Chama is a beautiful, remote town in north central New Mexico. Surrounded by mountains, Chama enjoys mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The big attraction is the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, a narrow-gauge steam line that climbs over the mountains to Antonito, Colorado. Chama is the western terminus of this line, which was once part of the fabled "San Juan Extension", the narrow-gauge empire that reached all the way from Alamosa, Colorado to Chama, Durango, Silverton, and even Santa Fe. The train operates from May to October every year, and it's easily one of the world's best rail rides. Don't miss it.
The surrounding landscape is worth exploring beyond the train. The Chama River Canyon cuts through spectacular red sandstone south of town — Georgia O'Keeffe painted this country — and the high mountain roads offer some of the finest autumn colour in the Southwest when the aspen turn gold in September and October.