Guests will board the train at the Chama depot for a 4:00 PM departure and ride to Cumbres Pass (10,015 ft elevation), the high point of the C&TS line. At Cumbres Pass, guests will offboard for an open-air BBQ dinner with sweeping San Juan Mountain views, then reboard the train for the return run.
The train then arrives in Chama where guests view the Independence Day fireworks display from their seats at approximately 9:00 PM — the train itself serves as the fireworks viewing platform. After the display concludes, the train returns to the Chama depot and guests offboard.
Important Booking Note: Meal selection is required at the time of purchase. After selecting your tickets, navigate to the “Please select a meal choice” dropdown menu for each passenger and choose your entrée option.
Every passenger will receive a premium, portable backyard BBQ meal served in a single, secure three-compartment clamshell container.
Entrée Options (Choose One per Passenger via the Dropdown Menu):
Included Sides: Every meal container comes packed with creamy mustard potato salad, house-made coleslaw, and Outlaw BBQ sauce.
Included Beverages: Refreshing individual beverages are included with your meal, featuring your choice of Bottled Sweet and Unsweet Teas, Canned Minute Maid Lemonade, and Bottled Waters.
Formerly the Premium Car, all passengers enjoy their own window seat in an individual chair. The Parlor car offers modern comfort and capacity is limited to up to 20 passengers, guaranteeing a spacious experience and unobstructed views of the gorgeous untamed terrain along the Colorado-New Mexico border. A personal attendant will be on board, and coffee, hot chocolate, sodas, and juices are complimentary throughout the trip. Parlor accommodates adults only (ages 21+).
A family-friendly first-class experience! Ride into history aboard our café-style Deluxe class car, featuring tables for two or four guests. Enjoy an elegant setting with extra legroom, individual seating, and the dedicated service of a personal attendant. Deluxe accommodates passengers of all ages, with full access to the Open-Air Gondola.
Relax, open your window, and take in the fresh Rocky Mountain air. Our classic Coach cars offer comfortable padded bench seating. Snacks and beverages are available in our concession car. Feel free to move about the train and experience the Open-Air Gondola.
For all Passengers: Our Open-Air Observation Platform (Gondola) provides unobstructed views, great photo opportunities, and a chance to spot some of the abundant wildlife in the area.
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Layered Clothing: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Even in August, temperatures can drop significantly at Cumbres Pass. Coaches are not heated, so please bring a jacket or windbreaker.
Sun Protection: The sun is much stronger at 10,000 feet. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat or ball cap.
Insect Repellent: We recommend bug spray, as mosquitoes can occasionally join the ride during certain stretches of the route.
Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes: This is essential for your safety when moving between cars, walking in the rail yard, and stepping off the train onto uneven terrain at geologic outcroppings.
Eye Protection: If you plan to spend time in the Open-Air Gondola, eye protection is highly recommended to shield against coal cinders from the steam locomotive. Sunglasses or prescription glasses work well; safety glasses are also available for purchase in our gift shop.
Trip Protection is available at the time of booking only and costs 8% of the ticket price. Trip Protection can be purchased on the booking page.
Benefits:
Please note:
With Trip Protection
Change your departure date up to 24 hours before departure, subject to availability.
Without Trip Protection
One (1) complimentary change per ticket is permitted up to 24 hours before departure. Additional changes are subject to a $20 fee per ticket, plus any fare difference.
With Trip Protection
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure and receive a full refund of the ticket price.
Without Trip Protection
Tickets are non-refundable.
Purchases made through 3rd Party or Discount companies or websites are NON-Refundable and the above cancellation policy does not apply.
No changes, cancellations, or refunds are permitted within 24 hours of your scheduled departure, regardless of whether Trip Protection was purchased.
