During my cross-country trip this summer, I stopped at at Chama, New Mexico, a terminus of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR). This was my third time riding the train from Chama; the fourth (actually my first) was from Antonito, Colorado. Normally I ride from end to end and take the bus back to the starting point. However, this time I changed trains midway, and rode the train back to Chama. The day was rather windy, and a lot of clouds rolled in , bringing sprinkles of rain. They could have used more. The turkey dinner at the midpoint was great, as always. Stayed in a nice small motel with a huge room at a modest price. The Cameras used were Nikon D800 bodies and Nikkor 28-300 mm and 80-400 zoom lenses. I am still amazed how well the vibration reduction feature on the lenses works.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Nice shots! I finally got to ride this line out of Chama (which is an amazing place) in September of 2012 with my long-suffering wife (who admitted it was a great experience). We also rode behind 484, and then 488...
It is a great ride in grand country. For some reason it seems more of a "train" event than riding the Silverton -Durango one.
Yes, the C&TS seems more "railroady". I particularly like the feel of Chama, which captures the mood of a steam-powered division point, with switch engines barking around shuffling cars, engines running down to the wye, coaling tower, division type equipment parked about such as a rotary. And, looking down from Foster's porch at dusk, enjoying a beer, the engine house wall is unchanged from the days of Fred Jukes and diamond stack steamers, 1905-era.
Chama is a perfect compromise for my wife and I. She knows I love it and I know she loves shopping in Santa Fe and Taos. Both towns have comfortable "husband benches" that I use while she's shopping. It's a win-win.
Durango would be "railroady" too, but they keep tourists out of the yards. A very up-tight operation, but beautiful equipment. I too go to Chama first.
I got a tour of the yards early one morning in Durango by telling them I had just brought them 122 passengers. It helped that I was in uniform.
My wife is from Ouray Colorado, a side bar story.
North of Durango on the Million Dollar Highway.
We also went as tourist and purchased this water color
of the Durango Station. We met in Michigan, and my first summer
to Ouray & Durango was in 1977.
I was always a flat lander from Michigan, below is the print I purchased
my first time to Durango for the train ride.
We drove from Michigan over Monarch Pass for years and still do.
Attachments
Thanks for the photos. I'd like to make this trip someday soon.
Thanks for photos brings back memories from a trip a few years back. We drove along to get shots of the train coming over the pass back to town at the top of the hill and rode it next day up and back. Drove to other side and did the other side of the trip. It is great to have time to look around the yards and shops.
Chama will blow your mind the first time you go there. Stand with your back to the state highway and the parking lot and stare into the yard as early in the morning as the light will allow.
Congrats, you've actually went back in time.