CHAMA, NM and ANTONITO, CO — The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) normally opens on Memorial Day weekend, but has announced plans to launch its milestone 50th season with a delayed opening, modified schedule and a new policy for ticket changes and cancellations. 

The railroad delayed the opening and modified its schedule and policies to better align with expected restrictions surrounding COVID-19. The schedule is subject to change and passengers will be required to follow all current federal and state safety precautions.

The historic steam railroad, twice voted North America’s most scenic train by the readers of USA Today, will run one train a day, six days a week from June 13 through Sept. 11, 2020, before returning to its full schedule of two daily departures from Sept. 12 through Oct. 18, 2020. Those who need to cancel reservations this season will get a full refund if they cancel at least 48 hours prior to their trips.

“Our railroad has been safely carrying passengers by stream locomotive across the Rocky Mountains since 1880,” said John Bush, president of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. “We are thrilled to continue the tradition of steam railroading, especially because 2020 is the railroad’s 50th anniversary of ownership by the states of Colorado and New Mexico and marks 140 years since the first tracks were laid.”

Originally, the C&TSRR’s opening date was scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Under the modified schedule, trains will leave Chama, NM and head eastbound to Antonito, CO on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Trains will leave Antonito and head west to Chama on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. There will be no train on Monday and no half-day rides. Passengers will park their cars at either the Antonito or Chama Stations and take a 40-minute deluxe motor coach ride before or after the train to complete the round-trip journey.

“People were riding this railroad before the Statue of Liberty was built or the first National Park was opened,” noted Bush. “This railroad has steamed through our country’s great history, in both challenging and prosperous times. We’ve operated under the watch of 43 Colorado and 41 New Mexico governors and 27 United States presidents. We are grateful to continue our tradition of showcasing the untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountain West as it has been for centuries.”

The first official appearance of historic engine No. 168 also has been postponed. The #168, one of only two locomotives of its class left in the world, has been completely restored to its original 1883 brilliance and was slated to return on Opening Day in 2020. Plans for the historic reintroduction of the storied #168 have been placed on hold. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will announce a new launch date as soon as possible.

For complete information, visit:  cumbrestoltec.com or call 1-888-286-2737.