Pepsi had the day off today while we rode the Cumbres and Toltec steam train from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado. The train line was built in 1880 to extend an existing rail line from Denver to the silver rich mountains near Silverton, Colorado. These days it is a national historic landmark and the longest, highest and most complete example of late 19th and early 20th century narrow gauge railroading in the U.S.

What a treat it was to see the steam and smoke from the engines! We arrived early and took pictures prior to departure and were allowed to freely roam along the tracks.

We rode in the Parlour car and were served a fruit plate as soon as we boarded.

Our adventure began and we quickly crossed the bridge close to our campground and waved to our fellow campers who had assembled for the passing of the train.

The trip from Chama climbs a 4% grade and the engine needs to work very hard to pull the train up the mountain. Many curves gave great photo opportunities.

We were in the last car and walked up to the locomotive and were rained on by hot bits of coal. It was like being sand blasted. The train stopped briefly while the water tank was refilled. The tank can hold 5,000 gallons of water.

Lunch was included in the fare and was at Osier, roughly in the middle of the 64 mile trip. There were lots of choices and the food was tasty and the service on the train and in the restaurant was great. The commissioner of the railway was also on our trip and seemed happy with how things were going.

After lunch it was all downhill – at least with the train. We passed through a beautiful 600ft canyon, saw some antelope and had a great rum cake as an afternoon snack. We arrived in Antonito at 4:45pm and two busses were waiting to take us back to Chama.

This stream train trip is definitely recommended!