Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, INC

We’re actively dedicated to the PRESERVATION of the railroad’s rich history and the railroad itself as a living museum... INTERPRETATION of its history, assets and scenic tours.... and RESTORATION of its assets, which include buildings and property, track right-of-ways, signs and rolling stock. We envision another century of the narrow-gauge steam railroad, with C&TSRR recognized as (1) one of the world’s most popular and enjoyable railroad tourism experiences and (2) one of the world’s premier living museums. We further envision Friends becoming known and respected as the best non-profit historic railway living museum organization in the world. Our stewardship role... which is shared with the C&TSRR Railroad Commission, the railroad management company and the communities within which the railroad operates... is designed to support and enhance the Commission’s objectives: (1) operate the C&TSRR as a scenic tourist railroad and (2) support economic development of the region.

The C&TSRR is a precious historic artifact of the American West that time forgot. The section of railroad that is now the C&TSRR was built in 1880 to serve the silver mining district of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Originally, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad narrow-gauge system stretched over 500 miles through Colorado and northern New Mexico. The 64 miles that stretch from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico is the portion that comprises the C&TSRR today. The Friends Organization is made up of thousands of Members, Volunteers & Donors from across the country and around the world who invest their time, talents and resources to help preserve the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and its history for future generations.