The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic began regular operations on June 9, about two weeks later than normal due to extreme drought conditions across Colorado and New Mexico. 

“A sincere thank you to all our passengers and the communities in Chama and Antonito who have been so patient as we waited for conditions to improve,” said Eric Mason, CEO of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. “We are excited to welcome guests back aboard and hear the opening whistle signal the start of another memorable season.”

This spring, extreme drought conditions have persisted across the Southwest. While in recent years the railroad has converted at least two of its locomotives to burn oil so that it can operate in dry conditions, management felt the conditions were too extreme even for an oil burner.

—Justin Franz