2026 Season Update: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Delays Opening Due to Drought Conditions

CHAMA, N.M. & ANTONITO, CO (May 19, 2026) — The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TS) announced that it will postpone the start of its 2026 operating season due to severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger across the region.

“With deep respect for the land, forests, and communities where we operate, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission made the difficult decision to delay the start of our season,” said Mark Graybill, Colorado Commissioner of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission.

The C&TS was originally scheduled to open May 23rd but the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission held an emergency meeting and voted to postpone the opening until Tuesday, June 9th. The Railroad will conduct a review one week prior on June 2nd to determine if conditions have improved enough to safely operate.

Guests holding reservations for affected departures have been contacted directly by the railroad’s reservations department. Passengers may choose either a full refund or rebooking on a later departure.

For more than 50 years, the C&TS has maintained an exceptional safety record and a strong commitment to wildfire prevention and operational safety. Railroad officials emphasized that the decision was made proactively in response to evolving regional conditions.

“This was a difficult decision because the railroad is vital to the Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico economies and our mission is to preserve and share this important part of history,” said Eric Mason, CEO of the C&TS. “We are committed to operating responsibly and safely within the remarkable landscape we have called home since 1880. We thank our passengers for their understanding and hope they will visit us when we resume normal operations.”

For the latest updates regarding the 2026 operating season, please continue to check our website and official social media channels. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.