Today, I want to reminisce about our 2010 vacation in New Mexico. We’ve always enjoyed the state’s historical sites and cultural traditions — enough that four years later, in 2014, we came back to Taos to get married. But I digress.
On that earlier trip, we spent a few days in Taos and set aside one of them for the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1880, the line hauled freight and passengers through the San Juan Mountains for nearly a century before the states of New Mexico and Colorado jointly purchased it in 1970 to preserve it as a heritage railroad. The narrow-gauge tracks wind for 64 miles between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, crossing the state line eleven times behind a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive.
Because of where we were staying, we boarded in Antonito and rode toward Chama, with a lunch stop partway at Osier, Colorado. The scenery only improved as the train climbed toward Cumbres Pass — at 10,022 feet (3,055 m), the highest point on the line and the highest elevation reached by any narrow-gauge railroad in North America. Rolling meadows gave way to forested slopes, and at one overlook a little river switch-backed through the valley floor far below us.
Beyond the scenery, though, there is something plainly romantic about riding a train like this one. Several cars were open-sided, so we could sit in the fresh mountain air and watch the locomotive’s dark smoke drift back over the train as we rounded each curve — with nothing between us and the year 1880 but the tracks themselves. Sometimes, we don’t have to take large steps to appreciate the beauty around us.
I still think about that day whenever I hear a train whistle. It’s easy to visit a historic site and read a plaque; it’s another thing to sit inside the history for a few hours. It’s part of why, whenever we’re back in a place like Taos, we keep looking for the slow way to see it.
That is the story behind the shots. For more like this, enjoy these related stories: Colorado, Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Cumbres Pass, Landscapes, and One Step. Until the next shoot, keep chasing the light and the wonders it reveals.
- Posted for Pepper’s One Step at a Time #25.
Sources:
- Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumbres_and_Toltec_Scenic_Railroad
- Cumbres Pass, Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumbres_Pass
- Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec, Scenic Railroad History — https://friendsofcumbrestoltec.org/cumbres-and-toltec-scenic-railroad-history/
Discover more from Through Brazilian Eyes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Anita
What a wonderful trip to look back on! Travelling through that beautiful landscape behind a steam locomotive must have been quite an experience. And returning four years later for such a special occasion makes the story even more memorable. I really enjoyed travelling along with you through your photos, Egidio. Thanks for sharing.
Egidio Leitao
It’s such a beautiful area. Thank you for writing, Anita.
One Step at a Time #26 - Heavens Sunshine
Pingback: […] Sarah. Linda took us soaring through the sky with her images. Egidio shared incredible views from a train ride out West.A lovely waterscape was captured by Suzette. Xenia showed us a gorgeous path that seemed to go for […]
Pepper
Egidioo, this must have been wonderful! Thanks for sharing your wonderful landscapes. 😊
Egidio Leitao
Pepper, this is one of those side trips that stick in my mind. Thanks.
Pepper
I can see why. 😊
Steve Schwartzman
I like the way you phrased it: “nothing between us and 1880.”
Egidio Leitao
Thank you. It truly felt like traveling back in time.
Toonsarah
Oh wow, I would love that train ride, both for the scenery and the ride itself!
Egidio Leitao
I guess you wouldn’t mind the dirt and smell from the coal-burning locomotive, as Margaret mentioned below. 🙂 I had to time when I was at the open cart to avoid getting covered in dirt. It was a great ride and one I’d repeat.
Toonsarah
I would be prepared to put up with that!
margaret21
Isn’t it funny how we all love a historic steam train, despite their making us so smelly and dirty! Great memories.
Egidio Leitao
LOL So true, Margaret. The memories created in the ride make it worthwhile.
Writing to Freedom
That looks like a wonderful trip and way to celebrate. I miss the Rockies and would love to take a train ride through them.
Egidio Leitao
I miss the Rockies, too, and we’re headed there at the end of the month. Come hike with us! Thanks for writing.
Writing to Freedom
Thanks for the invite. I expect lots of photos. Enjoy! 😊
pamperrault21
What an incredibly fascinating, enjoyable (and tempting) tale of experiencing history. Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing it with us. pp
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Pam. I’d love to ride that train again.
Anne Sandler
What a beautiful ride!
Egidio Leitao
It was beautiful and tranquil. Thanks, Anne.
solaner
wow, Egídio. The last one is absolutely gorgeous!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, André. I was able to capture the exact moment the locomotive was releasing steam and smoke.