klm
SIOUX FALLS, SD
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I am beginning to form a summer travel plan, looks like we will be in the Chama area late Aug or early Sept - I have heard that the scenic rr is very good. Anyone taken this train? We did the Durango-Silverton several years back and loved it. Back to Chama, do you recommend we travel the entire length- train/bus or do the 1/2way out and back all train? OK, what about campgrounds in the area? We are a big rig, and prefer full hookups, don't have to be right in Chama, but an easy drive(toad) to the depot would be good. Thanks
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busyguy
Texas
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We did the train a few years ago and it was a big waste of money. They want to take your picture like the cruise ships do and then charge anexhorbinat for for them when you get off the train. The trip is very boring and you only get at the most 90 minutes at the Grand Canyon. There is a very hokey train robbery on the way back. Kids will love it. We thought it was pretty juvenile.
There is a nice campground within walking distance of the train or plenty of parking if you need to drive.
Personally I would drive to the canyon and save the money for the time at the canyon.
What ever you decide have a great time on you journey.
P.s. We have done the Durango trip 2 times. Much better than the Chama on.
Busyguy
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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The train the OP is asking about does not go to the Grand Canyon. When we were there two years ago a fire had closed the Chama portion. I would recomend this site.
I would do #6. The out and back from Antonito was not that great/scenic but was all they had and lunch was pretty good. We boondocked at the pass north of Chama where there is a station and yard that is not used anymore.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
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rv2go
Fulltime (Knoxville, TN).... or someplace else
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We rode The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in early October, 2007 and had a great time and trip. We got on in Antonito, Colorado and rode the train to Chama, NM. About half way, the train stopped for lunch. We took the bus back to NM. We did see several CG's in Chama.
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Dave's Wife
Albuquerque, NM- The Land of Enchantment
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I have ridden the Cumbres Toltec 3 Times and the most recent was an extra pleasure. The two other experiences were without a Docent on board the last time there was one who shed so much light on the history of the train and the route that it was almost like never having been on it! There are several nice campgrounds in the area. The one that is within walking distance of the train station is the Rio Chama RV Park. Very nice and alot of the Friends of the Cumbres Toltec stay there(they are volunteers that come to work on and restore the train and misc other items).
Chama is a very small, quaint village there is alot of fishing, hiking there. If you get the chance take your TV or Toad south to the Brazos Canyon! Here is the Chama Chamber webisteChamaValley C of C
Have a great time exploring the whole valley and it's a short drive to Pagosa Springs, CO.
The one thing that I should mention to you is NOT to expect the same dramatic High Mountain views that you saw on the DSNGR but it is an excellent trip unique in it's own way. I would if I were you take the trip but return back on a bus or vice versa! Osier where you will stop for lunch is a real treat too. The valley is spectacular!
Sheila aka....
* This post was
edited 02/25/12 02:58pm by Dave's Wife *
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PenMan
New Mexico
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We rode the train last August. It was fun. We did the half way then turn around trip (all on the train). We stayed at the Rio Chama RV Park and it was nice. Friendly people (many stay all summer) and the rates were pretty good as far as I remember. The train runs right past the RV Park. I would definitely stay there again and I'd probably ride the train again but it is pretty expensive.
Chris and Jane and two boys (and a DDIL) who prefer tents
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ritterjw
Albuquerque,NM
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The Chama (Cumbres&Toltec RR) train is a good ride. It is one of the few places where you can see two steam engines pulling tandem to get you to the top of Cumbres Pass.
We were up there several summers ago and the town was over run with people. Turns out they had just finished rebuilding a Baldwin K28 and it was the frist run for this engine. I started talking to gentlemen next to me who was from Germany. He was a train "buff" and was in Chama just to watch the train. They used 3 K28's that day and he believed and several other train "buffs" told me that it was the first time in modern history that you could see three engines pulling to together. Several hundred people followed the the train to the top of the pass that day. Cumbres pass is 10,000ft plus.
The Cumbres&Toltec RR climbs over the mountains where the Durango-Silverton RR follows the Animas River valley to Silverton.
There is a great NF campground at the top of the pass --Trujillo Meadows.
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busyguy
Texas
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My apologises. I thought you were talking about the train from Williams AZ to the grand Canyon.
Have never ridden the Chama's train but it looks like it could be a fun trip.
Sorry about the mixup. Guess I am a few bricks short of a train load.
Busyguy
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elmorc
SE Arizona
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We rode the train last year from Chama to Antonito and then rode the bus back enjoyed it as much as Durango-Silverton. We stayed at the Rio Chama RV Park nice sites and short distance to the depot. You can spend a week in the area seeing the sites very nice area.
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Rug
GREED COUNTY, Boerne Texas
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We took the Bus from Chama over to Antonito. Great views on this trip.
Road the train from Antonito bach to chama.Very nice views. the canyon was great. Food at the half way place was great.
We stayed at Sky Mountain RV Park. Would stay there again.
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