About Us
THE CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD
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
We’re 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.
Our Mission
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.
Our Vision
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 known and respected as the best non-profit historic railway living museum organization in the world.
Our Value
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.
It’s undeniable. FRIENDS is passionate about this steam-powered narrow-gauge railroad which runs on 64 miles of track between Antonito, CO and Chama, NM. Our passion is what drives us to dedicate our time, talents and resources to ensure the C&TSRR keeps rolling and is remembered and understood for countless years to come. We are proud to support the C&TSRR as FRIENDS Members, Volunteers and Donors.
Through the generous donations of our members and others who recognize the value of C&TSRR as a living museum and wish to see it continue in perpetuity, the FRIENDS is able to successfully carry on our mission of PRESERVATION, INTERPRETATION AND RESTORATION.
THE FRIENDS OF THE CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD, INC.
It all started in 1981 when Albuquerque attorney Bill Lock, who was concerned about the deterioration of the railroad’s irreplaceable collection of historic rolling stock and structures, convinced railroad management to allow him and a friend to paint and refurbish an old refrigerator car body.
His efforts had a domino effect, with more and more volunteers showing up each summer to continue restoration work of the historic rolling stock fleet.
C&TSRR
A precious historic artifact of the American West that time forgot, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was built in 1880 to serve the silver mining district of the San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado. The repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act in 1893 had a devastating effect on the silver mining industry, causing activity on the tracks to stall for the most part. The railroad did, however, see major upgrades in equipment and infrastructure in the 1920s.
There’s nothing passive about us... people of all ages and backgrounds with one common interest - preserving and enhancing all that is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, a National Historic Landmark enjoyed every season by guests from all over the world. We work throughout the year... often in the background... to ensure a positive guest experience and historical preservation of the railroad’s rich history. Best of all, we’ve developed amazing, lifelong friendships along the way. Our stories are unique to each of us based on the roles we play. Each and every one of us has a story to tell. Below are three that we’re confident you’ll enjoy.
JOHN S. ENGS
Board Member and Project Chairman
A childhood Lionel train set launched John’s lifelong passion for old steam engines, fueled further by his father taking him to watch steam-powered trains...
RICH MUTH
Docent Volunteer & Coordinator
For Rich, it all started with the purchase of a getaway home in Chromo, Colorado, halfway between Chama and Pagosa Springs, and a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad...
DAVE RYERSON
Photo Preservation Volunteer
A train buff since childhood, Dave first rode the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in the early 70’s...
Your tax-deductible membership will put you in good company with so many others who, like you, want to see the C&TSRR survive and thrive for future generations. We thank you for your support!