08/03/2026
Steam, mountains, and history—our next stop is Chama, New Mexico! Today, August 3, marks 250 years since the Domínguez–Escalante Expedition traveled through the Chama Valley, crossing the Rio Chama and continuing north toward the mountains of present-day southern Colorado.
More than a century later, this same rugged landscape became home to the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, whose narrow-gauge line over Cumbres Pass, built in 1880, helped connect communities, support mining and ranching, and open the San Juan Mountains to commerce. Today, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad preserves and operates a remarkable portion of that historic route as a National Historic Landmark, allowing visitors to experience one of America’s most celebrated surviving steam railroads.
As part of the Cross and Culture Relay, we were honored to visit Chama and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, where representatives welcomed us for a brief commemorative stop and signed the ceremonial cross. Photographing the cross alongside a historic Denver & Rio Grande Western steam locomotive created a meaningful connection between two eras of exploration and transportation in the American Southwest.
A sincere thank you to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for your warm hospitality and for helping commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Domínguez–Escalante Expedition. We’re grateful to have you as part of the Cross and Culture Relay.
