ALL ABOARD THE RIO GRANDE SCENIC RAILROAD
If you are looking for an experience that encompasses the quintessential Alamosa, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad may be perfect for you. This train ride combines the rich history of the west, breathtaking mountain views and small town hospitality that Alamosa is known for. The train travels on the tracks that were laid in 1878 to bring supplies into the San Luis Valley and ship agricultural and mining products out. You can relive the golden age of railroads through miles of unspoiled Colorado territory, all the while learning about the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas from the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s friendly and knowledgeable staff.
SCENIC EXCURSIONS
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers Scenic Excursions throughout the summer, where passengers can ride from Alamosa to La Veta and back, through some of the most beautiful scenery the Rocky Mountains has to offer. You’ll have a chance to ride through rugged mountain terrain, all in the comfort of a first-class, air-conditioned passenger car. You will have a bit of time to enjoy all the charming town of La Veta, before boarding the train again for the ride back to Alamosa. On board, you can order from a full menu and enjoy the view from the domed passenger car, or venture to the open car to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
MOUNTAIN RAILS LIVE
In addition to the Scenic Excursions, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad has a Mountain Rails Live Concert Series during the summer. Attending a Mountain Rails Live concert is an experience like no other in the world. The train travels to a secluded meadow deep in the Rocky Mountains that is only accessible by rail. In this meadow lies Fir Summit Amphitheater, a concert venue like no other. The boxcar stage, combined with the natural contour of the meadow, make for perfect acoustics. Plus, the entire amphitheater is 100% operated on wind and solar energy. At 9,400 feet above sea level, the sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are unbeatable.
The Mountain Rails Live Concert Series’ 2018 lineup is packed with names that train enthusiasts are sure to recognize. POCO, Peter Yarrow, Radney Foster, Pam Tills, Micheal Martin Murphey and Pure Prairie League are all slated to grace the Fir Summit stage. Because the venue is accessible only by train, the artists ride back into Alamosa with their audience. If you’re lucky enough to have snagged a Diamond Class ticket, you can ride back with the artists (and impromptu jam sessions have been known to occur!)
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is also adding to its lineup of special events in 2018. Favorites like the Rails & Ales Beer Festival, the Fall Colors Explorer and the Oktoberfest train will run again, with the addition of two new events. Wine on the Scenic Line is the wine lover’s version of Rails & Ales, happening on August 11. After a gorgeous train ride, guests will arrive at Fir Summit, where area wineries will have booths with plenty of wine to taste. There will also be food service booths, craft beer booths and a concert by Pam Tillis Trio. Also new this year is the Big Fat Cigar Train. This train will travel all the way to La Veta. On board, you can learn the proper techniques for selecting, cutting, lighting and smoking cigars, mingle with fellow cigar enthusiasts and enjoy a complimentary cigar, offering from the bar and beer tastings.
Whatever train ride you choose, it is sure to be an adventure like no other. After you return, check out our excellent dining options in Alamosa. Stay with us a while, at any of our many hotels or campsites and discover all there is to do in the San Luis Valley! If you have questions or want some local expert advice on the area, stop by the Colorado Welcome Center. For more information on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, and to purchase your tickets, visit coloradotrain.com or call 877-726-7245.
