New excursion trains to run in the San Luis Valley

Alamosa, Colo. -- The San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad (SLRG) and the Denver and Rio Grande Historical Foundation (DRGHF) are collaborating to operate a new excursion train in the San Luis Valley. The trains will operate from Alamosa, making direct, same-day trips over La Veta Pass and connect to trains running in the Toltec Gorge.

The trains will run daily from Alamosa on two scenic routes. One run is to the town of La Veta, over spectacular, 9,242-foot high La Veta Pass. The other run is through the San Luis Valley to Antonito where passengers may connect to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Passengers riding to Antonito may continue their journeys on the steam-powered narrow gauge train to Osier, Colo. and return the same day.

The passenger trains will operate late May through mid-October. Train equipment will be climate-controlled coaches and a food service car pulled by diesel locomotives. These are the first regularly scheduled passenger trains on these tracks in over 50 years.

In the town of La Veta, passengers may explore the historic Western town while the train is turned for the return trip. The town has a thriving artists’ community, an authentic general store and several interesting shops and restaurants.

“We’re very excited to offer this train-riding experience to southern Colorado visitors,” said Don Shank, President of the DRGHF. “Alamosa is a railroad hub so it’s only natural that visitors should have the opportunity sample that heritage while visiting the local hotels, restaurants and nearby attractions like the Great Sand Dunes National Park.”

“The rail crossing of La Veta Pass is spectacular,” said Ed Ellis, President of the SLRG. “The line has two tunnels, a horseshoe curve, track on a narrow ledge and awesome mountain views.”

Leo Schmitz, Executive Director of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, is looking forward to the new connection at Antonito. “This service expands the opportunities for folks coming to ride our historic piece of the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge,” he said. “Many of our riders stay in Alamosa hotels -- now they can leave their cars in Alamosa and make the entire trip by train.”

For additional information or reservations, call 1-877-7CO-RAIL (877-726-7245) or go to www.alamosatrain.com on the web.