This southwest Colorado route travels along the historic long abandoned route of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) from Durango to Chama, New Mexico, and connects two of the state’s existing narrow-gauge railroads: the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, both once part of the D&RGW.
Begin in DURANGO, a city established by the D&RGW in 1881. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the lofty San Juan Mountains and visit the free museum dedicated to this railway. The Powerhouse Science Center offers exhibits, programs and activities for all-ages. The Animas City Museum tells the story of old Animas City, which has been incorporated into Durango. At Durango, our Byway also links to the San Juan Skyway Byway which travels deep into the stunning San Juan Mountains.
From Durango, drive east on Highway 160; get your camera ready for breathtaking views of the snow-flecked La Plata Mountain Range. Continue toward IGNACIO on Highway 172 for a stop at the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Then learn more about the Southern Ute tribe at the spectacular Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum.
From Ignacio, take Highway 151 to Arboles. Spend some time at Navajo State Park, Colorado’s answer to Lake Powell. This 15,000-acre lake extends 25 miles into New Mexico. Its sapphire waters is a prime fishing, boating, and wildlife watching destination. Then, head north on CO 151 3 miles to the Watchable Wildlife Area. Here a trail crosses an old railroad bridge which is great for birdwatching. Contonie north on CO 151 13 miles to CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL MONUMENT — a must-see that’s known for its twin rock structures. It was once home to the Ancestral Puebloans and boasts more than 200 ancient houses and ceremonial structures.
If you want to take a break from the Byway, head 20 miles on CR 151 and US 160 to charming Pagosa Springs, with world famous hot springs. If not, return south from Chimney Rock 12 miles to Archuleta County Road 500 and travel east through the ghost towns of Pagosa Junction and Juanita. This route was once the path of the Old Spanish Trail in the 1820s. At Juanita, the Byway turns south through the spectacular Navajo River Canyon on a rough and narrow road that is not recommended for travel in wet or snowy weather.
As you cross into New Mexico, you’ll drive through jagged mesas to enter the JICARILLA APACHE NATION. You will drive through the dramatic Navajo River Canyon and pass a well-preserved railroad water tank and bridge. Arriving in DULCE, plan a stop at the Jicarilla Cultural Center and the Jicarilla Arts & Crafts Center. From Dulce, hop on U.S. 64 to continue to Chama, New Mexico.
While Tracks Across Borders ends in CHAMA, your journey doesn’t have to. Climb aboard the Antonito, Colorado-bound Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for a 64-mile journey across 10,000-foot Cumbres Pass. The excursion, which abounds with photo-worthy panoramas, includes a stop in Osier for lunch before you travel on to ANTONITO, where you can board a bus back to your car in Chama. You can also drive east from Chama on NM17 to join the Los Caminos Antiguous Byway which continues into the mystic San Luis Valley.
Once you have driven the Byway, we would welcome your comments on what you enjoyed and what could be imptovrd. Contact us at trackascrossborders@gmail.com.