Calendar of Events
December
Winter Wonderland Express Weekend Trains from Alamosa
December 2008- Spring 2009
 See spectacular winter wonderlands from the warmth and comfort of our dome cars. Stay tucked inside as our engines carry you to view snowpacked mountain peaks contrasted with evergreen pines in remote valleys inaccessible by cars.
Hot coffee, cold sodas and other beverages, and light snacks also will be available for purchase. A variety of tasty box lunches are available from several Alamosa restaurants and coffee houses including Milagros, Back In Thyme Eatery, and the San Luis Valley Brewing Company. These meals should be ordered in advance. Reservations Agents will be pleased to provide you with information about these fine establishments, including both menu and contact information.
 Weather permitting, there will be a stop for snow photo opportunities at Fir Pass for passengers. Warm winter dress is required. Many of these areas are inaccessible by car, so bring your camera and capture these pristine winter landscapes.
Trains depart from Alamosa at 9:00 a.m. We highly recommend confirming with reservations prior to arrival that the trains are running with the variance of seasonal weather. Reservations office is open 9:00 Monday through Friday and at 8:00 a.m. on weekends at 1-877-726-RAIL.
Winter Wonderland Express Weekends run Saturdays and Sundays. Please note: all winter trains are pulled by a diesel engine.
2009 Calendar
February
Chocolate Lover's Dream Train
Feb 14th-Valentine's Day
 Indulge your love of chocolate on this romantic Valentine's Day ride through snow covered mountain passes. You and your significant other will stay cozy inside our luxury dome cars tasting Colorado dessert wines, and red wines along with decadent chocolate cake, cheesecake, mousse, chocolate-covered strawberries and a selection of imported chocolate Non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice will also be available upon request.
Enjoy winter scenery as a violinist gives personal serendes throughout the ride and a rose will be given to each pair upon departing our 1 1/2 hour ride.
Train leaves from La Veta at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $69. Adults only, must be over 21. Call for reservations--tickets are selling quickly: 1-877-726-RAIL.
Guests must be able to walk and negotiate steps, either on their own or with assistance, as our historic dome cars do not accommodate wheelchairs. As most booths on the dome cars accommodate 4 people, parties of two or less may be combined when necessary. Diesel engines will pull the train. Tickets are non-refundable.
April
Easter Bunny Train and Egg Hunt
April 11th
Celebrate Spring with the Easter Bunny and ride the train roundtrip to his special Egg Hunt location. Bring your basket to find hidden eggs (kids will be able to hunt for eggs in age appropriate groupings).
Train departs from Alamosa at 11:00 a.m. and a second train runs at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children under 12 and $15 for adults. Call for reservations--specialty trains fill up fast: 1-877-726-RAIL.
Diesel engines will pull the train. Tickets are non-refundable.
May
Throw Momma On the Train--Mother's Day Brunch
May 10th
A return of last year's popular brunch train, we offer a way to roll with Mom on Mother's Day in our luxury dome cars. Along with breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the outing includes a brunch buffet featuring Rio Grande Dark Roast coffee, juice, fresh fruit, crepes, quiche, muffins, hash browns and champagne.
At the completion of the ride, flowers will be presented to all the mothers.
Train departs from La Veta. Tickets are only $69 per person. Space is limited and historically fills up fast! To purchase tickets today call 1-877-726-RAIL.
Guests must be able to walk and negotiate steps, either on their own or with assistance, as our historic dome cars do not accommodate wheelchairs. Diesel engines will pull the train. Tickets are non-refundable.
Rio Grande Railroad Days
May 23rd, 24th & 25th
Official kickoff of our 2009 season Memorial Day weekend with the return of our Steam Engines. Futher details will be added--check back soon!
June
2nd Annual Rails & Ales Brewfest
June 27th
 Join us for the return of last year's popular event. Ride our rails to a remote mountain location to sample beers from multiple regional breweries. Enjoy live music and food vendors in our remote mountain location for a unique summer event.
Cost is $59 for the roundtrip train ride and access to the event. Commemorative glasses, beer samples and food will be available for a separate price. This event sold out last year--make your reservation early. Tickets are non-refundable.
