Cumbres and Toltec. Summer 2023. The Chase Out Of Antonito

After catching my last sunrise from camp for the trip, got a few more hours of sleep, then got ready for the day. We headed for the Antonito depot, stopping briefly to check out the train before it departed for the days trek to Chama. We followed a dirt road to get to Hangman’s Trestle, lined up the rigs and waited for the train. After the train passed us at Hangman’s Trestle, we set out, following dirt roads to get to Lava Tank. Sadly, the train passed us as we were making our way to Lava Tank. It was still great to get to Lava Tank, something i’ve been wanting to do for some time. After Lava Tank, we made our way to Big Horn Wye via dirt roads.

Back at camp, we enjoyed another fine summer day. Later that afternoon, we drove down to Sublette to catch the Chama train coming in for a maintenance check, then chased it down to Big Horn Wye. Later, I enjoyed one last sunset before settling in around the campfire. Sunday morning, up early, I packed up the 4runner and headed towards home. On the way towards Antonito, I stopped at Las Misetas to catch the sunrise. In San Luis, I took a break from driving and enjoyed a short hike to Stations of the Cross. Then, it was a long drive back to Denver.

Another fantastic Train Trip in the books:).

Another fine sunrise to start the day.

Mornings warmth.

#463 waiting to depart the Antonito yard.

Lined up at Hangman’s Trestle.

Brian watching #463 come up the valley to Hangman’s Trestle.

#463 on Hangman’s Trestle. Sadly, the only shot of the train that we would get for the day.

Using dirt roads, we made our way to Lava Tank.

A new to me National Monument.

Lava Tank in the distance.

Lava Tank.

San Antonio mountain.

Fine views from Lava Tank.

Sadly, the train passed the group as we were making our way to Lava Tank. I’ve been wanting to get here with the rigs for some time. So even though we didn’t get any more pics of the rigs and train, getting to Lava Tank answered a lot of questions.

After Lava Tank, we continued on dirt roads towards Big Horn Wye and ultimately camp. A bit of weather set in along the way.

The rain cleared just as we got to Big Horn Wye.

Group shot at Sublette.

Hanging with the locals.

That afternoon, we headed back down to Sublette to catch the Chama train coming in for a mantanence check.

#463 leaving Sublette.

After Sublette, we zipped on down to Big Horn Wye.

Waiting for the train.

#463 coming into Big Horn Wye.

While we were driving to Big Horn Wye, I spotted some white Wild Iris, a first for me. Of course had to stop and take some pics as we headed back to camp.