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An Extension of the Rio Grande
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was originally constructed in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande’s narrow gauge San Juan Extension, which served the silver mining district of the San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado. The inability to interchange cars with other railroads led the Rio Grande to begin converting its tracks to standard gauge in 1890.
Like all of the Rio Grande at the time, it was built to a gauge of 3 feet between the rails, instead of the more common 4 feet, 8-1/2 inches that became standard in the United States.
Stalled by the Silver Mining Bust
However, with the repeal of the Sherman Act in 1893 and its devastating effect on the silver mining industry, traffic over the San Juan Extension failed to warrant conversion to standard gauge. In the decades that followed, the railroad was mostly stagnant, although its last major upgrades in equipment and infrastructure happened in the 1920s.
A post-World War II natural gas boom brought a brief period of prosperity to the line, but operations dwindled to a trickle in the 1960s. Finally, in 1969 the Interstate Commerce Commission granted the Rio Grande’s request to abandon its remaining narrow gauge main line trackage, thereby ending the last use of steam locomotives in general freight service in the United States.
Saved by the Preservationists
Most of the abandoned track was dismantled soon after the ICC’s decision, but through the combined efforts of an energetic and resourceful group of railway preservationists and local civic interests, the most scenic portion of the line was saved. In 1970, the states of Colorado and New Mexico jointly purchased the track and line-side structures from Antonito to Chama. The C&TS began hauling tourists the next year.
Nine steam locomotives, over 130 freight and work cars, and the Chama yard and maintenance facility was purchased for $547,120 in 1970. The C&TS began hauling tourists the next year.
Today:
“USA Today 10Best” readers say that the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the best train ride in North America as well as the top attraction in both New Mexico and Colorado. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad traverses 64-miles between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. It crosses the borders of Colorado and New Mexico 11 times as it chugs its way up and over the 10,015′ high Cumbres Pass.
Our scenic railroad is jointly owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico. In recognition for its place in our national history, it was awarded National Historic Landmark Designation in 2012. We’ve been operating under this prestigious designation ever since. The volunteer docents who ride along with you share their complete education of the history, the legends and the lore of this region and the railroad.
When you visit, be sure to take the self-guided tours of the railroad yards. For a map and tour information about the railroad yards, including historic landmarks, trestles, and tunnels, visit the How to Get Here section.
Today the railroad is operated for Colorado and New Mexico by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, an interstate agency authorized by an act of Congress in 1974. The Commission is composed of four members, two from each state, appointed by their respective state Governor. The Commission sets the policies for the management of the C&TSRR. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is operated by Cumbres Toltec Operating a non-profit LLC. It handles the daily operation of the railroad and is the project manager on Capital Improvement Projects. To find out more about the C&TS Commission,visit their website.
Advertisement:
Care of the historic assets, and interpretation of the railroad is entrusted to the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a non-profit, member-based organization whose mission is 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. A team of more than 30 volunteer docents play a critical role in bringing the C&TS to life for riders each day of the season. If you would like to learn more about how you can help support the C&TS as a volunteer or sustaining member of the Friends, visit the Friends of the C&TS web site.
Live Cam:
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is known for its extensive collection of rolling stock which can be viewed at both our Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado rail yards. Check out our five operating coal fired, steam operated, narrow gauge locomotives – #484, 487, 488, 489, and 463. Locomotive #489 joined the line in 2008 after an extensive recondition. Locomotive #483 is on display at the Chama station but is not in operation. Locomotive #463 returned to operation in 2013. Walking tour brochures are available at our depots.
All Information From The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
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