Having been on the ride several years ago, I knew what we were missing when the windows frosted over and weather turned frigid (in august :-(. The food at the midway point was as good as i remembered and there was plenty of it! If the weather is good expect an excellent adventure!
The C & TS is a narrow-gauge steam train operating between the towns of Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. I recommend taking the morning bus out of Chama (a one hour-five minute ride) to Antonito and then riding the train all the way back. You get a marvelous diversity of scenery and go through two tunnels and one very tall trestle.Lunch (turkey/meatloaf/vegetarian) is provided at the half-way point. Riding in the Parlor Car is highly recommended.
We rode the passenger car with a hostess. This is the way to go especially for adults. The views were great and she was there to answer are questions. In this car you are served in a special souvenir stainless cup non alcoholic beverages. I highly recommend this trip.
The scenery was beautiful. The staff very nice. The turkey and dressing was very good. We enjoyed the entire trip.
nice train ride through the mountains and nice staff loved riding in the cab of 487 and 463 it is worth it
It was a fantastic experience. Words cannot explain how wonderful the train ride was. From the time we got to the station until we got back to the station we were pampered. We decided to spend the extra money and ride in the parlor car. It was well worth the extra $$. The parlor attendants were so nice. Fruit, muffins and non alcoholic drinks before lunch as well as non alcoholic drinks and sweet treats in the afternoon were included in the price of the ticket. Lunch in Osier was nice. My husband said it was the best turkey he has eaten in a long time (even better than my cooking). The scenery was beautiful. The whole train experience was something we will never forget. Thanks Cumbres and Toltec.
We took this train trip the end of May 2014 from Chama, NM. The shades of green this time of year are incredible! The aspens were full of chartreuse leaves. I would imagine the trip would even be more beautiful in the fall when the aspens are golden! The ride was fun and worth the time. The scenery was beautiful but I guess the heat at this time of year thwarted the opportunity for photographing wildlife. We only saw a hawk and a marmot. The last part of the trip into Antonito, CO, is flat and nothing but sagebrush...unless you get lucky and see the elusive antelopes. Disappointed about that. All in all, a great ride!
This is the less known and less popular sibling of the train running from Durango to Silverton. Until the late 1960's (or so) both were part of one narrow-gauge line built in the 1870's to serve the mining camps. Eventually, the line was abandoned, except for the section between Durango and Silverton and this section between Antonito CO and Chama NM.The cars are modern and built in recent years, though most people are fooled into thinking they are original. We rode in the first class car, which includes bar service. The first class car also is the last car, farthest from the smoke and cinders and providing a nice back platform for picture taking.The climb from the desert of Antonito high up into the mountains and along the gorge was great. The train runs through some empty (but beautiful countryside), so a mid-day stop includes lunch included with your pass. (Turkey, meatloaf, and salad bar are the choices.)Since the trip is long, you cannot complete it all as a one day roundtrip. They offer a variety of choices, including a turnaround on another train after lunch, or a full one-way with a return bus trip.WHERE TO SIT: They will NOT tell you this on the website, because they want to sell seats on both sides of the train. However, if you are departing Antonito, you must sit on the LEFT side to have the best view and pictures. Likewise, if departing Chama, book your seats on the RIGHT side.
The ride and the including buffet lunch in Osier are a great experience for young and old alike. The tunnels and view of the Toltec Gorge east of Osier are nice.
Love trains so this steam locomotive, narrow gauge line was perfect for me. This does take all day with one way by bus and one by train between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. Beautiful views. Possible stay away from 1st car as winds might blow smoke from the stack into the car. The stop for lunch which is included in the price at old line building was great - turkey dinner for us - but others had meatloaf or salad bar and there was a hot dog option for kids. Sodas and snacks for sale on train. Left at 8:30 by bus from Chama to Antonito and returned by train about 4:15. Was a great day trip from Santa Fe, NM