America by rail route of the southwest chief

Keep an eye out for Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the stateвЂ™s two tallest peaks. This ideal route for seeing Colorado in its autumn-color glory reaches up into the Continental Divide through hairpin turns along the upper Arkansas River Valley. Start and End Points: DurangoВ and SilvertonД«onus Tracks:В Backpackers, day hikers and fishermen can get on and off the train mid-route to access to the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness. This coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive runs 200 feet above the Animas River, featuring views of majestic peaks as it passes through the remote canyons and wilderness of the Animas Gorge and San Juan National Forest. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Start and End Points: Silver PlumeВ and GeorgetownД«onus Tracks: Passengers can elect to disembark to tour the historic Lebanon Silver Mine at roughly the halfway point on the trip. To connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume - only 2 miles apart through a steep, narrow canyon - the railroadвЂ™s 1880s builders constructed tracks that corkscrewed up more than 600 feet in elevation on four bridges. 'The Railroader' is a new short in National Geographic Short Film Showcase that follows the Cumbres & Toltec's very own John Bush, his story of falling in love with railroading, and why the C&TS means so much to America. Start and End Points: Antonito, CO, and Chama, NMД«onus Tracks:В The C&T runs several special trains throughout the year, including moonlight dinner runs and the Cinder Bear Express, designed especially for kids. This 1880 vintage line is best known for its appearance in вЂњIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade.вЂќ AВ National Historic Landmark on wheels, the Cumbres & Toltec steams 64 miles over the Rocky Mountains along cliffs, through narrow Toltec Gorge, over 10,000-foot Cumbres Pass and through miles of evergreen and aspen forest with 100-mile views in every direction.

Before you book, check the trainsвЂ™ websites for information on fun themed and seasonal excursions: fall-color photo trips, wine-and-dine tours, mystery dinners, winter North Pole festivities and more.

America by rail route of the southwest chief