I am planning a fall trip to visit and ride the C. & T. S. (as well as the Durango & Silverton). My question is, is it worth the extra time and money to ride the C. & T. S. steam train both ways rather than take the bus back the same day? I would leave from Chama to Antonito and spend the night in Antonito and return to Chama the next day. Just wondering if it was worth it to do the trip that way.
I would suggest the one way train one way bus option. But I would highly recommend spending the extra to get reservations for the parlor car. My wife did this for my birthday a couple of yes ago and it was great.
Since the parlor car is the last car you don't have other riders passing through. Also they served a continental breakfast, beverages, aftenoon snack and a couple of souvenir items. Of course everyone gets a nice buffet meal at noon at Osier.
Have a great trip.
I'm a memner of the Friends of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR. If you want to ride from each end over two days I would recommend that you stay in Chama and ride to Antonito, bus back and the day take the morning bus to Antonito and ride back to Chama. the prices are the same. Or you can ride to the lunch stop in Osier and ride back to Chama, downside is you only get to see half of the line. Be sure to allow time to wonder the yard in Chama, everything is available, just do not climb on equipment or go into the shop. Normally there is always atleast one engine hot in Chama, it is a back up incase needed for the train out on the line.
A great recomendation. In addtion to the great parlor car service. It has a rear platform. Great photo ops thier.
If you begin your trip in chama. It's up grade out of town. The locomotive(s) put on quite a sound show, as the assult the grade.
Either way, it's a fantastic trip. Enjoy.
If you do get to ride the Durango and Silverton as well I'd second Bedell's suggestion and advise you to ride the parlor car if you can afford the extra fare, and for the same reasons.
When we rode the D&S 18 years ago we rode the parlor car and didn't regret it one bit! The only difference between the C&T and D&S parlor cars is when we rode it didn't have the continental breakfast, souvenir items, or afternoon snacks, but that may have changed by now. It DID have beverages.
Train up, bus back? That's up to you. I suppose if you have time contraints "bus back" may be the way to go.
I had three round-trips on both lines 1960, '61.and '62, when operated by the D&RGW. I am very very pleased that others can enjoy what was terrific and memoriable for me so long ago, today. May the opportunity continue forever.
daveklepper I had three round-trips on both lines 1960, '61.and '62, when operated by the D&RGW. I am very very pleased that others can enjoy what was terrific and memoriable for me so long ago, today. May the opportunity continue forever.
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