Cumbres & Toltec 2-8-2 No. 484 passes Galloping Goose No. 7 at Chama in August 2016. The railroad will assemble a gathering of “Geese” this year as part of its 50th anniversary celebration.
Jerry Dziedzic
CHAMA, N.M. – The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad will host several events during 2020 to celebrate its 50th anniversary of operation and joint ownership by the states of Colorado and New Mexico. In 1970, Colorado Gov. John Love and New Mexico Gov. David Cargo signed an historic agreement to purchase the line between Chama and Antonito, Colo., from the Denver & Rio Grande Western to operate as a scenic and historic tourist railroad.
Originally built in 1880, the railroad is part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western, San Juan extension, designed to connect silver mining towns in the San Juan Mountains with Denver. It was traveled by Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and nearly every famous outlaw and gunman in the Old West. Today, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the nation’s longest, highest, and most authentic railroad.
To celebrate 50 years of continuous operation as a scenic railroad, the Cumbres & Toltec will host the events below.
Newly announced 2020 events:
- Opening Day of the 50th season: May 23, 2020. Historic opening day events and special trains will be announced for both Antontio and Chama departures.
- 50th anniversary of the signing of the agreement, July 1, 2020: A special ceremony at Osier, Colo., will be held 50 years after the historic July 1, 1970, agreement was signed. Dignitaries from both states will be invited to preside at this event meeting up in Osier, CO, the mid-point on the daily train.
- Roundup of Victorian Iron Horses, date TBD in July and August, 2020. The railroad will present a round-up of engines built before 1900 that will run on the line to commemorate this special year.
- Galloping Goose Reunion, Aug. 22-30, 2020. Several excursions and events will feature a gaggle of operating Goose motors. The Galloping Geese are homemade rail buses built by the Rio Grande Southern and accommodated passengers and light freight to operate in the rugged Rocky Mountains. During the week, demonstrations of the historic properties and operations are planned as well as night photo sessions. There will also be a special Osier moonlight dinner train and gala program on August 29, 2020 to observe the signing date and equipment transfer to Cumbres & Toltec.
Previously announced, rotary snowplow OY will operate early in the year to clear the line for the start of operations for the first time in more than 20 years. To be put on a list of people interested in tickets for the rotary snowplow, email rmartinez@cumbrestoltec.com. Tickets will be released in November 2019 and those on the advance list will have the best chance to secure a place.
For more information on the railroad, go to www.cumbrestoltec.com.
