I think the very best way to ride the C&TS is to board the train in Antonito and ride all the way to Chama. The high desert is most beautiful in the morning and that is the best time to see antelope. The train climbs gradually up into higher, cooler, and greener (or more golden) scenery, depending on the season. After lunch the summit of Cumbres is reached and an hour and twenty minutes later arrives in historic Chama (nearly unchanged in the last 50 years). The next morning it is fun to chase the train to Cumbres pass.
I recommend that you download our "oncell" app which gives a geolocating guide to not only the railroad but also Colorado and New Mexico"s newest scenic and historic byway. the Tracks Across Borders Byway. The TABB is the route of the D&RGW between Durango and Chama and includes several of the bridges, structures, and the two remaining water tanks.
Here is the link to download the app
cumbrestoltec.oncell.com
John Bush