Branding Iron Chama

10/13/2026

There’s still time for one last fall getaway to Chama! The Branding Iron will be closing for the season on October 28th, so now’s your chance to enjoy a cozy stay before we wrap up another wonderful year!

Whether you’re visiting for the beautiful fall scenery or just need a comfortable place to rest along your travels, we’d love to welcome you before our season ends! 🤎 Visit brandingironmotel.com

10/09/2026

It’s the perfect time to schedule a last-minute trip to chase some gold. The mountains are calling!

10/05/2026

Fresh mountain air, golden color, and the river running through it all. 🍂💛 This week is looking like prime leaf-peeping time in Chama and the surrounding mountains!

Come join us! Visit brandingironmotel.com

10/01/2026

Book the train through Oct 25!

Hello, October! 👋

Our season runs through October 25th. If you want to join us to "chase the gold," but are having trouble finding availability, be sure to check departures out of Antonito. We'd love to welcome you onboard for this bucket list adventure and to enjoy views like this beautiful autumn day captured at Yard Limit at Windy Point by featured rail photographer Bryan Burton. 🍂

10/01/2026

Happy October! The foliage is changing here in the mountains. Scenes from the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad on 9/30/26.

Book your trip to Chama, NM! Peak leaf peeping is coming up over the next week or so. Visit brandingironmotel.com for accommodations near the train station.

09/24/2026

We’re hiring at Branding Iron! We’re looking for friendly, dependable people to join our team for the remainder of the 2026 season. We currently have openings for housekeeping and front desk staff, with part-time hours available.

$17/hour
Seasonal positions through mid-November with the possibility of being hired back for our 2027 season.
📍 Chama, New Mexico

Interested or know someone who might be a great fit? Give us a call at 575-756-2162 for more information. Please feel free to share!

09/21/2026

Nothing makes us happier than hearing from our guests. 🤎

We love being a comfortable home base for your time in Chama—and we’re always grateful when you take a moment to share your experience with us.

Thank you for staying with Branding Iron!

09/18/2026

09/18/2026

According to Travel + Leisure, "Few experiences compare to riding a vintage steam train that winds through the heart of the Rockies in the fall. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, North America’s longest and highest steam railroad, takes passengers deep into landscapes that few people ever get the chance to see...."

Thanks to T + L for the great writeup. Read it here: heyor.ca/LiZ64K

09/16/2026

You can see fall beginning to make its way through the mountains and valleys of Northern New Mexico. Hints of gold are starting to appear around Chama, with peak color just a couple weeks away. One of our favorite times of year is almost here! 🤎🧡💛

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs through the end of October, so there’s still time for a fall adventure! Book your stay at Branding Iron and experience autumn in Chama before we close for the winter. 🍂🍁🚂 brandingironmotel.com

Photo by Ruben Hernandez