New Mexico Travel Guide

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Obama's Bringing Back Old School Train Rides

January 27, 2009 at 4:00 PM | by | Comments (2)

Since winning the presidential election, the Obamas have inspired trends that range from the one sleeve wonder to crazy baby names, and now even retro trains are all the rage. After President Obama’s historic Whistle Stop Tour there was a renewed interest in old fashioned train cars like the privately owned 1930 Georgia 300 he took to Washington.

If the idea of a bumpy ride on a century’s old train sounds like your idea of a good time you, check out the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad which leaves daily, year-round from Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. The railroad recently added four steam locomotives (built and delivered in the 1920s) that are fully operational. They’ve also completed a track improvement project making for a smoother and faster ride.

The real thrill comes from the route's rustic landscape as the scenic ride takes you up the Cumbres Pass, chugs along the Toltec Gorge and passes breathtaking waterfalls. Round trip ticket prices range from $74 to $139 for a seat in the Parlor Car which is a steal when you consider the once-in-a-lifetime views.

Related Stories:
· Train car Obama said to be using has long presidential pedigree [BLE]
· The Whistle Stop Tour [The White House]
· Colorado/New Mexico [ROTI]

[Photo: New York Times]