For Immediate Release
Monday, February 10, 2014
Chama, N.M. & Antonito, Colo. — As the U.S. gears up for the Oscars, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a star in many Academy Award–winning films, announces its 2014 season: Saturday, May 24, through Sunday, October 19. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the highest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the U.S. In its 64-mile route between Chama and Antonito, the train crosses the New Mexico–Colorado state line 11 times, traversing some of the most beautiful and remote areas in the southern Rocky Mountains, including the 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass and the 800-foot-deep Toltec Gorge, from both of which the railroad takes its name.
Remember Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Harrison Ford, Candice Bergen, Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum, James Coburn, Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman, or Sean Connery on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad? All graced the silver screen with their hardest-working costar, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, in such films as “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” “The Legend of the Lone Ranger,” “Bite the Bullet,” “Wyatt Earp,” “Butch & Sundance: The Early Days,” “The Good Guys and the Bad Guys,” and the soon-to-be-released “A Million Ways to Die in the West,” directed by and starring Seth MacFarlane.
Riders can experience the authentic West every day, May through October, on the train showcased and beloved by so many filmmakers. The train winds through tunnels and over trestles, and snakes along the Toltec Gorge past waterfalls, mountain forests, and alpine meadows. All trains stop at the historic ghost town of Osier for a hot homemade lunch that includes freshly made desserts. Professional, friendly, well-informed railroaders run all Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad excursions. They are enthusiastic and available to answer questions about the historic train.
Beyond Hollywood, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is loved by historians, railfans, and riders for the authentic experience it provides as an important piece of the history of the American West. Built in 1880 and little changed since then, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the finest, most spectacular example of steam-era mountain railroading in North America.
Cumbres & Toltec riders can choose the Tourist or Coach Cars, or the Victorian-era elegance of the beautiful, mahogany-finished Parlor Cars. Deluxe Tourist Cars provide an upscale family experience in a café setting. The Parlor Car, for riders ages 21 and up, offers a level of luxury, service, and comfort, with attentive and friendly staff. Continental breakfast, snacks, and soft drinks are served throughout the day in the Parlor Car, and each rider will receive a complimentary souvenir pin. The open Gondola Car is available to all riders for unobstructed viewing of the mountains and the abundant wildlife. There are full-service bars in the Parlor, Tourist, and Concession cars.
A special excursion for a romantic, memorable evening in the mountains is the Cumbres Sunset Train. The journey includes live entertainment and dinner in a newly built pavilion at the summit of historic Cumbres Pass. After watching spectacular sunsets from the train, riders can listen to music while enjoying the cool summer evening at 10,015 feet.
www.cumbrestoltec.com
CUMBRES & TOLTEC 2014 SCHEDULE
DAILY EXCURSIONS
Trains depart daily at 10 a.m. from both Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo., May 24 through October 19. The round trip is completed by a scenic one-hour drive by deluxe motor coach before or after the rail excursion. Shorter trips are also available.
SUNSET DINNER TRAINS
Trains depart Saturday Evenings at 5pm from Chama, N.M, July 4 through September 13. Dinner is served at Cumbres Pass where live music awaits to entertain and delight. Return to Chama and watch the sunset as train descends slowly.
CINDER BEAR EXPERIENCE
Exciting news for 2014 is that the Cinder Bear Experience has been expanded to 3 days a week. Starting July 6 and running until August 15. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, hop aboard the Cinder Bear Experience cars departing with the Daily Excursion trains from Chama, N.M, at 10am, July 4 through September 13. Return by motor coach to Chama in time for Lunch and a Nap.
CUMBRES EXPRESS
For those seeking a shorter but still authentic narrow-gauge steam train experience, we are pleased to announce the Cumbres Express. Start in Chama at 10am, return by motor coach to Chama in time for Lunch. Nap optional. July 4 through September 13.
ENGINEER & FIREMAN SCHOOL
The Engineer & Fireman school returns, once again, to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad in 2014. Always sold out, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to fire a working steam locomotive or be the engineer. Graduate from model trains to real-life-size trains in this amazing experience. Spots are filling quickly — call now to hold your 2014 spot. June through September.
LODGING
www.conejosvacation.com/colorado_lodging/index.php, http://www.chamavalley.com/lodging.html
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the highest and longest authentic steam-powered, narrow-gauge railroad in the United States. The passenger railroad travels over its historic road grade between Chama, N.M., and Antonito, Colo., and is jointly owned and operated by New Mexico and Colorado. The railroad was recently designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service.
INFO: 1.888.286.2737, www.cumbrestoltec.com
Media Contact:
Jennifer Marshall
505-231-1776, jennifer@jmarshallplan.com