Golden aspens, mountain roads and a vintage steam train make this little-known Southwestern town especially magical in autumn.
Golden aspens, mountain roads and a vintage steam train make this little-known Southwestern town especially magical in autumn.There’s something about fall that makes you want to get in the car, roll down the windows and find a road you’ve never traveled before. This year, point the car toward Chama, New Mexico, a small mountain town tucked into northern New Mexico near the Colorado border.
Surrounded by the Southern Rockies, Chama trades summer green for brilliant shades of yellow and gold as autumn arrives. Scenic mountain roads, crisp mornings and wide-open landscapes make getting there nearly as much fun as the destination itself, but Chama has one attraction that makes a fall visit particularly special: its historic steam train.
Ride a Vintage Steam Train
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a historic narrow-gauge railroad traveling between Chama and Antonito, Colorado. Vintage steam locomotives climb into the mountains, winding through forests and high-country landscapes where stands of aspens turn spectacular shades of gold in fall.
The experience feels wonderfully old-school, and that’s precisely the point. Instead of racing toward the destination, you get to sit back and enjoy the journey while the train makes its way through some of the Southwest’s most beautiful mountain scenery. Fall is a popular time to ride, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Take the Long Way
Chama is a destination where you shouldn’t be in a hurry. Northern New Mexico’s mountain roads are part of the experience, particularly during autumn when golden aspens contrast against evergreen forests and brilliant blue skies.
Pack coffee, make a road-trip playlist and leave enough time for spontaneous stops. The surrounding countryside is filled with forests, mountains and stretches of open road that can make you feel wonderfully far away from city life.
Get Outside
Cooler fall temperatures also make this a great time to explore the outdoors. The region surrounding Chama offers hiking, fishing and opportunities to wander through forests and mountain landscapes before winter arrives.
Bring layers, because Chama sits at an elevation of more than 7,000 feet. Crisp mornings can quickly turn into sunny afternoons, and temperatures can change noticeably once the sun goes down.
Wander Through Town
Chama itself is refreshingly small, which is part of its charm. Spend some time browsing local shops, looking for regional art and stopping for lunch before heading back into the mountains. This isn’t a destination that requires a packed itinerary. Chama is better enjoyed slowly, with enough time to wander, talk to locals and see where the day takes you.
Make It Part of a Bigger Western Adventure
Chama’s location also makes it easy to incorporate into a longer Western road trip. Pair it with Taos or Santa Fe for a New Mexico itinerary, or continue north into Colorado for even more mountain scenery and fall color.
The best fall color generally arrives in the high country around late September into early October, although timing varies each year depending on elevation and weather. If seeing the golden aspens is important, check current foliage conditions before heading out.
Did You Know?
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad climbs to Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet, making it the highest mountain pass reached by rail in the United States. In fall, the route travels through spectacular stretches of golden aspens.
A Little History
Long before Chama became a mountain getaway, the surrounding Chama Valley was home to Indigenous peoples and later became part of Spanish and Mexican settlement in northern New Mexico. The region still reflects this layered heritage in its place names, architecture, food and traditions.
