An Evening Aboard Locomotive 168: Sunset Wine, Victorian Cars and Moonlit Return from Antonito

ANTONITO TRAIN FIELD GUIDE

An Evening Aboard Locomotive 168: Sunset Wine, Victorian Cars and Moonlit Return from Antonito

A verified, 8-hour round trip from Antonito aboard original 19th-century Denver & Rio Grande cars pulled by locomotive 168 — this guide explains what to expect at each stop and what to pack for the ride.

An Evening Aboard Locomotive 168: Sunset Wine, Victorian Cars and Moonlit Return from Antonito.

Duration
8 Hours
Location
Antonito
Operator
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Category
Train
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Board in Antonito and step into Victorian-era rail travel: vintage Denver & Rio Grande 19th-century cars pulled by historic locomotive 168 carry guests west into mountain air for an eight-hour evening that pairs a glass of local wine and sunset views with a lakeside dinner at Osier and a moonlit run back to Antonito.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE VIEW

Open-air Gondola for unobstructed vistas

Guests may move between cars and ride the open-air gondola for fresh air and unobstructed photographic vantage points — an ideal place to watch the sun lower into the mountain horizon.

THE HISTORY

Ride in authentic 19th-century cars pulled by locomotive 168

The train runs in Victorian splendor aboard all-original Denver & Rio Grande cars with the line’s oldest locomotive, No. 168 (built 1883), providing a tangible connection to the railroad’s past.

THE EXPERIENCE

Historic caboose and hands-on moments

Guests have the opportunity to visit a historic caboose and sit in the cupola to experience firsthand what riding in a caboose felt like during the railroad’s early years.

What the day feels like

What the evening feels like

The trip unfolds as an evening procession: a 3:00 pm departure from Antonito with a served glass of local wine while the train climbs into wide views, a scenic arrival at Osier around 6:00 pm for a plated dinner of shrimp, steak and chicken, and a return through the dark where moonlit panoramas replace the earlier sunset.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this train suits — and who should check further details with the operator.

1
Evening dinersThis is an eight-hour evening outing featuring a served dinner at Osier, best for travelers comfortable with an extended evening schedule.
2
Photographers and sightseersThose who enjoy moving between cars and riding the open-air gondola for unobstructed views will find ample photo opportunities throughout sunset and moonlit sections.
3
History buffsRiders interested in historic equipment will appreciate original 19th-century Denver & Rio Grande cars, locomotive 168, and access to a historic caboose cupola.
4
Travelers sensitive to exposureGuests who prefer enclosed, stationary seating or who are uncomfortable with open-air gondola exposure should consider this before booking; protective eyewear is recommended in the gondola to guard against cinders.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

The full experience lasts approximately eight hours with departure from Antonito at 3:00 pm and an expected return to Antonito around 11:00 pm.

What to Bring

Wear layered clothing (mountain weather can change suddenly), bring a jacket in late summer/fall, sunscreen and a hat, sturdy closed-toe shoes, protective eyewear for time spent in the open gondola, and bug spray.

Logistics

The train departs from Antonito; wine service and dinner are provided en route and at Osier station as part of the itinerary.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where does the train depart?

The train departs from Antonito, Colorado.

How long is the dinner & wine train experience?

The trip duration is approximately eight hours.

What time does the train leave and return?

Departure from Antonito is at 3:00 pm; arrival at Osier is around 6:00 pm for dinner; the train returns to Antonito at approximately 11:00 pm.

What is served for dinner?

Dinner at Osier includes shrimp, steak and chicken.

Can I move between cars and go on the open gondola?

Guests have access to walk from car to car and into the open-air gondola for fresh air and unobstructed views.

Is there historic equipment to see on the train?

Yes — the ride uses original Denver & Rio Grande 19th-century cars pulled by locomotive 168, and guests can visit a historic caboose and sit in the cupola.