Unforgettable Train Rides Across New Mexico’s Desert Scenery You’ll Want To Take At Least Once

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to glide through stunning desert landscapes while sitting comfortably in a train car?

New Mexico offers some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the country, taking you past red rock formations, ancient pueblos, and endless skies. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just someone who loves adventure, these rides promise memories you’ll treasure forever.

I’m excited to share these incredible routes that showcase the natural beauty and rich culture of the Land of Enchantment.

1. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Picture yourself aboard America’s longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad, winding through mountain passes that seem untouched by time. This journey between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, spans 64 miles of pure wonder.

You’ll climb over 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass while watching wildflowers dot the landscape in summer. The train chugs along steep gorges and through tunnels carved into solid rock.

I love how the vintage coaches make you feel like a pioneer exploring the Wild West. The views of the Toltec Gorge, dropping 600 feet below, will absolutely take your breath away.

This ride operates from May through October, giving you plenty of chances to experience it.

2. New Mexico Rail Runner Express

When you need a practical yet beautiful way to explore central New Mexico, this commuter train delivers both transportation and sightseeing. Running from Belen through Albuquerque to Santa Fe, it covers 97 miles of diverse terrain.

You’ll pass by the stunning Sandia Mountains, whose name means watermelon in Spanish because of their pink sunset glow. The train makes frequent stops, so you can hop off to explore historic towns and pueblos.

I appreciate how affordable this ride is compared to other scenic railways. Large windows let you capture amazing photos of the high desert landscape.

It’s perfect for day trips, and locals use it daily alongside tourists.

3. Santa Fe Southern Railway

Did you know this railway once connected Santa Fe to the main rail line, making it a vital trade route? Today, it offers themed excursions that blend history with natural beauty throughout the year.

The standard scenic trip takes you 36 miles round-trip through the Galisteo Basin, where you’ll see endless views of high desert and distant mountains. Special events like sunset rides and barbecue trains add extra fun to the experience.

I find the intimate atmosphere of smaller passenger cars really charming and comfortable. You’ll learn about railroad history while enjoying New Mexico’s famous blue skies.

The railway operates vintage equipment that adds authentic character to your journey.

4. Sunset Limited Through Deming

If crossing the entire southern United States by train sounds appealing, this Amtrak route gives you an unforgettable slice through New Mexico’s desert heartland. The Sunset Limited runs between New Orleans and Los Angeles, stopping in Deming three times weekly.

You’ll witness some of the most remote and untouched desert landscapes in the Southwest. The train passes through areas where you might not see buildings for miles, just pure wilderness.

I love watching the light change across the desert as the train moves westward. The dining car serves meals while you enjoy panoramic views through large windows.

It’s an affordable way to experience long-distance train travel through stunning scenery.

5. Southwest Chief Through Raton Pass

How many trains can claim they cross a mountain pass that once challenged wagon trains and stagecoaches? The Southwest Chief does exactly that, climbing over historic Raton Pass between Colorado and New Mexico.

This Amtrak route connects Chicago to Los Angeles, but the New Mexico portion offers some of the most dramatic scenery. You’ll see volcanic mesas, ancient lava flows, and grasslands stretching to the horizon.

I’m always amazed by how the landscape transforms as you descend into New Mexico. The train stops in Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, and Albuquerque, giving you multiple chances to explore.

Traveling overnight means you’ll wake up to stunning sunrise views over the desert.

6. Chama Valley Train Rides

Are you ready to experience a genuine working steam railroad that looks like it rolled straight out of the 1880s? The Chama depot serves as a gateway to spectacular mountain and desert scenery combined.

You can choose different trip lengths, from short excursions to all-day adventures that include lunch. The coal-fired locomotives pull authentic vintage coaches through landscapes that have barely changed in centuries.

I think the mix of pine forests and high desert terrain makes this route especially unique. Wildlife sightings are common, including elk, deer, and various bird species.

Photographers absolutely love the dramatic lighting conditions in this area throughout the day.

7. Historic Lamy Junction Route

Though Lamy is just a tiny village today, it once served as Santa Fe’s main railroad connection to the outside world. The station still operates as an Amtrak stop, connecting passengers to the capital city.

When you arrive here, you’ll step into a time capsule where old railroad buildings stand against endless desert views. The 18-mile shuttle to Santa Fe itself offers beautiful scenery through rolling hills and piñon-covered landscapes.

I find something romantic about this small-town station that major trains still visit daily. You’ll feel like a character in an old Western movie arriving at this historic depot. The surrounding area offers great hiking and photography opportunities before or after your train ride.

8. Albuquerque Rail Yards Tour

It’s not a traditional ride, but this tour gives you an up-close look at railroad history in New Mexico’s largest city. The Albuquerque Rail Yards once served as a major hub for steam locomotive maintenance and repair.

You’ll explore restored buildings, see vintage equipment, and learn how trains shaped the Southwest’s development. Special events sometimes include short demonstration rides on historic tracks.

I appreciate how this experience combines industrial history with the natural desert setting surrounding the yards. The facility is being transformed into a cultural destination while preserving its railroad heritage.

Tours run on select days, so check the schedule before planning your visit to this fascinating location.

9. Gallup to Grants Desert Crossing

When major freight trains rumble through this stretch of New Mexico, they pass through some of the most colorful desert terrain imaginable. While primarily a freight route, the Southwest Chief passenger train also travels this spectacular section.

You’ll see red sandstone cliffs, ancient volcanic formations, and traditional Navajo lands stretching in every direction. The contrast between the modern train and timeless landscape creates a unique experience.

I’m fascinated by how this route showcases the relationship between Native American culture and railroad development. El Malpais National Monument’s black lava fields are visible from the train windows.

The journey between these two towns takes about an hour of pure visual delight.

10. Rio Grande Gorge Railway Proposal Route

Have you heard about the proposed scenic railway that would follow the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge near Taos? Though still in planning stages, this route has captured imaginations for years.

If completed, it would offer views of the 800-foot-deep gorge and surrounding high desert plateau. The proposed route would connect Taos with nearby communities while showcasing some of New Mexico’s most dramatic scenery.

I’m hopeful this project will eventually become reality, giving visitors a new way to experience northern New Mexico. The area already attracts tourists to the famous Gorge Bridge and surrounding wilderness.

Meanwhile, you can drive the proposed route and imagine what train travel there might someday offer.

11. Mining Train Heritage at Madrid

Once upon a time, coal mining trains constantly traveled through this now-quirky artist community along the Turquoise Trail. Madrid’s railroad history is preserved through static displays and restored equipment throughout town.

You can walk among vintage train cars and imagine the bustling mining operations that once defined this area. The surrounding Ortiz Mountains provide a beautiful desert backdrop to the historic railroad remnants.

I love how this former ghost town has transformed while honoring its railroad past. Though no active passenger trains run here now, the heritage is palpable everywhere you look.

Nearby trails let you explore where mining trains once hauled coal through the high desert landscape.

12. Belen Harvey House Train Watching

Are you fascinated by the golden age of railroad travel and the famous Harvey House restaurants? Belen’s beautifully restored Harvey House sits right along an active BNSF Railway mainline.

Though you can’t ride trains from here anymore, watching modern freight trains thunder past this historic building is thrilling. The location offers excellent views of desert landscapes and the constant parade of rail traffic.

I think the contrast between the elegant old building and massive modern trains creates wonderful photo opportunities. Inside, a museum tells stories of when this was a vital stop for travelers crossing the Southwest.

The Rail Runner Express also stops here, connecting Belen to Albuquerque and Santa Fe for modern train adventures.

13. Carlsbad Caverns Area Railway History

Did you know trains once brought tourists directly to Carlsbad Caverns during the early 20th century? Though passenger service ended decades ago, the railway heritage remains part of this desert region’s story.

You can still see old railroad grades and remnants while exploring the area around Carlsbad. The landscape features Chihuahuan Desert scenery with unique plants like lechuguilla and ocotillo.

I find it interesting to imagine tourists arriving by train to explore the famous underground caverns. Today, the nearest active rail line carries freight through the oil-producing Permian Basin.

Exploring this history adds another dimension to your visit to one of New Mexico’s most famous natural attractions.

14. Silver City Mining Railroad Trails

How would you like to hike or bike along old railroad grades where mining trains once carried copper and silver ore? Silver City’s surrounding mountains contain numerous abandoned railway routes now converted to trails.

These paths take you through high desert terrain with spectacular views of the Gila Wilderness. You’ll discover old trestles, tunnel entrances, and other railroad artifacts along the way.

I’m impressed by how well-preserved some of these historic routes remain after decades of abandonment. The combination of railroad history and natural beauty makes these trails especially rewarding.

Interpretive signs explain the mining and railroad heritage that shaped this region during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

15. Las Vegas to Glorieta Pass Journey

When the Southwest Chief travels between Las Vegas and Lamy, it crosses historic Glorieta Pass where a Civil War battle once raged. This section offers some of the most varied scenery on any New Mexico train route.

You’ll transition from open plains to piñon-covered hills as the train climbs toward the pass. The landscape tells stories of centuries of travelers who crossed these same mountains.

I love how this route combines natural beauty with layers of American history. Apache Canyon’s narrow walls create dramatic views as the train winds through.

The entire journey takes about an hour, but every minute offers new vistas and interesting geological formations to admire from your window.