Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

The San Luis Express leaves daily at 9 a.m. from historic Alamosa and winds through country ranging from agricultural flatlands to colorful foothills to cliff-sided mountains – much of it inaccessible by motor vehicle – on its way to the charming art town of La Veta. A leisurely, two-hour stop for lunch allows passengers to relax in the park, do some shopping and gallery-browsing, or enjoy a great meal at one of La Veta’s local restaurants and cafes.

The train leaves La Veta at 2:15pm and arrives back in downtown Alamosa by dinnertime. [booking options] Leaving Alamosa at 8:15 a.m. daily, the Toltec Gorge Limited heads south to Antonito and connects with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, providing same-day round-trip service to Osier, Colorado, or a longer, two-day round trip to Chama, New Mexico. En route, the Toltec Gorge Limited passes through some of the San Luis Valley’s most historically significant country, including ranching and agricultural centers and Spanish settlements still brimming with culture and vitality. When the Cumbres & Toltec train returns to Antonito, the waiting Toltec Gorge Limited will transport passengers back to Alamosa just in time for a great dinner at one of more than 30 local restaurants. [booking options] That venerable institution, the American mixed freight and passenger train is being recreated this year between Alamosa and Monte Vista. The rich agricultural bounty of barley, wheat and potatoes flows out by rail, as it has for over a hundred years. But, now there is also passenger service on these trains to Monte Vista, a mix of freight and passengers that was the standard service to thousands of small towns across the country a generation ago. [booking options]

Colorado is full of scenic wonders, from soaring 14,000-foot peaks to mountain lakes and meadows to dramatic cliffs and canyons. But few people have access to the truly wild and remote regions of Colorado like those found along the route of the San Luis Express as it traverses La Veta Pass – a legendary pass in railroading circles that marks the highest point at which any active standard gauge rail line crosses the Rockies in Colorado.

The San Luis Express leaves daily at 9 a.m. from historic Alamosa and winds through country ranging from agricultural flatlands to colorful foothills to cliff-sided mountains – much of it inaccessible by motor vehicle – on its way to the charming art town of La Veta. A leisurely, two-hour stop for lunch allows passengers to relax in the park, do some shopping and gallery-browsing, or enjoy a great meal at one of La Veta’s local restaurants and cafes.

The train leaves La Veta at 2:15pm and arrives back in downtown Alamosa by dinnertime.

The San Luis Express is powered daily by a vintage, turn-of-the-century steam engine, either the SP-1744 or the LS&I-18, with its haunting whistle and churning wheels sure to bring back great memories for some, and make great memories for everyone. And, the San Luis Express features fine full-length dome cars, at a small additional charge, providing incomparable views of the mountains, the wildlife and the train.

On weekends, a reverse trip is available, leaving La Veta at 9:30 am. Powered by a diesel-electric, the La-Veta to Alamosa train allows two hours for lunch and shopping in downtown Alamosa, with many cafes, restaurants and stores available. Or, you can select an optional side trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, via a motorcoach connection at Blanca, allowing about two hours at the Dunes (motorcoach and park admission included in fare). The train returns to La Veta at 5:45 pm.

With the weekend reverse trip from La Veta, several short trips from either Alamosa or La Veta to the top of La Veta Pass at Fir station, and return. Total trip time is about three hours. Morning and afternoon departures are available from either Alamosa or La Veta. All trips are powered by steam in one direction and diesel in the other direction. For times go to the train schedule page. [booking options]

Leaving Alamosa at 8:15 a.m. daily, the Toltec Gorge Limited heads south to Antonito and connects with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, providing same-day round-trip service to Osier, Colorado, or a longer, two-day round trip to Chama, New Mexico. En route, the Toltec Gorge Limited passes through some of the San Luis Valley’s most historically significant country, including ranching and agricultural centers and Spanish settlements still brimming with culture and vitality. When the Cumbres & Toltec train returns to Antonito, the waiting Toltec Gorge Limited will transport passengers back to Alamosa just in time for a great dinner at one of more than 30 local restaurants. [booking options]

That venerable institution, the American mixed freight and passenger train is being recreated this year between Alamosa and Monte Vista. The rich agricultural bounty of barley, wheat and potatoes flows out by rail, as it has for over a hundred years. But, now there is also passenger service on these trains to Monte Vista, a mix of freight and passengers that was the standard service to thousands of small towns across the country a generation ago.

With two short daily round trips from Alamosa to Monte Vista on the Monte Vista Mixed passengers can experience railroading close up, watching as the conductor switches cars and services freight customers. There is a one-hour layover in Monte Vista, time for a walk downtown, and a snack or a sandwich. Total time for a complete round trip is about three hours.

Since there are two round trips, it is also possible to board in Monte Vista and make a round trip to Alamosa. Check the train schedule page for details.

The Monte Vista Mixed is steam-powered on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, diesel-powered all other days. [booking options]