The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railway travels between Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado. During the trip the train crosses the Continental Divide and has an incredible view of the mountains and valleys in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The train uses a true coal-fired steam engine with restored passenger cars from the late 1800's. Mary Lou and I truly love the ride and have done it twice, with the photos below from our June 2007 trip.
We left in the morning about 9:00 am.For much of the trip I stood between the first passenger car and the train (coal and water car was directly in front of me)
Looking back at the cars in tow and the valley
We got to see some beautiful "Marlboro Country" including the cattle grazing down by the river.
Lots of mountains
Saw some wildlife like the elk in this photo
We needed another steam engine to help us over the Continental Divide. They may use authentic coal-fired steam engines, but the conductors and engineers used wireless communicators.
Yeah, the coal wasn't exactly environmentally clean as you can see from the smoke from our assist engine. I picked up a few coal cinder burns from riding so close to the engine. You smell a little like smoke when you are done. (Don't wear light-colored clothes if you ever take this trip!)
Looking back at a trestle bridge we crossed in the valley.
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