Explore Historic Railways
Upcoming Events
Join us for a series of amazing events celebrating the magic of trains. Get ready to experience thrilling rides and learn about the rich history of railroads in Colorado. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on these unique opportunities!
The 315 Returns to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Rails
Upcoming Excursions
The D&RGW 315 returns to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad this fall for three special charters. Each offers a rare chance to see — and ride behind — a working 1895 narrow gauge steam locomotive through the spectacular country of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. The late-September runs coincide with the turning aspens — steam and gold, at nearly 10,000 feet.
Sunday, September 27 — In Memory of Tom Artsburger, Jerry Hoffer, Mark Kasprowicz and A. Lewis Dahm
This excursion is dedicated to the memory of four DRHS board members we lost this past year. Between them they kept the 315 mechanically sound, wrote the manual we operate by, maintained our connection to Silverton’s history, and built the presence that let the world find us. The locomotive runs today because of the work they did.
- Tom Artsburger — Chief Mechanical Officer
- Jerry Hoffer — Liaison to the San Juan County Historical Society
- Mark Kasprowicz — Secretary and Webmaster
- A. Lewis Dahm — General advisor; compiled our operating manual and maintained our brakes
Tom Artsburger
Jerry Hoffer
A. Lewis Dahm
Mark Kasprowicz
The Train
The 315 will lead a mixed train from Antonito to Osier Station and return, with planned photo stops at Ferguson, Lava Water Tank, Sublette, Calico Cut, Rock Tunnel, and Phantom Curve. The consist pairs freight and passenger equipment — a refrigerator car, boxcars, a rider gondola, and historic Coaches 256 and 292 — for an authentic and highly photogenic train. The date falls in the traditional peak of fall color across the high country.
The day closes with a night photo shoot bringing Locomotives 168 and 315 together under controlled lighting, and author George Niederauer will be on hand to sign copies of Locomotive 315.
This charter is designed for photographers, videographers, railroad historians, and serious steam enthusiasts. Departure is 8:00 AM from the Antonito Depot, returning at 7:00 PM, with a box lunch included. Ages 11 and up.
Proceeds directly support the continued operation and preservation of the 315, including building a reserve toward her next 1,472-service-day inspection.
60 seats · $500 per seat
Full details and booking at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad →
Monday, September 28 — Double Header with 168! Supporting the 492 Project
Monday, September 28 — Supporting the 492 Project
Proceeds from this excursion support the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad’s restoration of locomotive 492. A chance to ride behind the 315 while helping return another piece of narrow gauge history to service.
A rare doubleheader. Locomotives 168 and 315 will work together on a full-day photo charter from Antonito to Osier and return, with proceeds supporting the restoration of Locomotive 492.
The day begins early — a 6:00 AM departure timed for a planned sunrise photo opportunity at Ferguson, followed by two runbys at that location. Photo stops continue throughout the run at Lava Water Tank, Sublette, MP 308.5 Rock Cut, Phantom Curve or Calico Cut, the exit of Rock Tunnel, and the Osier Water Tank. The consist pairs both locomotives with two historic coaches, an open gondola, and a Railway Post Office Car with restroom and snack counter.
Every dollar of ticket revenue will be matched, doubling the charter’s support for the 492 restoration.
Author George Niederauer will be on hand signing copies of Locomotive 315, with book proceeds supporting the continued preservation of the 315.
This charter is designed for railroad photographers and steam enthusiasts. Departure is 6:00 AM from the Antonito Depot, returning at 8:00 PM — a fourteen-hour day. Box lunch included. Ages 11 and up.
60 seats · $500 per sea
Full details and booking at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad →
October 27–28 — Lerro Photography Charter
A dedicated two-day photo charter with Pete Lerro Photography, one of the most respected names in railroad photography. Based in Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, this charter is built specifically for photographers — expect carefully staged run-bys and access designed around getting the shot.
Still need more information about any of these charters? Email us at info@drhs315.org