If you’re coming to Antonito in the fall, you already know Colorado leaf peeping is about more than spotting a few yellow trees from the highway. Down here, you can enjoy historic mountain train rides and beautiful colors all in the same day.
At Steam Train Hotel, we’re a short walk or two-minute drive from the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad depot, which makes us the best basecamp for your Colorado autumn vacations.
Which Cumbres & Toltec Fall Train Ride Should You Take?
There is no separate “leaf-peeping train.” The regular Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad trips simply become spectacular once the aspens turn. And honestly, that is better. You are getting a genuine heritage railroad journey, not a short seasonal loop dressed up for fall.
Is the Antonito Limited Best for a One-Day Ride?
The Antonito Limited runs from Antonito to Osier Station and returns to the same depot. Lunch at Osier’s mountain dining hall is included, and you avoid the bus transfer required on some full-line trips.
This is our usual recommendation for guests who want one of the best scenic train rides Colorado offers without giving up the entire day. The route passes through the high desert, tunnels, Toltec Gorge, and mountain country, so you have your bases covered.
Should You Ride the Full Line to Chama?
Choose All Aboard Antonito when the railroad is the main event. The trip covers the full 64-mile line between Antonito and Chama, with a motorcoach used for one leg of the journey.
It’s a long one for sure, but considering it’s one of the last historic train rides in Colorado, it’s really worth your time, particularly if you’ve come all the way here for leaf peeping.
Is the Antonito One Way a Good Road-Trip Option?
The Antonito One Way covers the full railroad by train without the return transportation. It works well when a friend or family member can meet you in Chama, or when Antonito is one stop on a longer Colorado and New Mexico road trip.
The lack of transportation back isn’t so bad when you consider the ups: You’ll see more changing terrain, cross between Colorado and New Mexico, and understand why railroad fans plan entire Colorado railroad vacations around this route.
Why Is Highway 17 One of Our Favorite Fall Drives?
Highway 17 follows the Conejos River west from Antonito before climbing through the San Juan Mountains toward La Manga and Cumbres Pass. The road gives you river views, broad aspen stands, old ranch country, and plenty of reasons to pull over.
It’s one of those fall road trips Colorado visitors often miss because northern Colorado gets most of the attention. Call us biased, but we just love the colors down here.
Keep in mind that our strongest color often arrives in early to mid-October, later than in many northern parts of the state. Weather still makes the final decision, though, so check current conditions instead of treating any Colorado fall foliage map like a promise.
What Else Makes Antonito So Good in the Fall?
The train may bring you here, but it does not have to fill the whole trip. Autumn in Colorado looks especially good around here because you get all the mountain color and wildlife without the crowds.
So, what can you do during your Colorado weekend getaway?
In Antonito, you can walk around town to see our Cultura & Fe Murals, Cano’s Castle, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which is the state’s oldest church and congregation. (Colorado’s heritage railroads aren’t the only piece of history here.)
For dinner, Dutch Mill Café and Dos Hermanas are both across from our Colorado mountain hotel, so you can spend the night with us before or after boarding the scenic railroad.
If you’re looking for more than Colorado train rides for your family, you can always drive around 40 minutes north to the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, where sandhill cranes gather during their fall migration.
If your Colorado rail adventures aren’t adventurous enough, you can also visit The Great Sand Dunes, which are always a blast to visit no matter the season, but can make an incredible stop on your Colorado fall getaway regardless.
Stay Close to the Train and Give Antonito Another Day
At Steam Train Hotel, we’re not just another Colorado mountain hotel; we’ve stood on Main Street since 1911, and we know all the ins and outs of leaf peeping in Colorado, so if you’re here for the colors and the trains, you have to stay with us.
You can call us at 1-719-298-8908 or book online. We’ll love to have you here.
FAQ's
When is the best time for Colorado leaf peeping?
Early to mid-October is often our strongest window, although elevation and weather can move peak color earlier or later. When in doubt, you can always give us a call, and we’ll tell you how things are looking out of our window.
Which train ride is best for fall foliage?
What should I pack for a fall train ride?
Is Antonito good for a family fall getaway?
Is Antonito a good base for Colorado mountain vacations?
Yes. The railroad welcomes all ages, and families can combine the ride with easy scenic drives, local landmarks, wildlife watching, and stargazing.
