FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 16, 2007

ALAMOSA, CO - This year's rodeo-goers at July's Ski-Hi Stampede - Colorado's oldest pro rodeo - can saddle up the "iron horse" before the festivities for a mini steam excursion to, or from, Alamosa on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad's Stampeder. The railroad's vintage steam engine, the SP 1744, will pull short-line excursions between the two towns on Thursday and Friday, July 26 and 27 for just $10 round-trip.

Schedules for both days include three departing and returning trips, beginning with a 10 a.m. departure from Alamosa, and a last trip back scheduled at 5:15 and 5:25 p.m. from Monte Vista's Jefferson Street and Sherman Avenue, respectively. Passengers can board in either town for a one-way or round-trip ride, and when applicable can select their choice of return trips from the schedule.

Each one-way mini-excursion on the Stampeder takes just under an hour and offers passengers a unique, authentically western experience in conjunction with the rodeo, one of the San Luis Valley's most anticipated events of the year. Passengers can deboard at either stop for a couple of hours of lunch and shopping before returning, or just enjoy a two-hour round-trip steam special.

For those looking for a full-day excursion, the San Luis Express departs Alamosa at 9 a.m. seven days a week for the picturesque town of La Veta, snaking over legendary La Veta Pass, and returns at about 5:30 p.m. for passengers headed to rodeo events in the evening.

For more information on the Ski-Hi Stampede on July 26-28, call the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce at (719) 852-2731 or visit www.monte-vista.org.