Geology &Colorado's Taurish Traiks

Most of Colorado’s tourist trains today were originally constructed in the late 1800s to serve the state’s lucrative mining operations.

- SUE EYRE

They are all scenic and provide an enjoyable day’s outing. If you are a weekend rockhound, a professional geologist or something in between, a few of these excursions need to move up on your bucket list.

During the busy tourist season, many of these trains book up early so reservations are recommended. Once you’ve wet your train-riding whistle with some research and advance tickets, just listen…you can almost hear the conductor holler, “All Aboard!”

CUMBRES & TOLTEC GEOLOGY TRAIN

The Cumbres & Toltec Railroad offers Geology Trains twice a year in June and September. Participants pay for their permanent seat but they are free to roam to the outdoor platform cars as they wish. Everyone joining this excursion receives a geology booklet prepared especially for the trip. The excursion also includes several guest geologists who roam the train to provide commentary and answer questions.

This train stops several times along the route to point out geological features and lets the passengers disembark to walk through the Toltec Tunnel, collect specimens and watch this gorgeous train emerge on the other side.

The Cumbres & Toltec travels between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico through geologic time from the Precambrian to the Ice Age. You will see alluvial fans, dormant volcanoes, ash flow tufts, as well as the dramatic spires and pedestal conglomerates as you round Phantom Curve. There is metamorphic and igneous rock at the Toltec Tunnel and Gorge.

An included lunch is served at Osier. As you continue to Chama, you travel over the amazing Cascade Creek Trestle as it cuts through volcanic breccia. You will also cross the highest railroad pass in the United States, Cumbres Pass, at 10,015 feet.

Once in Chama, a bus waits to drive you back to the Antonito station. It’s a long, but worthwhile day.