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Travel Back in Time as You Are Transported through Beautiful Mountains, Sparkling Rivers & Golden Groves
– Researched & written by Mike Hamers
From utility to tourist attraction, Colorado’s railroad system has seen its share of twists and turns and ups and downs. Today you can tour the historic routes and remote mountainsides that helped fuel Colorado’s growth.
By 1880, railroad construction was booming. The ability to transport goods and people caused Colorado’s population to more than double over the next decade. The trains are now relics of the past that visitors can still experience with today’s modern amenities. Colorado’s scenic train rides are some of the best in the country. Hop aboard and experience a bit of Colorado’s railroad history that’s still active and rolling today.
The world’s highest cog railroad, the 9 mile trek goes to the top of the 14,110 ft summit of Pikes Peak, CO — the star attraction. But the journey is full of show-stopping moments with its many sweeping 360° views. The route rumbles along through the Pike National Forest, Englemann Canyon and Deer Park. You are also treated to stories about the history of the region along with beautiful scenery, a range of wildlife, an extraordinary adventure.
You’ll never forget this 3.5 hr round trip journey and your first glimpse of the Summit. There are cool souvenirs in the expanded gift shop; snacks and meals in the new dining facilities at the recently renovated Summit House. Get advance tickets on one of the daily departures (trips start every 40 minutes) – Plan ahead as during the peak season tickets are sold out weeks in advance. Near parking is an additional $15, but free shuttles are an option.
Tickets & Info: 515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 • (719) 685-5401 • https://www.cograilway.com
Experience America’s most spectacular rail journey aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Since 1879, these tracks have followed the winding, tumbling Arkansas River deep within the soaring 1,000-foot granite cliffs of Colorado’s grandest canyon. The full-length of the tour is 24 miles roundtrip. The scenic rides last 2 hours. Evening 6:30pm rides are 2.5 hrs.
Not just a memorable train ride through the Colorado Rockies, but rather an oasis of service where they combine gorgeous scenery, great service, with delicious food, sourced locally and prepared fresh right on board the train — breakfast, lunch & dinner. Daily departures with several classes of services: Coach, Club, Vista Dome, as well as First-class Dinner & Murder Mystery Trains available every Saturday. And, the trains run all-year-long, snow and rain, so you can enjoy Winter Holiday specials while taking in the very special winter views.
Tickets & Info: Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Santa Fe Depot South at 3rd Street & Hwy 50, Cañon City, CO 81212 • (719) 276-4000 / (888) 724-5748 • https://www.royalgorgeroute.
This scenic railroad was built in 1884, climbs 600 feet between the two historic mining towns. Located just off I-70, 45 miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop is one of Colorado’s most authentic living museums and historically immersive experiences, including steam locomotives, diesel-electric locomotives, coach cars, parlor cars, the VIP Waldorf and Tahoe cars for all kinds of historic experiences.
The train ride by itself is about 60 miles long and runs about 75 minutes during the main season (and about 55 minutes from mid-October thru early January). Bring your family for a narrow-gauge train ride, or book a real silver mine tour, visit a real underground mine, or learn how to pan for gold! Discover the rugged romance of the Colorado Rockies in the 1880s.
Tickets & Info: Book either online or with a ticket agent – call ahead to make your reservation. Wheelchair accessible. Two locations to pick from:
Devil’s Gate Depot, 646 Loop Dr., Georgetown, CO 80444 OR the Silver Plume Depot, 825 Railroad Ave., Silver Plume, CO 80476 • 1-888-456-6777
• https://www.georgetownlooprr.
This scenic railway is a National Historic Landmark that actually moves! At 64 miles, it is the longest, highest and most-authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountains. The train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, through two tunnels, and steaming over the 137 ft Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through rocky gorges of remarkable geologic formations. Many of the original historic buildings remain along the route. A family-friendly, off-the grid adventure.
USA Today called it “the best and most-scenic train ride in America”. Depart from either end: Antonito, CO or Chama, NM for a steamtrain ride of a lifetime! Choose from three trip length offerings: full 64-miles, half-trip, or short excursions. Plus, choose from three classes of service: First-class Parlor Car for Victorian elegance (18+ only); Premium Café Deluxe Car (all ages); or open your windows and take in the fresh Rocky Mountain air in our classic Coach Car – the open-air gondola provides unobstructed views for great photo opportunities.
Tickets & Info: 5234 B US Hwy 285, P.O. Box 668, Antonito, CO 81120.
• Phn: 719.472.3984 • Fax: 719.376.2467 • https://cumbrestoltec.com
The Cripple Creek Railroad is a 2-foot narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates seasonal tourist-trains between Cripple Creek and the city’s outskirts to the south. Departing from an 1894 vintage depot, the railroad uses arevitalized section of the original Midland Terminal Railway and the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad.
