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Tracks Across Borders Scenic Byway

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Tracks Across Borders Scenic Byway, Colorado Vacation Directory

Tracks Across Borders Scenic Byway Map, Colorado

Tracks Across Borders Scenic Byway near Arboles, Bayfield, Durango, Ignacio, Navajo Lake, and Pagosa Springs, CO and Archuleta, Chama, and Dulce, NM

The Railroad system plays a large part in the route of the Tracks Across Borders Byway; it follows the route of the historical 1880s Denver & Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Railroad San Juan Extension, Colorado's first and the Nation's largest narrow gauge railroad system. The Southern Ute and Jicarilla Apache history and culture are also very important to this area; their Reservations are still prominent and there are various museums and monuments along the way to learn about their past. This route has some stunning views of canyon walls, sparkling waters of the Navajo River and Amargo Creek, and lots of greenery.

Passengers enjoying the view from an uncovered car aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Narrow Gauge Train between Antonito, CO and Chama, NM.

Cumbres & Toltec Narrow Gauge Train

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train in the winter.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Navajo State Park is a must see along the byway. Spend part of the day fishing, water-skiing, boating, wildlife watching, or camping. You might actually need more than just a few hours to experience all that the state park has to offer.

Stop at the Chimney Rock National Monument for some amazing views of archaeological sites and rock formations. There are hundreds of excavated archaeological sites and most of them were living structures for the Ancestral Puebloan Indians. Take a tour of the sites or stop at the Visitor Center for some fun summer workshops.

Old abandoned homestead at a ghost town at Pagosa Junction, Colorado.

Pagosa Junction Ghost Town Home

Galloping Goose #5

There are a few ghost towns along the byway: Pagosa Junction and Juanita. The Denver & Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Railroad passed through both towns when it was still running. There are water towers and hopper cars still visible. Parts of the original tracks still lie in Dulce. There is also some boxcars and old administration buildings.

Jicarilla Apache Nation Building

Jicarilla Apachean Nation People

Some other fun things to do include visiting the Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum, the Sky Ute Casino Resort located in Ignacio, Colorado, or taking a train ride at either end of the byway. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is still running out of Durango heading north to Silverton. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is out of Chama, New Mexico and crosses the border connecting to Antonito.

Sky Ute Casino

Indian Paintbrush

Location: The byway is 125 miles long in Southwestern Colorado/Northeastern New Mexico. Starting in Durango, Colorado, take Highway 172 south through Oxford, Ignacio, and Arboles. From here, take a quick jaunt up to Chimney Rock National Monument along Highway 151 and back down turning onto County Road 500 towards Juanita. You'll cross over the Colorado-New Mexico border and head towards Dulce, New Mexico. From Dulce, head to Chama along Highway 64.

Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do

Chama Trails Inn Email link icon

An Inn with a touch of Old New Mexico in Chama: handmade furniture, family suites, gas-log fireplaces, jetted tub. Trails nearby: ATV, hike, snowmobile. ROMANCE PACKAGES: flowers and private label wine.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Web page link icon

Built in 1880, the Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad is a spectacular mountain railroad zig-zagging 64 miles between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. The ride of a lifetime! America’s #1 best scenic railroad!

Rio Chama RV Park In Northern New Mexico Email link icon

In Chama, New Mexico along scenic Highway 17. Fish our Rio! Watch the TRAIN steam over the bridge by our RV Park. BIG RIG Friendly: 60 foot pull-thrus! Camp in shade along the Chama River. Free WiFi!