This debate is a regular feature of this site. And like so many things in my view the answer depends. If you have only one day and are primarily a steam fan, the eastbound trip from Chama allows you to watch and listen to your engine(s) attack the four percent grade to Cumbres. After that everything is gravy, and if you go through to Antonito (as opposed to an Osier roundtrip) you will probably be napping by the time you get to Lava because it is a long day. On the other hand if you have more than one day and also enjoy the scenery and nature, a trip starting from Antonito has much to recommend it. The vistas from the train as it slowly climbs around sweeping curves on the long two percent grade are spectacular, and best enjoyed while you are fresh and wide awake. You can better appreciate the gradual change as the landscape goes from fertile valley to high desert to sub alpine to alpine. All the while enjoying the sights and sounds of your engine working. Then after a good lunch the finale is the sweeping views from Windy Point and a quick final lap into Chama. Then the next day you can either ride the train again or drive along the railway to take in the dramatic sights and sounds of the engines climbing to Cumbres.
This is the morning view from Lava looking back at Antonito.
JBWX
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/03/2018 10:43AM by John West.