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 landscapåes 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.
The week of celebration includes:
Official Ceremonies Marking 100 Years
- Opening Ceremony with State Officials – A special kickoff event with New Mexico and Colorado dignitaries honoring a century of narrow gauge over Cumbres Pass
- Birthday Celebration with Cake & Ice Cream – Watch as we continue the railroader tradition of “feeding the firebox” in a spectacular celebration of steam
- Evening Whistle Salutes – Feel the power as multiple K-36 locomotives sound their whistles in unison, with opportunities to tour the cab and blow the whistle yourself
Exclusive Photographic Opportunities
- Parade of Steam – Witness all operational K-36 locomotives moving in formation, culminating in a historic group photo
- Professional Night Photography Sessions – Limited-ticket access to specially lit scenes featuring these engines under the stars
- Photo Freights – Authentic freight consists traversing the most scenic portions of the line, including helper service demonstrations, with the best light of the day
Authentic Railroad Opportunities
- Ride a Freight to Cumbres Pass – Experience the raw power of the K-36 as it conquers the 4% grade just as it did a century ago
- Behind-the-Scenes History Tours – Explore normally off-limits areas including the historic coaling tower and workshop facilities
- Daily Scenic Excursions – Regular service continues throughout the celebration week
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!
Reservations required – this historic event will sell out quickly.
Free Events:
Opening Ceremony with State Officials – Wednesday, August 13
Join dignitaries from New Mexico and Colorado as we officially kick off the K-36 centennial celebration.
This special ceremony will honor the historical significance of these magnificent locomotives and their impact on the development of the American West.
Whistle Salute & Cab Tours – Wednesday, August 13
Experience the thunderous chorus of K-36 whistles echoing through the mountains in this stirring tribute to steam. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to tour the cab of these historic locomotives.
Birthday Celebration with Cake & Ice Cream – Wednesday, August 13
Help us celebrate 100 years of K-36 power with a traditional railroader’s birthday party. Witness the spectacular tradition of “feeding the firebox” as we honor these iron horses with cake, ice cream, and a celebration that’s perfect for the whole family.
Parade of Steam – Thursday, August 14
Watch in awe as multiple K-36 locomotives move in formation, demonstrating the power and grace that made them legends of mountain railroading. This free event culminates in a historic alignment of these engines, creating a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
History Tours – August 13-15
11am-12pm & 2pm-3pm
Step back in time as knowledgeable guides 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.