Experience the West’s great railroad history firsthand! Take a ride from Antonito, CO, to Cumbres Pass just north of the Colorado-New Mexico border on the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, then hike on the CDT. If you’re not riding the train, park at the spur to the south of the train station – the CDT leaves from the parking lot. Heading north, you’ll gradually climb through open, grassy meadows and cool subalpine forest with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll encounter a 25 foot waterfall at mile 2.8. About 1.7 miles after, you’ll reach a long, prominent ridge at 11,000 feet. The trail follows this ridge north through spectacular mountain scenery, but this is a good turnaround spot and picnic site with a view of the Rio Chama Valley below.
Cumbres Pass on the CDT, Colorado and New Mexico Border
Difficulty
Moderate
Maps
USGS 7.5 quadrangles: W Fork Rio Brazos, Cumbres, and Archuleta Cr; CDTC Map Set: Maps 117 and 118, Sections NM31 and CO01.
Length
9 miles
Directions
From Chama: Drive 12 miles (into CO) on NM-17 N/CO-17 N and look for the Cumbres Pass Train Station and CDT on your left.
Closest Town
Chama
For More Information
Chama Visitor Center: (575)-756-2306.