Be part of something historic aboard the Centennial State Limited, a limited-run America 250 | Colorado 150 steam train experience departing from Antonito, Colorado.
For two days only, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad invites you to celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary aboard a living National Historic Landmark. Ride behind historic Engine No. 168, experience the sights and sounds of authentic narrow-gauge steam railroading, and take part in a once-in-a-generation celebration of Colorado history, the San Luis Valley, and the railroad’s lasting impact on the region.
Route: Antonito, Colorado to Big Horn Wye and return
Departure: 11:00 AM
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
Locomotive: Engine No. 168
Ride behind historic Engine No. 168, built in 1883, on a special round-trip excursion from Antonito to Big Horn Wye.
This shorter Centennial State Limited journey is ideal for guests who want a rare Colorado 150 steam experience with sweeping San Luis Valley views, historic railroad atmosphere, and time to enjoy the Friends Open House before or after the ride.
Route: Antonito, Colorado to Osier Station and return
Departure: 11:00 AM
Duration: Approximately 6 hours, 55 minutes
Locomotives: Engine No. 168 and Engine No. 463
Lunch Included at Osier Station
Celebrate Colorado’s Statehood Day aboard the signature excursion of the Centennial State Limited weekend.
This full-day journey features a rare historic doubleheader with Engine No. 168 and Engine No. 463. Travel from Antonito to Osier Station, enjoy the beauty of the Cumbres & Toltec’s eastern route, and stop for a delicious lunch at Osier prepared by From the Wagon, our culinary partner.
For railfans, photographers, history lovers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable Colorado 150 experience, this is the can’t-miss ride of the weekend.
Plan to arrive early at the Antonito Depot and make the Centennial State Limited part of a full Colorado 150 experience.
Start your visit at the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Open House at the Antonito Railyard and C&TS Car Restoration Facility. Guests can meet Friends volunteers, take part in yard and facility tours, explore historic railroad equipment, view interpretive exhibits, learn about active restoration projects, and find out how to support, volunteer with, or join the Friends.
Then, join us for a brief Colorado 150 Welcome Ceremony celebrating Colorado statehood, the history and heritage of the San Luis Valley, and the railroad’s role in connecting communities across the region.
Friday, July 31: 8:00 AM–3:30 PM
Saturday, August 1: 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
Sunday, August 2: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Each Centennial State Limited ticket includes:
Saturday tickets also include lunch at Osier Station prepared by From the Wagon.
8:00 AM–9:30 AM: Visit the Friends Open House
Start your day at the Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Open House at the Antonito Railyard and C&TS Car Restoration Facility.
9:30 AM–10:00 AM: Check-In
Arrive at the Antonito Depot to check in for your Centennial State Limited excursion.
10:00 AM–10:30 AM: Depot Experience
Explore the depot grounds, take photos, and watch historic Engine No. 168 prepare for the day’s journey.
Approximately 10:30 AM: Colorado 150 Welcome Ceremony
Gather at the Antonito Depot for brief remarks celebrating Colorado statehood, the San Luis Valley, and the railroad’s role in the region.
10:55 AM: Boarding Call
Board the Centennial State Limited and find your seat before the 11:00 AM departure.
11:00 AM: Depart Antonito Depot
Begin your Colorado 150 journey behind historic Engine No. 168.
Late Morning: Scenic East-End Journey
Travel across the high desert and wide-open landscapes of the San Luis Valley as the train climbs toward Big Horn.
Midday: Big Horn Wye
The train reaches this remote and historic point on the Cumbres & Toltec route for a scenic turnaround.
Early Afternoon: Return Toward Antonito
Enjoy the return trip across the eastern end of the railroad, with time for photos, views, and the sights and sounds of authentic steam railroading.
2:30 PM: Return to Antonito
Arrive back at the depot with time to explore Antonito, visit the Friends Open House, or enjoy the rest of your Colorado 150 weekend.
11:00 AM: Depart Antonito Depot
Celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday with a rare historic doubleheader featuring Engine No. 168 and Engine No. 463.
Late Morning: Steam Across the High Country
Travel west from Antonito as the locomotives climb through dramatic mountain and high-desert scenery.
Midday: Water Stop & Railroad Operations
Watch the crew tend to the locomotives and experience the working rhythm of historic steam railroading.
1:30 PM: Lunch at Osier Station
Arrive at Osier Station for a delicious scenic lunch.
Afternoon: Return to Antonito
Re-board for the return trip, with beautiful afternoon light and open-air gondola views along the route.
5:30 PM: Return to Antonito
Arrive back at the Antonito Depot after the signature Statehood Day journey of the Centennial State Limited weekend.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so please come prepared for a full day outdoors and aboard a historic steam train.
We recommend bringing:
Because this is an authentic steam railroad experience, occasional cinders may occur near the locomotive. Eye protection is recommended, especially when riding in the open-air gondola.
