64 miles of narrow gauge bliss- remnants from the days of the Denver Rio Grande and Western Railroad- lie between the towns of Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. Whatever town you ride the train from ( we always catch the bus to Chama, and ride the train back to Antonito), you’ll cross the CO/NM state line 11 times and pass through a variety of terrain. The aspens in the Chama valley are some of the best i’ve seen to date.

Though cold mornings ( it was ten degrees in Antonito the morning before I arrived), we had a perfect fall day for the train ride. The aspens would have been at there peak, had it not been for the hard freeze that the area received a few days before we arrived… An always enjoyable run with the Rising Sun 4×4 club.

More info on the Cumbres and Toltec.

Morning sunrise over camp.

Camp.

Always one of my favorite views. Looking east to the Sangre De Christo Mountains and the San Luis Valley.

Mt. Blanca.

Warmth.

Mogote Peak

Morning Shadows.

Camp. The RV took our usual spot.

Mike and Brian.

Dan and Nancy sleeping in the back of Dan’s 80series instead of the tent thanks to the cold nights.

Kurts ready for the train ride!

Home.

Double header out of Chama.

Making our way though the Chama Valley.

Making our way through the Chama Valley.

Double Header goodness as we climb towards Windy Point.

Views from the Parlor Car. Blowing of Steam as we enter the Los Pinos Valley.

Below Cumbres Pass and further into the Los Pinos Valley. Lunch is close.

Rio de Los Pinos River.

A 130 ft high trestle just outside Oiser, NM.

Working hard to Osier.

Coming into Osier, NM. Our friends Brian and Mike would be waiting for us there ( they took the back roads to get to Osier).

#488 close ups. Could spend all day photographing trains.

Tolotec Gorge, Just after lunch.

Wonder who KG was…

Looking back towards Osier,NM.

A gerat stretch through the aspens.

Antonito MT in the distance.

In the San Luis Valley making our way towards Antonito, CO

Night time fun at Sublette, NM. Our camp is just above the old track maint. town.

Home sweet home. My friend Brian’s camp set up.

End.