.

When it comes to timing my wife has been planning the schedule. She's always wanted to go to Las Vegas and I always wanted to go to Colorado so we compromised. I think it will look like so;

Day 1: fly into Denver.
Day 2: Colorado Railroad Museum
Day 3: Georgetown Loop and drive south.
Day 4: Dive South and make stop at Black Canyon.
Day 5: Go to Chama
Day 6: Durango
Day 7: Drive west and got to 4 corners.
Day 8: Arrive at Grand Canyon at night, for sunrise in the morning.
Day 9: Sunrise at Canyon and go to Vegas.

Do you think there is enough time in between all of this for everything? My wife has been using Google maps to get directions and times. If I recall there seemed to be quite a few roadside attractions out west to visit along the way when I was out there last so hopefully it should be a fun trip. As far as seeing the Grand Canyon in steam, I think we will miss the 4th of July by a few days so oh well.

As far as one way trips on the two railroads. Does anyone know if there are any railfan travel agencies that specialize in selling tickets for both, and maybe offer a bus service. I would wonder despite them being so close together if they really are competitors or not. I mean if you are traveling out there anyways who wouldn't ride on both railroads?

Adam,

If you have never been "out west" you are not taking into account the times that you say "OMG lets stop here and look!" Its well worth the stopping, believe me!

Some may kill me here, but you ARE on a schedule, if I cut anything, I would cut the ride, but NOT the stop to see G town loop, I know its the Georgetown Loop, but seeing the things is really pretty cool in its own right.

You have really scheduled this thing to the max and taking a bit more time to see stuff is worth it.

Don't skip the Black Canyon...its really something.

Also if it were me I'd reverse the order of C&TS and D&S, make the drive from the Black Canyon thru Ouray and down to Silverton, then on to Durango. Then do Chama.

But thats just me!

Anyway you do this you will be planning the next trip back on your way home!

I'd suggest when you go to Chama, you park in Chama in the morning and ride the bus to Antonito and ride west. Then you'll have a little time to get to Durango that evening, since the trains leave a bit earlier out of Durango, rather than drive the morning of. Those are going to be probably the two most tiring days, and I would even suggest spending less than a day at CRRM and combining it with the GTL which would save you a little time to take it easier on the rest of your vacation.

Be sure to eat at as many local places as you can, there is great food and local beer in the Southwest!

There are people who engage in the same degree of insanity that you're proposing to do just for Colorado's microbreweries and brewpubs.

If you're looking for rail-themed places/beer, check out Wynkoop Brewing of Denver and their Railyard Ale (should be in bottles/draft across the state if you look in the "right" places) and Steamworks of Durango and their Steam Engine Lager (in cans).

Yes, Wynkoop's has some great beers and food, as does San Luis Brewing in Alamosa, and Steamwork's and Ska in Durango. Plus, most anything you order will be a good match for the drinks, and try green chili if you can.

My wife is now planning the trip and she asked me if I know of a good hotel to stay at when headed to the Cumbers and Toltec driving south from northern colorado. Some of them seemed questionable and also expensive she says. Can any one recommend one that is nice clean and affordable or does one need to choose nice or affordable?

Thanks,

Adam

I am sure there are numerous lodges to pick. I tried Chama Trails Inn last November and was satisfied. I think my requirements would have been about the same as your family.

They discuss this topic rather often at the NGDF (otherwise known as the Cumbres and Toltec Discussion Group with other narrow gauges occasionally mentioned).
http://www.ngdiscussion.net

I live near the Grand Canyon (on the Utah side). Just a thought, but we really like the North Rim. It won't add much (if any) time onto your trip, though you'd miss Hoover Dam. It's much less commercialized, and much less busy. Plus, it's at 9000 ft, so it's much cooler. I don't like the rat race, so that's how I prefer it, though it's been a long time since I've been to South Rim. No trains on the north, but the lodge was built by UP, for bus service out of Cedar City, UT. Lots of the national parks here in UT have or had UP lodges.

Colorado Railroad Museum and Georgetown Loop can be done the same day without a compromise. Georgetown is only about 45 miles from Denver. Golden is on the way from Denver to Georgtown. Consider continuing after Georgetown to Leadville, then head south through South Park (stopping to see Como). The Black canyon is out of the way if you are headed to Chama.

Durango is very close to 4 corners (maybe an hour). On the way, you will go through Mancos, and Delores is a slight detour (the museum has one of the Galloping Geese) Also in Delores is the BLM Anasazi Heritage Center. Consider continuing, maybe to Monument Valley (Mexican Hat is nearby and is home to the Swinging Steak.) It is about 4 hours from Mexican Hat to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, but I would also suggest that you consider the North rim. It is not as spectacular (it’s hard to see the river) but very pretty. If you do the North Rim you can drive through Zion on your way to Las Vegas.

Randy

I recommend Chama Station Inn, right across the street from the yard. Clean, comfortable, friendly & inexpensive. They have two rooms with fireplaces. Very nice, as even in the summer months mornings can be quite chilly. Next door, Foster's have excellent Mexican food- New Mexican style.