en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TS) announced that, due to improved fire conditions, its 2026 operating season will officially open on Tuesday, June 9, with a grand opening celebration scheduled for Saturday, June 13, in Chama, New Mexico.

C&TS CEO Eric Mason stated in a June 2 release that he thanks all passengers and the communities of Chama and Antonito, Colorado, for their patience, enabling the railroad to resume operations after conditions improved, and welcomes guests back.

Following the start of the operating season, the railroad plans to hold an opening celebration on June 13, coinciding with the Chama Western Heritage Days. This free, family-friendly community event takes place June 13-14 and features live music, regional vendors, rodeo competitions, dancing, and activities for all ages.

During the delayed opening, C&TS was named the nation's best scenic train ride by USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Travel Award. To celebrate this honor, guests who book tickets by June 7 can receive a 25% discount on regular daily excursion (All Aboard, Limited, Express) coach class tickets for June, July, and August. This offer applies to new bookings only, excludes special events, and requires the promotional code USATODAY#1.

Additionally, tickets for the inaugural Dark Sky Train are now available for booking, departing from Chama on June 12 and from Antonito on June 13. These nighttime excursions are led by guides from Dark Sky International. In an environment with minimal light pollution, passengers can enjoy guided celestial observation under one of the darkest night skies in North America. This excursion is not included in the discount promotion and sold out quickly after its launch last year, but tickets remain available for the first season of 2026.

C&TS operates a 64-mile remnant of the Denver & Rio Grande's San Juan Extension. Trains run between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, crossing the Colorado-New Mexico state line 11 times. One of the railroad's scenic highlights is Cumbres Pass at an elevation of 10,015 feet, the highest steam railroad pass still in operation in North America.

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