CHAMA, N.M.-
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad kicks off the 2007 season on Saturday, and officials say more steam locomotives will operate and more trips will be run this year.
The railroad, now owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, was once part of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway.
The narrow-gauge railroad, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2006, runs between Antonito, Colo., and Chama, winding across the state lines 11 times during the 64-mile trip. The ride chugs up the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, over trestles and through tunnels along the 800-foot-deep Toltec Gorge.
Ticket prices begin at $62 for adults and $31 for children, and the price includes a hot lunch in the mining town of Osier, Colo.
“For the first time in seven years, trains will be departing from both Antonito and Chama every day of the week,” said general manager Tim Tennant. “This means that more people can experience the excitement of an old-fashioned steam train ride.”
Four steam locomotives, built in the 1920s, are fully operational this year. Railroad officials also said a track improvement project begun last year has been completed.
Last year, the train carried nearly 40,000 passengers during its regular season from May to October.
The railroad plans a number of special rides this year, including nine Cinder Bear Express rides for families beginning June 21; the Osprey Express July 15, which coincides with the osprey festival in northern New Mexico; and Moonlight trains July 28 and Aug. 25.
It also will run Christmas trains Dec. 1 and Dec. 8.
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