Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Offering $50 Incentive, Seat Upgrade Through June

Finally, you can put gas in your car at someone else's expense and ride the rails in style.

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is offering the Summer Steam Special, now through June 30, where two or four passengers can ride from Alamosa to La Veta and get a complimentary upgrade into one of the train's scenic dome cars, along with a $25 or $50 gift card.

"Gas prices continue to creep up and the bleak forecasts of what's to come are draining," said John Thomas, VP of sales and marketing for the train. "The Summer Steam Special is a small token to get passengers out to our train, so they can experience the beauty and history themselves and reconnect with family members while creating great memories for everyone."

When four regular coach tickets are purchased, passengers will receive the complimentary dome car upgrade, along with a $50 Master Card gift card that they can use to put gas in their car, enjoy a meal, shop or however they prefer. With a two ticket purchase, passengers get the dome car upgrade and a $25 gift card.

The train departs Alamosa at 9 a.m. and returns at 5:45 p.m. The route takes passengers from Alamosa, in the beautiful San Luis Valley, over La Veta Pass, the highest standard gauge pass in the country, and drops them in La Veta, where passengers have two hours for lunch, shopping and exploring in the quaint and artsy mountain town.

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, known as the Scenic Line of the World, added five newly remodeled 1950s-era dome cars to its fleet this year, offering passengers comfortable seating and panoramic views of area wildlife, sweeping mountain meadows, cliffs and canyons not accessible from the highway. In addition to the dome cars, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad includes a 1930s-era open-air observation car (perfect for breathing fresh mountain air!) and 1950s-era Pullman Passenger coaches, fully restored for daily service with new windows, heating, air conditioning and other amenities.

The non-refundable Summer Steam Special is good Monday through Friday only and requires that at least one ticket be for an adult. It is not valid for special rides or with other discounts. Other restrictions do apply. Passengers must purchase the Summer Steam Special by calling 877-726-RAIL.

For more information, visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com or call 877-726-RAIL.

About Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is Colorado's newest train offering steam engine rides through breathtaking mountain valleys and over legendary La Veta pass on hundreds of miles of historic rail. The train has added five newly remodeled 1950s-era dome cars to its fleet this year, offering passengers comfortable seating and panoramic views. In addition, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad includes a 1930s-era open-air observation car and 1950s-era Pullman Passenger coaches, fully restored for daily service with new windows, heating, air conditioning and other amenities. 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.