A narrow-gauge steam railroad winding through the Colorado Rockies just claimed the global crown for autumn train travel, beating legendary routes across Europe and Japan. JR Pass ranked the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad as the world’s top fall rail journey, analyzing TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags, and seasonal weather data to crown this 64-mile steam-powered throwback over Switzerland’s GoldenPass Line and Japan’s famous Oigawa Railway.
The victory feels especially sweet for American scenic rail travel, which often plays second fiddle to European glamour trains and Japanese precision engineering.
Rocky Mountain Railroad Reaches Record Heights
The Cumbres & Toltec stretches between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, reaching 10,015 feet at Cumbres Pass—the highest railroad crossing in America. Authentic steam locomotives pull passengers through golden aspen groves and past dramatic trestles like Cascade Creek, while open carriages let you breathe the crisp mountain air that Instagram filters try desperately to replicate.
The route crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times, a geographic quirk that adds to its charm. Wildlife sightings include deer, elk, bears, and eagles soaring above the San Juan ranges.
Accessible Adventure Beats International Competition
While Switzerland’s scenic trains can cost $300+ and Japanese rail passes require international travel, the Cumbres & Toltec delivers world-beating autumn scenery for $115 to $275, depending on seating class. The full journey takes seven hours and 45 minutes, including lunch at the historic Osier, Colorado dining hall—a communal meal that reflects American railroading traditions.
Travel + Leisure’s coverage notes how the combination of authentic steam power, dramatic elevation changes, and endless golden aspens creates something genuinely special. TripAdvisor reviews average 4.48 stars, with travelers consistently praising the service and unparalleled access to remote wilderness.
The railroad operates late May through late October, preserving original 1880s buildings and following routes carved for the region’s mining boom. As a National Historic Landmark, it offers something Europe’s tourist-focused scenic railways can’t match: unvarnished American frontier history still chugging through the mountains.
Editor’s note (10/8/2025): A link to JR Pass was added.
