Alamosa, Colo. (Sept. 4, 2008) –
While the Olympics are over, there’s still plenty of time to experience “golden” moments on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad this fall.

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s fall foliage rides transport passengers to remote passes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for views of the brilliant contrasting colors of aspens, pines, red rocks and green hills from mid- to late September to early October. On designated weekends, Sept. 20, 21 and 27, 28, a twenty-minute stop at the top of La Veta Pass will allow for numerous photo opportunities. For visitors planning their trip, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers “Color Watch,” a fall index tool that displays updates on changing colors in the area on the home page (riograndescenicrailroad.com).

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad also has a golden ticket offer with “buy one-get one free tickets” for adult seniors with valid I.D. The offer is good through Oct. 31 for reservations in the dome or coach cars. Dome cars are among the most popular for railroad sightseeing, and feature a glass dome on top of the car where passengers can ride and get a panoramic view of the area.

On Oct. 4, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad presents a different way to experience Oktoberfest – on the rails. This variation on the train’s popular “Rails & Ales” summer event includes German snacks, music, and beer served in commemorative glasses on its way to La Veta. Once in La Veta, passengers will have three-hours to explore the town’s Oktoberfest and street fair. Tickets are $55 and include the round-trip train ride from Alamosa (departs at 9 a.m.)

Riding the scenic mountain train this fall is more convenient than ever for visitors coming from the Front Range area. Visitors can easily hitch a ride from La Veta, just 16 miles west of Interstate 25 near Walsenburg on weekends through Oct. 31.

For more information, visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com or make a reservation by calling 1-877-726-RAIL.

About the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
Historically called the Scenic Line of the World, The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is Colorado’s newest mountain train offering steam engine rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and over legendary La Veta pass on hundreds of miles of historic rail. Daily and weekend excursions offer riders a trip back in time on restored passenger cars that stop at historic towns, Great Sand Dunes National Park and connect with the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad.