Colorado Train Travel Style

Colorado Train Travel

Colorado train travel is alive and well for both an efficient way of getting to destinations and for scenic historic train tours. It wasn’t so long ago that train travel was the primary form of long-distance travel in Colorado. Traveling by trains presented the most effective way of traversing the Rockies’ steep mountainsides and hairpin turns, especially for mining communities with little other access to the outside world. Most of these railways are defunct but have been restored as scenic train rides. Today, light rail is a major source of transportation in Denver, DIA, and other front-range communities. Amtrak continues to provide transcontinental travel that stops in various places throughout Colorado. Train travel is especially appreciated by the elderly and mobility-challenged. For tips and ideas, please check out this useful mobility-friendly travel guide.

Amtrak – The Zephyr Colorado Train

If you want to travel from Point A to Point B by train, Amtrak will be your best bet in Colorado. The California Zephyr Train, which runs from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA, passes right through Colorado. We like to think the segment through the Rockies is why it’s often referred to as one of the most beautiful train trips in North America. The Zephyr stops in Fort Morgan, Denver, Winter Park, Granby, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction. Alpenglo Tours has joined forces with the Colorado Zephyr Train to provide the ultimate scenic train ride. This is more than a 110-mile train ride through Colorado’s majestic mountains. The tour combines The Glenwood Springs Adventure Park, Hot Springs, and dining options, learn more.

A second Amtrak line, the Southwest Chief line, runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, and travels through a few stops further south in Colorado. The Southwest Chief line takes riders through La Junta, Lamar, and Trinidad.

train travel winter park express

Georgetown Loop Railroad

For those looking for a scenic railroad experience near the Front Range, the Georgetown Loop Railroad might be your best bet. Only 45 miles from Denver and located right off I-70, the Georgetown Loop Railroad not only allows you to take a sightseeing ride through Clear Creek County, it will take you to Lebanon or Everett Silver Mine, where you can tour the mines and even go panning for gold. Georgetown offers events throughout the year, including their Wild West Days, Fall Colors rides, Holiday North Pole rides, and more.

Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad

The Cog Railway might show you what the view looks like from one of the tallest peaks in the Rockies, but the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad will show you views OF the tallest peaks in the Rockies. This incredible sightseeing Colorado train ride will provide amazing views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, the two highest mountains in Colorado and the Arkansas River Valley, from the open-air cars. New in 2021, you’ll also have the opportunity to sit comfortably in one of the new lounge cars, which are enclosed with big windows so you never miss any part of the view. You’ll learn about Leadville’s history, the history of the mining industry, and some fun tidbits about the surrounding areas.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Taking riders 45 miles from Durango to Silverton and everywhere in between, the Durango & Silverton narrow Gauge Railroad offers a breathtaking view of the San Juan mountains. The railroad, built in 1882, is a National Historic Landmark. Today offers several rides, including the Cascade Canyon Express, which follows the Animas River. For the adventurers among you, a Wilderness Access package, which will drop you off and pick you up in the backcountry so you can spend your time camping, trekking, rafting, and more in some of the most beautiful wilderness Colorado has to offer. Throughout the year, the D&SNGRR offers seasonal events like a Polar Express train and more regular events like Brew Trains. No matter what kind of train you take, make sure to check out the free railroad museum in Durango for an in-depth look at the Colorado train’s history and impact on the region.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

On any given day, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad has up to four departures, taking guests through the majestic Royal Gorge canyon, which runs alongside the Arkansas River on a historic segment of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. With open-air cars as well as classic covered cars with dining service, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a great scenic trip for the family, and their regular Ales & Rails trips, which feature flights of beer from local breweries paired with delicious food, make a great group gathering or unique date experience.

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

This steam engine sightseeing Colorado train ride in Cripple Creek is only 45 minutes long, which means it’s much less of a commitment than some other train travel rides. Making this train ride perfect for families with small children who might not have big attention spans. The ride will take you through beautiful mountain scenery and past the sites of old mines. The knowledgeable conductors will provide tour guide info along the route.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Remember that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where a young Indiana Jones escapes from grave robbers on a passing circus train? You know, the one where he ends up in a car full of snakes? That train was the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, which runs through the Toltec Gorge from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico. Relive the adventure (without the reptiles!) on this 64-mile train travel through beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain.

Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Several railway experiences in Colorado will showcase Colorado’s stunning landscapes, but the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the only train travel that will take you to the summit of a 14,000 foot mountain. Now renovated and reopened after public efforts saved it a few years ago, the Cog Railway offers a guided tour up the steep sides of the tallest peak in the Front Range and a 360-degree view from the top.

Colorado Train Travel

Whether you’re trying to get somewhere or just enjoying the view, train travel in Colorado will take you back to a simpler time. Get out to an open-air car, use it as an opportunity to debark and go rafting, or simply watch the mountains pass you by on your way to a bigger destination. Colorado’s railroads take “the scenic route” to new heights. Literally.

By Emily Krempholtz