The Train Trip 2026 - date TBA

[bh4rnnr]

The W's:

When: June 11th through the 14th
New date TBA. Scroll down to join the discussion.

Where: Southern CO, Northern NM.

Why: Steam Trains are cool.

What: Depending on how this summer goes with our current drought, I'm gonna move base camp to Chama and the Rio Chama RV park. The trains will most likely be able to run being that most are oil burning now. But I don't see any reason for us to making things worse if we don't start getting some moisture. With that we'll still plan on riding the train one day and chase two days. It's always a fun trip and the Cumbres and Tolotec Scenic Railroad is a blast to ride.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Keeping the run open


A few pics from last trips:

 

[Stephen Reavill]

That looks like a ton of fun I'd like to try and come for that if I don't end up being busy that time of year.

 

[Roi]

Sounds like a super fun adventure both for me and our 4.5y.o., do you know if kids are welcome? Maybe even a whole family adventure?

 

[Beach Boy]

Wish I could make it this year.

 

[DanS]

Sounds like a super fun adventure both for me and our 4.5y.o., do you know if kids are welcome? Maybe even a whole family adventure?

The train trip is VERY kid friendly, especially if your kid like trains. It's REAL chill.

I don't know if I can make it or not (probably not, at the next week is a full work week in Como) but if I can't come, it'll because I'm busy working on a train. FWIW, on your way back from Chama/Antonito, you should all feel free to stop in at the Como Roundhouse. I'll probably be there, but if not someone will be--if you haven't had your fill of wandering around historic railroad yards yet.

Dan

 

[zgfiredude]

I wanted to come last year and couldn’t…this year I intend to make it happen!

 

[brisico]

I also missed it last year so it is already on my calendar for this year. Not sure if I can make it down Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. Looking forward to hearing more about the plans!

 

[Corbet]

Sounds like a super fun adventure both for me and our 4.5y.o., do you know if kids are welcome? Maybe even a whole family adventure?

I’ll also reinforce the fact this is a great kids adventure. Camp is flat and mellow nestled in some aspens. The train ride can be a long day but you get off the train for a lunch break and I’m sure most kids that age will just nap the final miles. Wheeling is also mild with lots of get out and watch the train. Maybe bring some ear protection for a young kid. I’ll miss it again this year, I’m out of country that week.

 

[Roi]

Thank you all for the replies.
How may I get more details and/or join?
New to Colorado (moved from NM) and to the forum.

 

[Corbet]

Perry, who organizes this trip every year will post more details soon I’m sure. Like GPS camp location and daily itinerary. There is normally a group reservation made to ride the train. @bh4rnnr

 

[bh4rnnr]

Alright,

Sadly, some things have come up and I'm gonna have to reschedule this trip . June has become a favorite time of year to ride the Cumbres and Toltec but now looking at August. Working on dates currently and will post more as I get dates figures out. Looking towards late August now. Need to look on the website sand see if any fun rides are happening.

Sorry for the changes.

 

[Corbet]

Not to push it later but that looks like it would be a great fall colors venue. But either Aug or Sept could potentially open it up for me to attend.

 

[brisico]

Fall would be nice. The C&TSR is also offering some night sky trips that could be fun. Chase during the day and ride at night. Nothing like a steam whistle echoing in the dark...

 

[Corbet]

2026 season delayed to access wild fire danger. https://cumbrestoltec.com/2026-seas...YMFKfdy3N6WICOdCKJ_aem_DyBf7J21CVyU6-D8xdnVGA

 

[MDH33]

Not to push it later but that looks like it would be a great fall colors venue. But either Aug or Sept could potentially open it up for me to attend.

We did it in early October in 2016 and the colors were amazing.

 

[fyffer]

Spoke with Little “Bit” Pruitt yesterday from Chuckwagon. He mentioned Turkey and Meatloaf will be on the menu again. Just saying

 

[bh4rnnr]

Fall would be nice. The C&TSR is also offering some night sky trips that could be fun. Chase during the day and ride at night. Nothing like a steam whistle echoing in the dark...

This is actually a great idea! Looks like there's one in August and September leaving from both Chama and Antonito.

2026 season delayed to access wild fire danger. https://cumbrestoltec.com/2026-seas...YMFKfdy3N6WICOdCKJ_aem_DyBf7J21CVyU6-D8xdnVGA

Been suspicious that this might happen. We'll see if they delay more on the second. Hopefully this rain continues.

We did it in early October in 2016 and the colors were amazing.

That's actually where the trip began was in the Fall time. Summer has just been really fun and easy. Maybe try to plan it around one of the fall dark sky excursions.

Spoke with Little “Bit” Johnson yesterday from Chuckwagon. He mentioned Turkey and Meatloaf will be on the menu again. Just saying

Awesome! There food is actually really good. It may not be the meatloaf that was so wonderful. But sill great food.

 

[Roi]

For some reason I don't get any update despite "watching" this post, life as newbie here :S
Lmk the new dates - hope we can make it then!

 

[Corbet]

We did it in early October in 2016 and the colors were amazing.

Oh look, I was there. Couple of cold nights for a few if I recall.

 

[DanS]

Oh look, I was there. Couple of cold nights for a few if I recall.

Boy they sure were! @SaintAgatha can tell the story of ditching the tent and moving into the 80 to run the heater in the middle of the night pretty well.

If I had to pick a single place to look at Aspens, it'd be the C&TS. Literally the best area anywhere I know of. Last week September/first week of October is the pretty sure bet.

The C&TS did a test run out of Chama the other day while it was raining, so that's some progress!

In unrelated news, the D&S got 481 out of the shop with a bunch of fresh boiler work and oil conversion completed last week. Which should give 480 some breathing room (it's got like 70 service days of boiler time remaining, Perry might remember the number Will told us when we were in the roundhouse in February--and it needs to last this season before it goes down for a 1472).

Dan