Engines

In 2006, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad launched its debut operating season in Alamosa, pulling passenger cars with diesel engines on both routes – the San Luis Express over La Veta Pass, and the Toltec Gorge Limited serving Antonito and connection with the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

These engines include the SLRG (San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad) 400-series, and the 8500-series, both capable of pulling both passenger and freight cars, and currently being repainted in the traditional Denver & Rio Grande Railroad scheme to celebrate the heritage of the line.

In early 2007, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad purchased the SP-1744 – a fully-restored, turn-of-the-century steam locomotive built by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The engine was commissioned into regular service in 1901.

The SP-1744 served a variety of roles throughout the first half of the century, with her primary roots in the central valleys of California before retiring from general service in the mid-1950s. A few years later, she was brought back into the limelight when she became a one-time classic film star, starring alongside Rock Hudson on the silver screen in “The Earth is Mine.”

Later, she would be acquired by railroads in Utah and then Texas where she sat in the rail yard, out-of-service, for nine years. In 1999, she was revived once again and moved just east to pull the Big Easy Steam Train for a short time before being acquired by the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad.

Today, the much-celebrated SP-1744 faithfully pulls the San Luis Express over La Veta Pass on weekends and holidays and for special events, and is available for chartered tours. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad plans to run the SP-1744 daily in 2008.

Passenger Cars

Most of the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s passenger cars are 1950s-era Pulllman coaches, restored for daily service and remodeled with new windows, heating, air conditioning and other amenity improvements. Also among the coaches is a 1930s-era “observation” car, with bench-style seating and opening windows to maximize the breathtaking Sangre de Cristo views and take advantage, weather-permitting, of the fresh mountain air.

For the 2007 season, two specialty cars were added to the collection: a full-service concessions car, and a first-class parlor car.

The newly-remodeled concessions car offers sandwiches, snacks and drinks for purchase on the San Luis Express, catered daily by local Alamosa vendors Rick and Julie Nunley.

The new parlor car offers passengers the option of upgrading to a first-class riding experience, with individual, swiveling seats, a large floor-to-ceiling observation window and complimentary refreshments.

People

Even more than our vintage steam engine, our breathtaking scenery and our exciting rides, passengers tell us it’s the people that make up the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad that truly make the experience a memorable one. Our staff is both knowledgeable and friendly and ready to help make sure your ride is comfortable and enjoyable – from the conductor to the engineer to the customer service staff on and off the train.

On board, our uniformed staff are always available and ready to answer your questions about the train, schedule, route and everything in between, so take a minute to stop and say hello!

Depot

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad shares a depot with the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad (freight) at the corner of 6th and State, in the heart of historic downtown Alamosa. Close to city parks, hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes and other attractions, passengers can enjoy shopping and dining in Alamosa just a short walk away after de-boarding the train.

Both the San Luis Express and the Toltec Gorge Limited pull back into Alamosa just in time for dinner, so don’t miss out on the great dining opportunities at more than 30 local restaurants! Many of our hoteliers in town can make your train reservations for you at check-in or check-out. Look for the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s “Your ticket is waiting” signs at participating hotels.