July
4th of July Firecracker Express
July 4th
.jpg) Celebrate our nation's independence behind a historic steam engine. Ride up to our mountain meadow stop for our 2nd annual All American BBQ.
Feel the spirit of the day listening to live patriotic music and enjoying food hot off the grill. Foods, drinks and a selection of beers will be available for an additional cost.
Ride the Firecracker Express to the All American BBQ on trains out of Alamosa or La Veta (just 16 miles off I-25).
Mountain Music Show
July 10th - 12th, 17th - 19th, 24th - 26th
and the 31st - August 2nd
 The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and Michael Martin Murphey present the Mountain Music Show. The only way you can get to the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s exclusive music show setting is aboard one of our trains out of Alamosa or La Veta.
For more information see our Mountain Music Show page.
August
Mountain Music Show
August 1st & 2nd
The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad and Michael Martin Murphey present the Mountain Music Show. The only way you can get to the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s exclusive music show setting is aboard one of our trains out of Alamosa or La Veta.
For more information see our Mountain Music Show page
September
Alamosa Early Iron Festival
September 4th,5th & 6th
Spanish Peaks International Celtic Festival, La Veta
Dates yet to be determined
October
2nd Annual Rails & Ales Oktoberfest
October 3rd
 Experience the return of last year's Rails & Ales Oktoberfest. Beers and bratwurst will be served in time to German Oompa Band music as our steam engine winds through mountain passes.
The fun continues when you arrive at La Veta's 23rd Annual Oktoberfest for an extended three hour stop. Enjoy the street fair booths with music, dancers, food and beer garden.
Train departs from Alamosa at 9:00 a.m. Adults only, must be over 21 in Oktoberfest cars. Regular passenger service will still be available in additional cars that day. Call for reservations: 1-877-726-RAIL.
Pumpkin Patch Ride
October 24th and 31st--two departure times each day
 A fun filled fall ride for kids! All aboard for a short ride to our special pumpkin patch. Join friends Scarecrow and the Farmer as they lead kids through a hay bale maze to pick the pumpkin of their choice. Back on the train apple juice and cookies will be served. Halloween temporary tattoos will also be available.
Due to increased demand additional departure times have been added this year. The first train departs at 11:00 a.m. from Alamosa and the second train departs at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, with a free pumpkin with each kid ticket purchased. Tickets sold out for the Pumpkin Patch Ride last year--don't wait for your tickets. Must call for reservations 1-877-726-RAIL.
November
North Pole Express--from Alamosa
Nov 27th & 28th
Due to sell out trains, two departures times have been added this year!
 Climb aboard the North Pole Express, a magical lighted train on a special winter night. Sing carols, hear story-time readings, eat cookies and hot chocolate as you tell Santa your holiday wish and receive a silver sleigh bell. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for a true North Pole Express experience.
The first train departs at 4:00 p.m. from Alamosa and returns at 5:00 p.m. The second train leaves at 7:00 p.m. and returns at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and children are $10. While you're here, visit our gift shop for unique Christmas gifts.
Must call for reservations 1-877-726-RAIL. Tickets are non-refundable. Diesel engines will pull the train.
December
North Pole Express--from La Veta
Dec 5th, 12th & 19th
Due to sell out trains, two departure times have been added this year on 12th and 19th only!
Climb aboard the North Pole Express, a magical lighted train on a special winter night. Sing carols, hear story-time readings, eat cookies and hot chocolate as you tell Santa your holiday wish and receive a silver sleigh bell. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas for a true North Pole Express experience. While you're here, visit our gift shop for unique Christmas gifts.
On December 5th, train departs at 6:00p.m. from La Veta (just 16 miles off I-25) and returns at 700p.m. On December 12th and 19th the Express has an early departure of 4:00 p.m. and return at 5:00p.m. and a second train which leaves at 7:00p.m. and returns at 8:00p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and children are $10.
Must call for reservations 1-877-726-RAIL. Tickets are non-refundable. Diesel engines will pull the train.
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