We boarded a bus at the Chama Railroad Station for a ride to Antonito Colorado, a climb starting at 8000 feet to in excess of 10,000 foot elevation. Started in 1881, the train was the only trade contact with the outside world for this remote area. In the 1920's the founder of the current line, General Palmer, wanted to build a narrow gauge rail line from Denver to Mexico City. He looked to the most direct route but his plans veered west with the discovery of gold near the four corners area. The rail line went through boom and bust until it almost completely busted in the 1960s when the corporation stated an intent to abandon the route. The states of Colorado and New Mexico worked together to keep the train running as a museum on rails.
With the support of Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, the route continues to travel, crossing the borders of the two states eleven times. After a beautiful ride in the morning, we had a hearty lunch at Osier then we boarded the second of two narrow gauge trains that took us on ride through western history.
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