A Century of Steam: Celebrating 100 Years of K-36 Power
Join us this August for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad proudly presents a week-long tribute to the K-36 locomotives—the workhorses that conquered the Rocky Mountains and shaped the American West.
Experience Living History
Witness these majestic Baldwin-built behemoths in action as they thunder across the same stunning landscapes they’ve traversed for a century. The K-36 “Mikados” aren’t just preserved artifacts—they’re living, breathing machines still doing the work they were designed for in 1925.
Originally built to haul heavy freight through the challenging terrain between Alamosa and Farmington, these remarkable locomotives were the pinnacle of narrow gauge steam technology. Today, they continue their legacy on America’s most authentic steam railroad.
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of American ingenuity, determination, and the enduring power of steam!
The week of celebration includes:
Wednesday, August 13
- 9am – Opening Ceremony with Local and State Officials (Chama, NM)– FREE EVENT – A special kickoff event with New Mexico and Colorado dignitaries honoring a century of narrow gauge over Cumbres Pass!
- 10am – Daily Train – Departing from Chama, NM
- 11am to 12pm – Walking History Tour (Chama, NM)- FREE EVENT- Step back in time as knowledgeable guides, members of the Friend’s of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, take you through normally off-limits areas of the railroad’s historic facilities. These brief but fascinating tours will reveal the inner workings of the coaling tower, shops, and other essential facilities that kept these locomotives in service for a century.
- 2pm-3pm- Walking History Tour (Chama, NM)- FREE EVENT- Step back in time as knowledgeable guides, members of the Friend’s of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, take you through normally off-limits areas of the railroad’s historic facilities. These brief but fascinating tours will reveal the inner workings of the coaling tower, shops, and other essential facilities that kept these locomotives in service for a century.
- 5pm – Evening Whistle Salutes (Chama, NM)-– FREE EVENT – Feel the power as multiple K-36 locomotives sound their whistles in unison, with opportunities to tour the cab and blow the whistle yourself!
- 6pm – Birthday Celebration with Cake (Chama, NM) – FREE EVENT – Watch as we continue the railroader tradition of “feeding the firebox” in a spectacular celebration of steam!
Thursday, August 14
- 10am – Daily Train– Departing from Antonito, CO
- 11am to 3pm- Ride a Freight to Cumbres Pass (Chama, NM) – TICKETED EVENT – Experience the raw power of the K-36 as it conquers the 4% grade just as it did a century ago.
- 11am to 12pm – Walking History Tour (Chama, NM)- FREE EVENT- Step back in time as knowledgeable guides, members of the Friend’s of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, take you through normally off-limits areas of the railroad’s historic facilities. These brief but fascinating tours will reveal the inner workings of the coaling tower, shops, and other essential facilities that kept these locomotives in service for a century.
- 2pm-3pm- Walking History Tour (Chama, NM)- FREE EVENT- Step back in time as knowledgeable guides, members of the Friend’s of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, take you through normally off-limits areas of the railroad’s historic facilities. These brief but fascinating tours will reveal the inner workings of the coaling tower, shops, and other essential facilities that kept these locomotives in service for a century.
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm -Parade of Steam (Chama, NM)– – FREE EVENT – Witness operational K-36 locomotives moving in formation, culminating in a historic group photo.
- Professional Night Photography Session – PRIVATE TICKETED EVENT (SOLD OUT) Access to specially lit scenes featuring these engines under the stars!
Friday, August 15
- 10am – Daily Train – Departing from Chama
- Photo Freights – PRIVATE TICKETED EVENT (SOLD OUT) Authentic freight consists traversing the most scenic portions of the line, including helper service demonstrations, with the best light of the day.
- 11am to 12pm – Walking History Tour (Chama, NM)- FREE EVENT- Step back in time as knowledgeable guides, members of the Friend’s of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, take you through normally off-limits areas of the railroad’s historic facilities. These brief but fascinating tours will reveal the inner workings of the coaling tower, shops, and other essential facilities that kept these locomotives in service for a century.
- 2pm-3pm- Walking History Tour (Chama, NM)- FREE EVENT- Step back in time as knowledgeable guides, members of the Friend’s of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, take you through normally off-limits areas of the railroad’s historic facilities. These brief but fascinating tours will reveal the inner workings of the coaling tower, shops, and other essential facilities that kept these locomotives in service for a century.
- 5:30pm – Evening Whistle Salutes – FREE EVENT – Feel the power as multiple K-36 locomotives sound their whistles in unison, with opportunities to tour the cab and blow the whistle yourself!
- Professional Night Photography Session – PRIVATE TICKETED EVENT (SOLD OUT) Access to specially lit scenes featuring these engines under the stars!
Saturday, August 16
- 10am – Daily Train– Departing from Antonito
- Photo Freight – PRIVATE TICKETED EVENT (SOLD OUT) Authentic freight consists traversing the most scenic portions of the line
Sunday, August 17
- 10am – Daily Train– Departing from Chama
- Photo Freight – PRIVATE TICKETED EVENT (SOLD OUT) Authentic freight consists traversing the most scenic portions of the line
