern and accommodated passengers and light freight to operate in the rugged Rocky Mountains. During the week, demonstrations of the historic properties and operations are planned as well as night photo sessions.
Roundup of Victorian Iron Horses
Between August 22-30, 2020
The C&TSRR will present a roundup of engines built before 1900 that will run on the line to commemorate this special year. This event will feature at least four locomotives and will be based mostly in Antonito, CO. It will include several opportunities to ride behind these locomotives on trips to Osier and return. The locomotives will come to Chama for display and operation before the close of the event.
Moonlight Dinner Train 50th Anniversary Specials
August 29, 2020
Cumbres turn #168, #425, historic Consist, Departs Chama 5:30 p.m. and returns to Chama at 9:30 p.m. C&TS’s world famous Cumbres Dinner Train pulled by authentic equipment with historic passenger cars. This will be the only opportunity in 2020 to have this experience!
In addition to special 50th anniversary trains, the C&TSRR will also offer a number of special trains including:
- June 21, 2020: The Geology Train: This special once-a-year train will depart early from both stations and include stops with geologists to examine some of the unusual formations along the route. Geology Trains are available from both Antonito CO and Chama NM.
- 4th of July Dinner Train, leaves Chama at 5 p.m., dinner on Cumbres Pass, and a fireworks show, before returning to Chama at 10 p.m. There will be entertainment and a Fourth of July costume contest.
- August 1, 2020: John Denver Tribute Saturday Night Dinner Train, leaves Chama at 5 p.m. with dinner and sunset on Cumbres Pass and back by train at 9:00 p.m. Entertainment will include a John Denver tribute concert by recording artist Chris Collins and a 1960s costume contest.
- August 2, 2020: Wildflower & Botany Special: This once-a-year special ride will include stops to examine the many wildflowers that grow in Colorado and Northern New Mexico along the route. A special souvenir booklet will be available to all passengers.
- August 15, 2020: Dark Sky Dinner Train with Flamenco Guitar by Luis Campos. This once-a-year special leaves Chama at 5 p.m. with flamenco music, dinner, sunset on Cumbres Pass, entertainment and costume contest all under the bright stars illuminated in the dark sky.
- September 19, 2020: Saturday Night Sunset & Speakeasy Special Dinner Train. Travel back to the days of prohibition on a Speakeasy Special that leaves Chama at 5 p.m., with music, dinner on Cumbres Pass, entertainment and costume contest. And no worries! Elliott Ness will NOT be on board, but the bar car will be.
Please check the website for other special trains including the half-day Cumbres Express and the special kid-themed Cinder Bear Experience, www.cumbrestoltec.com or call 1-888-286-2737.