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Colorado Vignette - Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Rich mineral deposits in the San Jaun Mountains was responsible for the mining industry's development of the Denver & Rio Grande (D&RG) Railway Co.in 1870. It was incorporated in the territories of Colorado and New Mexico to build a railroad from Denver to El Paso, Texas, with plans to extend it to Mexico City. The mining boom changed the plans to extend the railroad to El Paso. After a long history of changes and different cargo, the train was active until 1967. In 1968 Colorado and New Mexico joined forces and through legislative action each state created its Railroad Authority. In 1970 Two-State Railroad Authority purchased 64 miles of track between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was created, designed to operate as a scenic Railroad. On October 1970 the first Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad passenger excursion ran (exactly 90 years after the 1st passenger excursion of the D&RG). On May 29 2004 the C&TS opened the 2004 season and will operate a 6-days-a week schedule. A ridership of approximately 50,000 tourists is anticipated for 2004.

Some interesting facts about the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: It is listed on the National register of Historic Places, New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties, Colorado Historical Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Society of Civil Engineers. It has been described as on of America’s Best Working Museums, preserved as a living museum for future generations. It is America’s longest and highest narrow gauge steam railroad. It has been named one of the best 20 railway experiences in the world by the Society of International Railway Travelers. Chama, New Mexico is the Western Terminus and main headquarters for the C&TS, 64 miles of narrow gauge track, historic buildings and assorted rolling and non-rolling stock. The train crosses the New Mexico to Colorado border 11 times on the 64 mile trip, traveling 12 to 22 MPH. The Snow Rotary is one of the last remaining rotary engines in the world. The Chama Coal Tipple (tower) is believed to be the last remaining wooden tipple in the U.S. The elevations on the trip range from 7,863 ft in Chama to 10,015 at Cumbres Pass. The railroad has been used in numerous films, commercials, documentaries, TV shows and travelogues. The name Cumbres & Toltec is derived from the Spanish word Cumbres meaning Summit or Crest. Toltec is an Indian name from Mexico, given to the spectacular gorge and tunnel on the route. It is believed this name was used to acknowledge Mexico and the early plans to run the D&RG down to Mexico City. So in actuality, the name describes the Trip.... from the highest summit, CUMBRES, to the deepest gorge TOLTEC. The Scenic Railroad will take every passenger on a 64 mile high mountain adventure.

For information, schedules and prices call 1-888-286-2737 or www.cumbrestoltec.com

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