The Most Scenic Train Rides in New Mexico
Stunning rock formations, a diverse selection of wildlife, and a scattering of cacti are just a few of the sights one can expect to see in the “Land of Enchantment," also known as New Mexico. Although the state is home to plenty of hiking trails and outdoor recreation areas, one of the best ways to soak in all the sights is on a scenic train ride. In New Mexico, there are two main tourism-based railways each with something unique to offer travelers. From the quiet mountain views offered by Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad to the many themed train excursions available through Sky Railway, you will be spoiled for choice here. So if you’re ready to see the best that New Mexico has to offer, then it’s time to hit the tracks.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Your first option for scenic train rides in New Mexico is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. As a National Historic Landmark, this 144-year-old steam train appeals to both rail enthusiasts and casual riders hoping to catch a glimpse of fall foliage. The train tracks here span 64 miles and crisscross over the New Mexico and Colorado borders a total of 11 times. Both New Mexico and Colorado own and upkeep the railway so passengers will get to witness the beauty of both locations while on board. Upon departure from the Chama, New Mexico station, the Cumbres & Toltec train begins a slow but beautiful descent into the mountains. Straight away, passengers will see a magnificent spread of White Aspen trees. It’s also quite likely that you will see some local wildlife along the journey including elk, bears, and deer. As the train gets higher and higher, the views from behind only get prettier and easier to see. Some of the main scenic views along this trip include;
- Chama Valley: sprinkled with trees and wildflowers
- Cumbres Pass: a Colorado mountain pass where it’s possible to see snow flurries in the midst of summer.
- Tanglefoot Curve: a tight loop on the tracks that offers views of mountains and tangled streams.
- Toltec Gorge: an 800-foot deep gorge that passengers look straight down into.
- The Rocky Mountains: gorgeous views of one of the most famous mountain ranges.
Sky Railway
Train on Railroad Tracks Headed Through a Canyon in New Mexico
Your next option is Sky Railway: Santa Fe’s Adventure Train. Traveling between Santa Fe and Lamy, New Mexico the Sky Railway certainly has picturesque views to offer. However, it is the various themed excursions that help set this adventure train apart from the rest. In addition to the themes–which range from spooky Halloween to festive Christmas rides–the Sky Railway also offers live music, food, and drinks for passengers on board. If holiday themes aren’t exactly what you’re after there are plenty of other options to explore. Some of the most popular themed train rides include;
- Lore of the Land: a perfect trip for history buffs–this scenic ride travels to the Galisteo Basin as on-board narrators entertain you with historical facts about the area. Complimentary champagne is handed out to passengers and snacks are available to purchase. Those interested in upgrading to a first-class ticket will have the opportunity to ride in the original lounge car from the 1937 “Super Chief” train. This particular lounge car has been enjoyed by celebrities including Judy Garland, Clark Gable, and Jack Benny.
- Santa Fe Scenic: offers the same benefits as the Lore of the Land ride but focuses on the scenic surroundings rather than the history of the area. This trip is ideal for anyone who wants a casual sightseeing ride with nothing but the sounds of soft live music to soothe you along the way.
- The Star Gazer: hey dark sky lovers, this one’s for you! As the name implies, the Stargazer train departs at night and allows passengers to soak up the sparkling views above from an open-air car. While on board, passengers can enjoy live music and tales from professional astronomers. This particular train will make special trips for certain celestial events as well.
- Sunset Serenade: is similar to the stargazing train ride but focuses instead on those magical New Mexico sunsets. While riding, passengers will enjoy a range of live music which sometimes includes Flamenco guitarists and dance performances.
Additional theme options include three separate boozy train rides: the Margarita Rail, the New Mexico Ale Trail, and the New Mexico Wine Train.
New Mexico Things To Do For Rail Fans
For true rail fans, the fun doesn’t stop at New Mexico’s scenic train rides. The state is also home to a wide variety of old steam trains and rail-themed museums so you can keep the fun chugging along.
Tucumcari Railroad Museum, Tucumcari
A perfect place to dive into New Mexico’s railroad history, the Tucumcari Railroad Museum offers visitors the chance to explore a restored 1926-era train depot. Activities such as a train simulator, listening to the rumble of passing trains, and observing crew members as the bustle around the trains are also available here.
SouthWest Model Railroad Museum, Belen
Once you’ve had your fill of life-sized trains, why not pop into the SouthWest Model Railroad Museum in Belen, New Mexico? The small museum boasts several themed displays and various HO-Scale model train layouts.
Toy Train Depot, Alamogordo
At the Toy Train Depot in Alamogordo, New Mexico, you will find a mix of operational model train layouts, static displays, and parts from full-sized railroads on display in the museum. Outside, in the Depot’s park, there are even more trains, some of which are suitable for kids to ride.
Wheels Museum, Albuquerque
Albuquerque’s Wheels Museum covers all kinds of historic wheels from train wheelsets to Ferris wheels and every rotating disc in between.
The New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society, Albuquerque
Finally, the New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society is a great place to explore New Mexico’s railway history. One of the main highlights here is a fully restored steam train from 1944. The train–an Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe 2926–took 20 years and a strong team of dedicated volunteers to complete and has since been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
In Conclusion
New Mexico is rich in railroad history and scenic train rides. Whether you’re a rail fanatic looking to dive into the state’s railroad past or simply want to sip margaritas while soaking in nature views from the VIP car, New Mexico has you covered.
