• Train vacations give tourists a real taste of the old American SouthwestColorful trains image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  A great way to get a taste of the old American Southwest is to take a ride on one of many trains in the area. Many of these train lines follow their original routes and use locomotives and passenger cars that date back to the early part of the 19th century. These train lines also offer special packages, making it possible to turn the experience into a vacation.
  
  

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

• The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is situated in southern Colorado, near the New Mexico state line. It was built in 1880, and has remained basically the same as when it was originally built. The train departs from its historic station in Antonito, goes through the San Luis Valley, climbs a lava mesa and winds its way up into the mountains. The area has an abundance of wildlife, including bears, elk, deer and eagles. A particularly scenic part of the trip comes when the train crawls along the the rim of the 800-foot-deep Toltec Gorge. The train stops for lunch at the town of Osier, climbs the 10,014 Cumbres Pass and ends at the town of Chama in New Mexico.
  
  Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
  
  5234 B Hwy 285
  
  Antonito, CO 81120
  
  888-286-2727
  
  cumbrestoltec.com
  
  

Verde Canyon Railroad

• The Verde Canyon Railroad in Arizona stretches from the mining town of Clarkdale to Perkinsville and offers riders great views of the Verde Canyon scenery and wildlife. The train passes by large mesas and ancient Indian ruins and goes over man-made trestles. It also goes through a 680-foot tunnel before ending its journey at the Perkinsville ghost ranch. The train then retraces its route back to Clarkdale. The entire trip takes approximately four hours. Passengers ride in open-air viewing cars pulled by vintage locomotives. The railroad has seasonal specialities and packages that include hotel or bed-and-breakfast lodging as well as meals to go along with the train tickets. The Verde Canyon itself is spectacular and is located between the heat of the desert and the cold of the Arizona mountains.
  
  Verde Canyon Railroad
  
  300 North Broadway
  
  Clarkdale, AZ 86324
  
  800-582-7245
  
  verdecanyonrr.com
  
  

Santa Fe Southern Railway

• The Santa Fe Southern Railway offers passengers day trips, weekend trips, holiday packages and also special-event trains. Built in 1880, the line travels from the small town of Lamy to Santa Fe and has vintage 1920s rail cars. Highlights along the original line that brought adventurers, artists and settlers to Santa Fe include spectacular high-desert scenery and wildlife viewing before arriving at the historic Santa Fe Depot. An example of the line's specials is the Soul Train Party Train, which includes a dance party and barbecue. The round trip along the 18-mile route takes approximately four hours. The train has a cash bar that offers passengers drinks and snacks.
  
  Santa Fe Southern Railway
  
  410 S. Guadalupe Street
  
  Santa Fe, NM 87501
  
  505-989-8600
  
  sfsr.com