Steam & Excursion > C&TS 10am departure 8/19/2026

Was a perfect day to get away from my home railroad in Cañon City and head a few hours south to Antonito, CO to get my fix of steam for a bit.

Shot 1- preparing for departure.

Shot- 2 headed west about 1 mile out of the depot. 

Shot 3 - a neat little sign just west of the depot.

stay safe everyone.

AC

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That Rio Grande sign is something a railfan put up. It has nothing to do with the D&RGW....

Lightning_Slinger Wrote:
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> That Rio Grande sign is something a railfan put
> up. It has nothing to do with the D&RGW....

um where did i say it did??? does it make it any less of a cool little detail? nope!

go turn on a lamp and ligthten up-.

AC

The Antonito departure is one I continue to recommend for first time visitors. You get the desert section, historic in its own way, behind you as the train climbs steadily up into the mountains. Each mile brings more scenic views, more change in the landscape and flora, and more to look forward to as you climb. Yes, the departure from Chama is dramatic as you climb the 4% grade, but shortly after an hour you are at the top and it's downhill from then on. Still plenty of scenery on the way to Osier and many travelers stop there and return the same way. Those that continue on to Antonito enjoy the Toltec Gorge, two tunnels, Phantom Curve  and the view of Los Pinos Canyon 900 feet below. But reading reviews on Yelp, riders, while acknowledging those landmarks, remark how the last portion of the trip is boring as the train passes through the desert on the way to arrival at Antonito. Just one long-time rider's perspective, YMMV..

Lightning_Slinger Wrote:
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> That Rio Grande sign is something a railfan put
> up. It has nothing to do with the D&RGW....

Where exactly does it say it has anything to do with the D&RGW?

Like that 2nd shot. Ben