The La Veta Train to Fir

Last winter we took a ride on a railway in Globe, Arizona. That railroad had been restored by Golden Spike Train Excursions. The ride we took in La Veta, Colorado, was on trains and cars restored by the Rio Grande Scenic Railroads, a sister company.

Overall these companies do a very nice job of providing an enjoyable day. This ride out of La Veta was about a 90 minute trip out and the same back. At and average speed of about 12 mph, this only made for a 17 mile ride each way. We ended up at the top of La Veta Pass at 9,400 feet, where we were entertained by an outdoor folk/western concert. Food was available, but we opted for our own peanut and jelly sandwiches. The food served at the top was a plate of barbecue that looked good, but was small and $12. I preferred my PB&J.

We left La Veta at 10:15am, arrived at the top at about noon, and returned to La Veta by 5:30pm. Little ran on time, the train was supposed to leave at 10am and return at 5pm. There was a lot of "hurry up and wait" and sometimes it seemed like the train crew had not been kept in the loop as to what was happening.

BUT, for a senior ticket price of $20 each, I could not bring myself to complain. Besides the concert was actually quite good.

The engine was diesel/electric, the cars were nicely restored and refitted, and the car staff were all very nice and helpful.


Here we unload at the top, in the hurry up and wait mode.


As you can see by the tilt to the umbrellas, the wind and rain were coming in parallel to the ground. Even though the weather was frequently "NOT" our friend during the concert, few got up to seek a sheltered vantage point. A credit to the entertainers.


At the top we were met by a steam train coming up from Alamosa (on the opposite side of the pass). Not to worry, there is a siding there specifically so the two trains can pass (as long as the engineers are in a mood for chicken).


The guy in this pic was great. I think his name was McCulloch (or something close). Folk music buffs should know him, he has 34 albums in circulation. He did half the show by himself and was thoroughly entertaining.


.......and of course the Colorado countryside was as beautiful as ever.


I give these folks a thumbs up on all fronts, despite some of the problems I mentioned. You would be hard pressed to spend a day as nice as this one any where else for $20 a head ($30 if you aren't blessed with the title "Senior").

If you hanker for more information, try these links:

More on the town of La Veta, Colorado.

About the train ride and the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad.