Chama, NM Summary

Eighty-five miles northwest of Taos on US-64 – which crosses the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge Bridge – beyond Abiquiu and the red rocks around Ghost Ranch, tiny CHAMA is the base for trips on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (June to mid-Oct; tel 505/756-2151, ), an exhilarating high-mountain ride, following the course of the Los Piños Gorge. Daily excursions run through the High Brazos mountains on the border with Colorado; you can either take a motor coach to Antonito, Colorado, and return by train (depart Chama 8.30am; $60), go by train and return by coach (depart Chama 10am; $60), or take a round-trip for the day by train to a point halfway along (depart 10am; $40).