The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad operates 64 miles of former Denver & Rio Grande Western narrow-gauge track between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico.
The route was constructed in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande’s San Juan Extension toward southwestern Colorado.
Commercial narrow-gauge freight service declined after World War II as highways, trucks, and changing industries reduced traffic.
The Rio Grande abandoned most of the line in 1969.
Colorado and New Mexico jointly purchased the Antonito–Chama section and a large collection of locomotives, rolling stock, and maintenance equipment in 1970.
The preserved route includes Cumbres Pass, steep grades, tunnels, bridges, yards, water facilities, and mountain scenery directly tied to historic operations.
The railroad operates steam locomotives including K-27 and K-36 types and preserves non-operating equipment such as rotary snowplows and additional locomotives.
The line is recognized as a National Historic Landmark because the railroad survives as an unusually complete transportation system rather than a collection of isolated artifacts.
Modern excursion operation requires regulatory compliance, inspections, fire mitigation, and contemporary business management while retaining historic practices where practical.
For TransitSatellite, the page should present C&TS as a preserved operating railroad system, not just a scenic train ride.