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bcretired2000's avatar
Sep 30, 2013

Cumbres/Toltec RR Boondocking Places?

Am considering doing the Fall Tour on the Cumbres/Toltec Steam train. It runs from from Antonito Colorado to Chama, New Mexico.

Any place that a person in a cab over camper can stay for a night or two boondocking? Can stay at either the start end or the finish. (Chama or Antonito) Any suggestions would be appreciated...
  • Thanks Neighbor for the info. I have ridden the Durango Silverton train...wanted to try this Cumbres/Toltec train. Heading out in two weeks for Az and points south to do my 9th yr of Snowbirding.
  • Thanks All for the info.

    To RV2Go Thanks for the nice pix's of your trip on the Steam Train. You mentioned that you stayed at the Depot at Antonito the night before your departure on the train. I assume they have no probs with overnighters there? Since they offer trains originating from Chama and Antonito with bus up or back, which one would you recommend? Doing the uphill run from Antonito and bus back or Starting at Chama and doing the downhill?
    I can originate from either depot.

    Thanks......Bill
  • bcretired2000 wrote:
    Thanks All for the info.

    To RV2Go Thanks for the nice pix's of your trip on the Steam Train. You mentioned that you stayed at the Depot at Antonito the night before your departure on the train. I assume they have no probs with overnighters there? Since they offer trains originating from Chama and Antonito with bus up or back, which one would you recommend? Doing the uphill run from Antonito and bus back or Starting at Chama and doing the downhill?
    I can originate from either depot.

    Thanks......Bill

    Due to my travel route, I started in Antonito. The RV was parked the day of the trip and the night after the trip. As stated, this was 2009. May not be the same today.
  • Google map linkThe open areas in this google map link has boondocking areas. I've lost my waypoints. I rode the train several years ago and noted a road near the track and a guy following us on his dual sport bike. I went back the next year and did the same thing as he did. You can get a good photo of the train, jump on your motorcycle and ride a mile or so ahead and get another photo.
  • bcretired2000 wrote:
    Thanks All for the info.

    To RV2Go Thanks for the nice pix's of your trip on the Steam Train. You mentioned that you stayed at the Depot at Antonito the night before your departure on the train. I assume they have no probs with overnighters there? Since they offer trains originating from Chama and Antonito with bus up or back, which one would you recommend? Doing the uphill run from Antonito and bus back or Starting at Chama and doing the downhill?
    I can originate from either depot.

    Thanks......Bill


    Warning - I am a railfan.
    Another option is the 1/2 way trip from either end. The middle is where lunch is served (Osier). This option is train-Osier-train return to starting point, no bus involved.

    The Chama-Osier section climbs a 4% grade to Cumbres enroute to Ozier, the Antonito to Osier is relatively flat but offers the sights of the Toltec Gorge. The end to end trip lets you see it all with bus return.

    Beware, season ends this year around Oct 20. The official website is www.cumbrestoltec.com. Call or email them regarding overnight camping at the Chama end (there is a commercial RV campground in Chama). I don't know if boondocking is allowed at the Chama parking area.

    Also, most National Forest campground in the area generally are closed shortly after Labor Day.

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