We've not taken the train but have heard good things about it. Friends take the one to Chama and back. And June would be a beautiful time to go.

If you are staying 2 nights in Taos, you could make the drive to Chama as its a short drive. There isn't much to do or see in Taos -- beautiful and we love it -- but nothing like Santa Fe.

DebitNM has several trip recommendations if you haven't read them, as well as other regular NM contributors.

And if you go to Chama by car, I would highly recommend a stop at Ghost Ranch on Hwy 84 from Chama to Santa Fe. Beautiful scenery and nice hikes. Georgia's home at Ghost Ranch isn't available to tour but you can take a very short tour of the property that will take you by her house. Beautiful red rock formations that she painted are all around. I never was a big fan of hers but I truly enjoyed the visit and could see why she was so inspired by the area.

Down the road about 10 minutes is her home in Abiquiu. That is a nice tour as well and you must sign up for that. I would still stop at Ghost Ranch even if you can't get on tour in Abiquiu.

I love this website and the forums! You are all SO helpful.
So...we are flying into ABQ, arrive at 3:30 pm and I'm trying to decide whether to take the Turquoise Trail up to Santa Fe, or the Interstate.

Some of the forums are saying that it takes up to 4 hours for the trip via the trail vs. 1 hour on the interstate.

Thought process is that maybe we should just get to the hotel and chill out, then backtrack down another day.

Advice?

Actual travel time on the trail is about 1.5 hours. It depends on how many stops you make along the way, if you stop to eat etc. Interstate is faster, but hey you are in NM and on vacation -- slow down and enjoy the scenery!
Debi

If you want to take the train from Chama, I would only take it one way and then take the bus back. It is an entire day if you go by train both ways, and the ride back is the same thing as the ride up. Also, pack a picnic lunch as the only place to eat is cafeteria style, fairly expensive, not good and they ran out of food when we went the one and only time [before we moved to ABQ].
Debi