The morning train from Chama to Antonito kicks off the 63-mile-plus, day-long excursion with a crossing of the Rio Chama, just outside the yard. This 230 ft, steel truss bridge is nearly 90 years old. Oh, and the tree framing the shot on the right? That's the infamous Jukes Tree, one of the most popular photo spots on the line. Shortly after crossing the bridge, the train will begin to climb, and this train doesn't fool around. It is roughly 14 miles to Cumbres Pass from here and in that distance, the train will climb from about 7,800 ft. to just over 10,000 ft. MSL, or about 2,200 vertical feet.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad are all that remains of the legendary Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow gauge system. Here you'll find some of my favorites from these two beautiful railways.
