By Joy Meadows
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad’s 2024 season is well underway and we are on track for a banner year with early summer ridership up over previous years.
Here’s an update with news for the second half of our season, August – October:
Outlaw Express: Brews, Views & Que. On August 7, this fun-filled special departure will depart directly from the popular Outlaw BBQ restaurant in Chama for a gorgeous ride up to Cumbres Pass and back for a mouthwatering barbecue feast! There will be beers from Ska Brewing, live music and a fun and memorable adventure. More details at https://cumbrestoltec.com/events/outlaw-express-dinner-train-charter/
Local Appreciation
From August 20 to September 1, locals who live within 80 miles of either Antonito, Colo or Chama, NM can get on board for a special Locals’ Discount price of 50 percent off coach class in appreciation for the locals who have supported the railroad for generations!. If you live in Pagosa Springs, Alamosa, Taos or Espanola, you may qualify for the discount. More details: https://cumbrestoltec.com/specials-discounts/ (This is the first time we’ve offered this discount in Taos or Espanola!)
Autumn Departures Selling Fast
Viewing the gorgeous fall colors from the Cumbres & Toltec is spectacular and to meet demand, we’ve added additional weekend departures, beginning in September. Parlor and Deluxe Classes are already sold out on many dates so if this is your year to experience the autumn colors like never before, book NOW
Sunday is a GREAT Day to Ride!
A surprising trend has emerged this year, with Sunday having the most availability. In previous years, Sundays were often at capacity with weekday trains being less full, but this year, the opposite is true. If you want fewer crowds, consider booking a Sunday!
Geology Train on September 8 (Almost sold out)
If you want to get on a train that really “rocks,” buy tickets now! You’ll join acclaimed geologists to traverse spectacular geology along the Cumbres & Toltec tracks. This special train will stop at many outcroppings and rail cuts along the right of way, so passengers may mingle, marvel, and collect photographs. These unique experiences are only accessible on the train route. More info: https://cumbrestoltec.com/events/september-08-2024-geology-train-2/ NOTE: we have a limited number of media tickets! Please let us know if you would like to join!
Galloping Goose #7 Returns to the C&TS.
History lovers and railfans will have an opportunity to ride Galloping Goose through the fall colors, September 24 – October 4. More info on this unique experience here:https://cumbrestoltec.com/events/september-october-2024-galloping-goose-no-5/
Outlaw Express: Surf & Turf.
On October 8, the Outlaw Express departs Outlaw BBQ restaurant in Chama and steams to Cumbres Pass, the highest operational railroad pass in America. The train returns to Outlaw BBQ for a delicious surf & turf dinner with smoked prime angus smoke ribeye and smoked Atlantic salmon! More info:https://cumbrestoltec.com/events/outlaw-express-surf-turf/
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs through October 19, 2024, with trains departing from both Antonito, Colo. and Chama, NM six days a week, Tuesday–Sunday. Trip options include:
All Aboard Full Excursion Trips travel the full line between Chama, NM and Antonito, Colo. and include a one-hour bus ride. These trips are called the Antonito All Aboard and the Chama All Aboard and include lunch and motorcoach service. Adult ticket prices start at $115 for summer departures and $155 for the fall season.
Half Limited Trips travel half the C&TS line from either Chama or Antonito to the mid-way point of Osier Station and back. Chama Limited or the Antonito Limited both include lunch and are solely via train, with no bus service. Adult ticket prices start at $95 for summer and $135 for the fall season. There will be an additional Chama Half Limited Trip on select weekends in the autumn to meet demand for the popular fall season.
Express Options are perfect for people short on time, families and people who want to “chase the train” as well as ride it. The three-and-a-half hour Cumbres Express departs from Cumbres Pass at 11:10 am, heads to Osier for lunch service (included in the price) and returns to Cumbres at 2:45 p.m. Adult ticket prices start at $80.
About the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad follows the original 64-miles of tracks first laid down in 1880, crossing the borders of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times, as it skirts along canyon walls through Toltec Gorge, burrows through tunnels, steams over Cascade Trestle (137-feet above a roaring river), and climbs to the top of 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, the highest point reached by any steam railroad in North America.
Tickets and more information at www.cumbrestoltec.com or call 1-888-286-2737.
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