The locomotive, built in 1947, is a 15-ton iron horse typical of the early-day steam engines so important to the winning of the American West. The track goes south out of Cripple Creek, past the old Midland Terminal Wye over a reconstructed trestle, past many historic mines and terminates near the deserted mining camp of Anaconda, then returns back to Cripple Creek.
This short but unique 4-mile round trip takes about 45 minutes.
Tickets & Info: Trains leave every 90 min. All cars are open so please dress for weather conditions. Trains run rain or shine. No reservations – first come first serve. • 520 E Carr Ave, 80813 Cripple Creek, CO • 719-689-264 • https://
It’s not the destination, but the journey that’s important. And this journey is full of breath-taking panoramas across the Arkansas River Valley and humorous narratives about Leadville’s colorful past. Mining and railroading were a large part of the local history, and today’s passengers will find it easy to step back in time. This 2.5 hour adventure through the untamed wilderness of the San Isabel National Forest is not to be forgotten. All ages have a chance to engage in learning about the historic Leadville, home to legends like Molly Brown and Horace, Augusta & Baby Doe Tabor, the Guggenheims, and Doc Holiday.
The Devil’s Tail special BBQ rides are the perfect trifecta of delicious barbecue, scenic views, and cold brews! There’s also a Top of the Rockies Zip-Line Train Ride Special and a Wildflower Special, and Fall Colors Special. No Pets Allowed.
Tickets & Info: 326 E. 7th Str., PO Box 916 , Leadville, CO 80461
Phn: 719-486-3936 / 1-866-386-3936 • https://www.leadvillerailroad.
Embark on an Incredible Journey Through the San Juan Mountains. Durango was founded in 1880 and the railroad arrived in August of 1881. By July 1882, the tracks connecting to Silverton were completed and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The line was originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.
This historic train has been in continuous operation since 1882. The iconic 5-hr Cascade Canyon Express offers breathtaking views of the Animas River, highline, and many miles of rugged wilderness vistas as you travel through the Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado. Or step back in time overnight by adding an overnight stay to your Silverton excursion. There’s no cell service or Wi-Fi through much of the terrain so you’ll be unplugged from the modern world.
Tickets & Info: 479 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 • Call for reservations 1-877-872-4607 • https://www.durangotrain.com
Ride on railroad tracks completed in 1878 behind a 100-year-old steam engine on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad departing from Alamosa or LaVeta, CO. Choose from a club car with live music, or a dinner train serving a three-course meal and observe wildlife such as eagles and black bears while traveling through the Spanish Peaks and the San Isabel National Forest.
More than 100,000 passengers board the Royal Gorge Route Railroad (royalgorgeroute.com) each year in Canon City for a 24-mile journey through the Rocky Mountains. Choose from a coach seat or a vista seat in a glass-topped dome car to see the scenery while enjoying a meal or beverage.
Tickets & Info: 610 State Ave., Alamosa, CO 81101
• https://www.colorado.com/
View the Unseen West with a new luxury train service now running between Moab, UT and Denver, CO. This award-winning luxury experience includes an endless supply of good food with multiple courses, unlimited drinks (incl. alcoholic), comfortable roomy seats, commentary about the history and geography of where you are traveling, and all of this on train cars specifically designed full-glass dome windows for seeing the most possible. And each car has a main host that not only lets you know the plan for the day, they also fill you with interesting history, facts, and stories about the region you pass through.
Journey through two days of extraordinary landscapes — vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos are just a start. The Canadian-owned Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train, including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield and crossing the Continental Divide. The journey includes an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs and Moab. No sleeper cars here – stay in beautiful hotels at each destination. There’s a wide variety of packages including hotel stays and exciting things to do in Glenwood Springs and Moab: outdoor adventures, river rafting, site-seeing, hot springs, and much more.
If you want to explore more, you can also book packages with options to start or end your journey in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.
Tickets & Info: 1-877-460-3200 • https://www.rockymountaineer.
Looking for something much closer to home. The Denver Rail Heritage Society began service for the Platte Valley Trolley in 1989. The tour takes you around parts of downtown Denver, passing many historic and tourist attractions. The train is a 1986 replica of a 1903 Brill Open Street Car.
Tickets & Info: Season: May 28th through Sunday, August 14th
Weekends only (Saturdays & Sundays)
10 a.m. (first departure) – 1:30 p.m. (last departure)
700 Water Street, Denver, CO • Phn: 303-458-6255 • www.denvertrolley.org
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