Scenic Train Rides in Colorado – a must-do!

There are several scenic train rides in Colorado to choose from. A scenic train ride is a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s spectacular scenery and learn about its history. Colorado’s scenic train rides result from gold and silver mining boom era in the late 1800s. The trains moved ore out of various hard-to-get-to mountainous regions and consequentially moved people in.

Narrow Gauge Railways and Scenic Routes

The routes used to facilitate the mines were narrow gauge railways. The narrow train tracks (rails) and smaller train cars could navigate the curvy mountain routes and high-trestled bridges easier than traditional wider tracks and larger rail cars.

There were no established roadways during this time, and the automobile was in its infancy. The best way into and through the mountains was by horse or stagecoach. The narrow-gauge trains opened up the Rocky Mountains to habitation and commerce.

Today, scenic train rides in Colorado are renovated versions of the original narrow gauge railways. These historic trains allow all to enjoy the fantastic mountainous terrain and the scenery they travel through and to learn about a time gone by.

Featured Scenic Train Rides in Colorado

Leadville Railroad – scenic train rides

Ride the Leadville Railroad via the historic mining town of Leadville. This scenic train travels along the old Denver, South Park & Pacific, and Colorado & Southern lines to the Continental Divide, heading north along the Arkansas Valley River Valley and rising 1,000 feet from the valley floor. You’ll see Mt. Massive and Mt. Elbert, two of the state’s tallest peaks. Some genuinely spectacular scenery!

Daily trips include a 2.5-hour round trip to and from the Leadville station. Special trips are offered throughout the year, like the summer Wildflower Special Train, which consists of a guided hike through some of Colorado’s most beautiful and colorful parts. There’s also the Devil’s Tail BBQ ride, a train ride that passes through spectacular scenery and includes excellent food and drinks. The Leadville Train offers adventure packages combining the train ride with activities like zip lining or white water rafting.

Alpenglow Adventure Scenic Train Tours

Alpenglow Adventure Tours, based out of Frisco, features eight fascinating railroad excursion packages perfect for individuals and families. Tours vary by length of time 4,6,8, 12-hour adventures, and by type of train tour.

Choose your type of train ride:

Historic Train Ride includes your choice of Georgetown Loop, the Zephyr Train Tour, or the Royal Gorge Scenic Train Tour. Find discount coupons here.
Check out the Explore a Mine tour, a hands-on historical mine tour via the scenic train.

Alpenglow Adventure Tours simplifies scheduling your scenic train ride. They facilitate guests from the Summit County area by providing door-to-door service to your choice of scenic train adventure.

Royal Gorge Route – scenic train rides

Considered the most luxurious train in Colorado, the Royal Gorge Route is a leisurely two-hour ride through the spectacular Royal Gorge. Several classes of service are available, including special lunch and dinner trains. Along the way, riders often see big horn sheep, bald eagles, and the occasional gold miner working the Arkansas waters. Fishermen, rafters, kayakers, and other water enthusiasts exploit the river’s flow.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Another good scenic train choice is the Georgetown Loop Railroad. This train is only 45 minutes west of Denver, right off I-70. “The Loop” connects the once-rollicking mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume; although only two miles apart, the train route climbs over 600′ in elevation, goes through a narrow, steep canyon, and crosses four spectacular high-tresseled bridges. The stunning train ride in Colorado is 1.25 hours long and provides an authentic step back into living in the mining era. This train goes all out during the holidays with a wondrous lighted forest and Santaland experience.

The Georgetown Railroad operates from May through mid-October and most days through early January. Throughout its season, it offers a variety of festive trains and event celebrations.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum

Treat yourself to some real history aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum (DSNGRR) scenic train. Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879, and two years later, the railroad arrived in town. That same year, construction began on the line to Silverton, and in 1882, the tracks were laid, and passenger and freight movement began. Railroad employees of the day recall eerie tales of this famous railroad, Ghost Tracks!

The DSNGRR travels between Durango and Silverton along 45 miles of track. The route passes through the San Juan National Forest and traverses steep mountain slopes while following the stunning Cascade Canyon. The DSNGRR offers many great special tours and events.

Brew Trains that feature a different local brewery every week
Wine and Rails, which includes a great lunch and plenty of wine samples
Cowboy Poetry Train, which is held every October.
The Great Pumpkin Patch Express during the fall allows kids to trick-or-treat and ride the train to the pumpkin patch to pick out the best jack-o-lanterns.
The Polar Express Train Ride takes families on an exciting trip to the North Pole.
Skyway Tour along the San Juan Skyway
Cascade Canyon Express
Silverton Silverlight Express.

The Durango train offers 4 classes of service and a variety of nostalgic private cars and group seating options.

Year-Round Train Rides in Colorado

Many scenic train rides in Colorado go year-round. Learn more about winter train rides in Colorado. You don’t want to miss the special holiday trains during the holiday season. These trains are decked out with garland and holiday lights and often include special events such as a visit to Santa Land, stories, and much more.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) is a heritage narrow-gauge railroad that operates a stretch of track between Antonito, CO., and Chama, New Mexico. Two notable geographical features along the route are Cumbres Pass (10,015′) and the Toltec Gorge. Initially, this scenic train was part of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad‘s narrow gauge network and is today one of only two remaining parts of the former Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad (CC&VNGRR) is a heritage narrow gauge railroad that operates as a seasonal scenic train between Cripple Creek and the city’s outskirts to the south.