Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - August on the San Juan Extension (4K60)

Running on 64 miles of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western's narrow gauge San Juan Extension through beautiful scenery, cresting 10,015 foot Cumbres Pass and crossing the Colorado/New Mexico state line 11 times, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has been a popular destination for railfans and tourists alike for decades. In late August 2023, I visited the Cumbres & Toltec for 2 and a half days documenting the operations of the railroad.

We will first see K-36 class 2-8-2 number 488 as she is serviced at Chama and performs some switching in preparation for the departure of train 216. We will then follow train 216 in video shot over two separate days as it makes its way from Chama to Los Pinos, climbing the 4 percent grade to Cumbres Pass.

Next, we will see K-36 number 484 as she heads west light from Antonito, bound for Chama to receive a regular boiler wash. Then, we will watch as K-27 number 463 is prepared to take train 215 west from Antonito, which we will then follow to Phantom Curve, east of Osier.

Finally, we will follow number 488 again as it continues the run of 215 (again over two separate days) from Los Pinos to Chama over Cumbres Pass, before we finally watch as the train is wyed and the engine is put to bed for the night.

Come along and watch as 3 different narrow gauge mikados work through beautiful scenery to accomplish the day-to-day operations of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Chapters:
0:00 Chama Morning
8:16 Train 216 Chama-Los Pinos
35:24 Antonito Morning
39:43 Train 215 Antonito-Phantom Curve
49:07 Train 215 Los Pinos-Chama
1:08:18 Chama Evening