Day Trippin' › New Mexico › From Albuquerque › Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
The drive from Albuquerque to Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad takes about 3 hr 2 min (north of Albuquerque), by real roads from ZIP 87102. Along the way we found 36 stops within a short detour: 7 coffee shops, 5 ice cream and treats, 12 places to eat and 12 quick sights.
The list below is the best few of each kind, in driving order, with how far into the drive you reach each one (counted from Albuquerque) and the detour it adds. Stops marked Our pick are chosen by us; the rest come from OpenStreetMap listings, so confirm hours before you count on them.
Photo: Drew Jacksich from San Jose, California, CC BY 2.0
Train
A historic steam train ride of 64 miles between Chama and Antonito, Colorado, through aspen forest, over a high trestle and through two tunnels.
Heads-up: Departs from the Chama depot. Holiday trains in December. Bring a jacket for the high pass.
First third Middle third Last third Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
About 3 hr 2 min by road, heading north from the middle of ZIP 87102. Traffic and weather change that.
Good ones to start with: La Choza (Santa Fe). The page lists 23 in all, in driving order.
Kewa Cafe in Kewa Pueblo, Java Joe's in Santa Fe, Tune Up Cafe in Santa Fe and Paradise Boba Tea in Santa Fe. Check hours first; they come from OpenStreetMap listings.
Burger King in Bernalillo, San Felipe Travel Center / Philips 66 / Pueblo Restaurant in San Felipe Pueblo, La Fogata Table in Santa Fe and La Choza in Santa Fe.
Mormon Battalion in Budaghers, Santa Fe Reptile and Bug Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico School for the Deaf Library in Santa Fe and Camel Rock in Tesuque Pueblo.
Drive times are by road on a typical day from ZIP <class 'zip'> (OpenStreetMap data with the OSRM route planner). Stops come from our own picks and OpenStreetMap listings; hours and detours change, so check before you go. We do not store anyone's location.