Cumbres and Toltec Railroad prepares for 51st season

FARMINGTON, N.M.- The Cumbres and Toltec Railroad will be on the tracks for its 51st season.

"This year is looking up for a lot of reasons that we’re all kind of following but really this year we’re opening up on June 5, out of Chama May 29, out of Antonito to allow some of the snow to clear on the New Mexico side," said Eric Mason, interim CEO of the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad.

The train will welcome passengers at 50% capacity, which is double the limit allowed last year.

They’re also adding the option of shorter trips – in hopes of luring in more tourism.

"We wanted to really offer up and opportunity for folks who wanted to come in for maybe a day drive or come in and experience the Chama valley, so we’re offering up the ability to come in on Friday to ride the Chama high noon and that’ll be a route up to Cumbres Pass and back," Mason said.

This year, they are also bringing back a gem from the past, an older engine from the railroad’s roots in the 1800s.

Safety protocols will be in place. Masks and social distancing are among the requirements.