Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Named America’s #1 Scenic Train Ride

There are some places in the San Luis Valley region that never lose their magic no matter how many times you experience them. For many locals and visitors alike, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is one of those places.

Now the historic narrow-gauge railroad has earned national recognition after being named the #1 Best Scenic Train Ride in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The honor places the railroad at the top of some of the most famous scenic rail experiences in the country and shines a national spotlight on one of the Southwest’s true treasures.

Running between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, the railroad carries passengers through 64 miles of rugged mountain scenery, high alpine forests, sweeping meadows, dramatic canyons, and historic railroad territory that feels frozen in time. Powered by authentic steam locomotives, the journey crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border multiple times and climbs over the breathtaking 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass.

For many Valley residents, the railroad is more than just a tourist attraction — it is part of the region’s identity and history.

I’ve personally ridden the train on several occasions over the years, and no two trips ever feel exactly the same. Whether it’s the sound of the whistle echoing through the mountains, the smell of coal smoke drifting through the open-air cars, or watching the locomotive work its way up steep grades, the experience still captures the imagination every single time.

And I’ll soon be climbing aboard once again.

On August 2nd, I’ll be riding a special commemorative train celebrating two major milestones — the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood. It feels like a fitting way to honor the pioneering spirit and rich history that helped shape southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.

With the Cumbres & Toltec preserving a living piece of western railroad history, the experience offers more than just beautiful scenery. It is a reminder of the role railroads played in connecting communities, supporting settlement, and helping build the American West.

The USA TODAY recognition comes after readers from across the country voted for their favorite scenic railroads. Railroad officials credited supporters, passengers, and rail fans for helping secure the top ranking.

While national awards are certainly exciting, many here in the San Luis Valley probably feel the same way: we already knew how special the Cumbres & Toltec truly is.

From first-time visitors leaning out of open gondola cars to lifelong locals returning for another ride decades later, the railroad continues to create memories that span generations.

And now, officially, America’s best scenic train ride calls our corner of Colorado home.