Re: First Visit to Chama *LINK*

As you may have read in the past this place has been the highest on my list of US destinations for years. When I make the effort to go out there I tend to make a week or two out of it, cause one or two days is not doing it justice. Consider this is probably the longest steam tourist line in North America, and Durango 100 miles away is second. Between the two you have probably 8 servicable steam engines, and 105 miles of steam railroading, and the best steam scenery in America. Again, one day just doesn't come close to appreciating the place nor enjoying it to its fullest.
My advice ride Antonito to Chama. Engine works slightly all the way from Antonito to Cumbres, then drops down the 4% grade. If you ride Chama-Antonito you have a great 90 minutes from Chama-Cumbres, then the rest of the day the engine drifts downgrade to Antonito. Scenery is the same either way. If you are going from Chama reserve seats on the right side of the train. If you are going from Antonito reserve seats on the left side of the train for the best views of the scenery.
You can chase the train from Chama about 15 miles to beyond Cumbres(Los Pinos Valley). Beyond that its real work to shoot the other places and requires some hiking or a lot of driving for very little.
If you have the time here is what I would do.
Day 1 Ride Antonito to Chama
Day 2 Ride Chama to Cumbres or RT to Osier
Day 3 Chase CHama to Cumbres and beyond, and get the Antonito train in the Afternoon in the same section.
Day 4 Chase Chama-Cumbres and drive to Durango
Day 5 Ride D&S
Day 6-7 Chase D&S to Rockwood, etc
Day 8 Stay longer at Durango, or return to Chama for another day if you wish then move on.
Check the C&TS schedule first and make sure you are not there for their off day!! D&S runs 2-3 trains so more options.
Whatever you do, it will be a good experience, and a whole lot more scenic than anything back here in the east or midwest!!!
Steamingly,
Greg Scholl