The Dolores-based Galloping Goose No. 5 touring train is back on track, offering fall excursions on host railroads in Chama, New Mexico, Sept. 21-26, and in Durango Oct. 1-3.
Tickets are still available, although some runs have sold out, said Joe Becker, president of the Galloping Goose Historical Society.
“We’re excited to be back offering these rail excursions, especially after last year’s cancellations,” he said.
For more information, contact the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at (877) 872-4607 or visit durangotrain.com
The Cumbres and Toltec scenic Railroad can be reached at 1-888-286-2737, or at cumbrestoltec.com
Sept. 21: Chama, New Mexico, to Osier, Colorado, and return to Chama.
Sept. 22: Chama to Antonito, Colorado. Riders will board a bus at Antonito to Chama then ride the train back to Antonito.
Sept. 23: Antonito to Osier, return to Antonito.
Sept. 24: Antonito to Chama. Riders will board a bus at Chama to Antonito then board the train back to Chama.
Sept. 25: Chama to Osier and return to Chama.
Sept. 26: Chama to Cumbres Pass, Colorado, and return to Chama.
Features along the way include mountain scenery and fall colors, plus historic railroad features. Highlights are the Toltec Gorge, Osier Outpost with structures dating to 1880, Ferguson Trestle, Whiplash Curve, Big Horn, Mud Tunnel, Cumbres Pass and more.
On Oct. 1: The Goose will run on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango to Silverton.
On Oct. 2: It will run from Silverton to Durango. Both days the Goose will be accompanied by steam locomotive Southern Pacific No. 18.
Oct. 3: Durango to Cascade Canyon and back to Durango.
The Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum has reopened this summer, but there is a shortage of volunteers affecting hours, said office manager Denise Bower. It was closed last year because of the pandemic. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours might be shortened because of the lack of volunteers.
People interested in volunteering at the museum and gift shop may contact Donna at (970) 882-7082.
The museum is laying down track to display restored narrow-gauge freight cars. They will be positioned on two tracks behind the museum in Flanders Park.
The new permanent exhibit will showcase the bustling freight-train commerce from 1891 to the 1930s in Dolores on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad.
