If the thought of navigating those twisty mountain roads makes your heart race and not in a good way, fear not! Theres a magical alternative that allows you to soak in Colorados breathtaking Rocky Mountain vistas without the stress of drivingscenic train rides! Imagine gliding through the stunning landscape, sipping on your favorite beverage, and relishing the sights of natures grandeur, all while someone else takes the wheel.
Did you know that in the early 1900s, railroads were the backbone of Denver, transforming it into a bustling hub following the Gold Rush? Today, this vibrant city is home to Union Station, a bustling hub of culture and commerce, and a gateway to countless adventures. But the thrill doesnt stop there! The Denver area boasts a treasure trove of historic locomotives, steam trains, and cog trains that are still chugging along, inviting you to hop aboard and explore.
For just the price of a ticket, you can embark on a journey that transcends the mundane highway experience. Here are seven train rides that will whisk you away into Colorado’s enchanting landscapes, perfect for young urban professionals seeking adventure, culture, and a dash of fashion flair:
1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Trip: Durango, Colorado to Silverton, Colorado
Duration: 3.5 hours one way
For more info: Visit durangotrain.com or call 970-247-2733.
The Lowdown: Year-round, this coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive travels the same distance once journeyed by miners and settlers of the Wild West. The railroad winds through breathtaking canyons along the Animas River in the San Juan National Forest and during the ride passengers can be dropped off at points to fish and hike that are inaccessible otherwise by car and foot.
2. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Trip: Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico
Duration: 4.5 – 8 hours round trip
For more info: Visit cumbrestoltec.com or call 1-888-286-2737.
The Lowdown: Want to take a train Indiana Jones style? This historic locomotive was actually featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. As America’s longest and highest narrow gauge railroad, this scenic train ride offers spectacular views of Cumbres Pass, the San Juan mountains, Conejos Valley and Toltec Gorge, and chugs from the charming western town of Antonito, Colorado all the way to Chama, New Mexico.
3. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Trip: Round-trip journey from Cripple Creek, Colorado
Duration: 45 minutes
For more info: Visit cripplecreekrailroad.com or call 719-689-2640.
The Lowdown: Don’t let its size fool you. This century-old steam locomotive might be small, but the train takes a short journey through Colorado’s old gold-mining district including the Anaconda mining camp and the old Midland Terminal. Taking a trip on the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 45-minute journey rich in history and beautiful scenery.
4. Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Trip: Up Pikes Peak and back leaving from Manitou Springs, Colorado
Duration: 3 hours and 10 minutes round trip
For more info: Visit cograilway.com or call 719-685-5401.
The Lowdown: As the highest cog train in the world, the Pikes Peak Cog Train is an absolute must ride to experience real mountain views. Climb to 14,115 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak without having to hike and witness majestic views of the Rockies and sights of neighboring states in all directions. It doesn’t get much better than this Swiss-style red train chugging to the top of a 14er. History says that Katherine Lee Bates was inspired to write “America the Beautiful” after visiting Pikes Peak, and we’re not really shocked as to why.
5. The Colorado Railroad Museum
Trip: Golden, Colorado
Duration: Approx a half-hour to go three times around the operating track
For more info: Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum website or call 877-726-7245.
The Lowdown: The Colorado Railroad Museum brings Colorado’s rail heritage to life with more than 100 narrow and standard gauge steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses and freight cars. Located on a spectacular 15-acre site in Clear Creek Valley in Golden, CO, the museum has a half mile circle of operating track offering Saturday train rides, a working roundhouse and turntable, railroad library, exhibition galleries, outdoor pavilion, and a huge indoor HO model railroad and outdoor G-scale garden railway. From ringing locomotive bells to climbing on cabooses … from watching detailed model railroads in operation to riding special trains like Thomas the Tank Engine™ and the The Polar Express™, the Colorado Railroad Museum offers interactive family fun mixed with authentic Colorado railroad history.
6. Georgetown Loop Railroad
Trip: Georgetown, Colorado to Silver Plume, Colorado
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
For more info: Visit georgetownlooprr.com or call 1-888-456-6777.
The Lowdown: When it was completed in 1884, the Georgetown Loop Train was considered an engineering marvel for its time, and it’s still popular even today. Located only 45 miles from Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is situated high in the Rocky Mountains and travels through forests and across cliffs for the true Colorado train experience. Throughout the year, there are many themed train rides including a wintery Christmas light show display in Santa’s Lighted Forest, a fall colors train to see foliage, and much more.
7. Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Trip: Cañon City, Colorado to Parkdale, Colorado Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours round trip For more info: Visit royalgorgeroute.com or call 719-276-4000.
The Lowdown: Royal Gorge is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Arkansas River where you can experience zip lining, white rafting and other activities, but it’s also home to a family-fun railroad. The Royal Gorge Route follows the river within one of the deepest canyons in Colorado with cliffs up to 1,000 feet tall and offers travelers a one-of-a-kind ride. The train even offers three-course dinners, five-course wine dinners and special event trains such as a Santa Express Train and a murder mystery dinner train.