This Scenic U.S. Train Was Just Named the No. 1 Rail Journey in the World for Fall

"Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad took the top spot in the study, scoring a 9.08 out 10 on the JR Pass scale. The train route winds through Colorado and New Mexico through the San Juan Mountains. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the railroad dates back to the mining days of the 1880s. The 64-mile train route the authentic steam train crosses the border between Colorado and New Mexico 11 times."

"On the official website for the train ride, the experience promises "zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle." The train includes views of wildflowers, geologic formations, deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles, and sometimes even bears. With an average rating of 4.48, the reviews for the experience are overwhelmingly positive. "The weather was perfect, and we absolutely enjoyed every moment of our train ride," one customer wrote on Tripadvisor."

"One of the biggest appeals of the train ride is the open carriages on the route, which allow passengers to sit and enjoy the fresh air. The rides are also pretty affordable; six hour train rides start at just $115 per person for Coach seating and go up to $205 for Deluxe or $275 for Parlor seating. The full train experience runs for seven hours and 45 minutes, and starts at $135 per person."

Japan Rail Pass released a report ranking the best autumn train journeys worldwide using Tripadvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags, and seasonal weather data. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad earned the top spot with a 9.08 out of 10 score. The 64-mile steam train winds through Colorado and New Mexico and is a National Historic Landmark dating to the mining days of the 1880s, crossing the border 11 times. The route features canyon walls, two tunnels, a 137-foot Cascade Trestle, and views of wildflowers, geologic formations, and wildlife. Average reviews rate the experience 4.48. Open-air carriages provide fresh-air viewing; six-hour rides start at $115 and full excursions run about seven hours and 45 minutes.

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