All Aboard for Colorado Train Adventures

Colorado’s train rides are a fun and unique way to explore the Wild West history of the state. Grab a ticket for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a day trip through the heart of the San Juan National Forest aboard the over 140-year-old railway. Your journey begins in Durango, where you can tour the free Railroad Museum and sign up for guided tours of the rail yard and roundhouse, and then takes you to Silverton for sightseeing in the historic mining town. The seasonally operating Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad makes another great voyage into gold rush history. Narration on the 45-minute ride gives insights into the towns of Cripple Creek and Victor, and stops along the way allow you to snap photos of beautiful Echo Valley and historic mines adjacent to the train tracks. For a shorter, but just as interesting, trip, book a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. You’ll learn more about the area with narration by a live tour guide, savor beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, and have the option to take a side trip to the historic Lebanon Mine to tour and pan for gold.

In addition to providing interesting historical insights, train travel is a relaxing way to see Colorado’s spectacular landscapes. Amtrak operates two long-distance passenger rail lines within the state: The California Zephyr, which makes stops in Denver, Fort Morgan, Granby, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction, Colorado, on its way from Chicago, Illinois, to Emeryville, California; and the Southwest Chief, which stops in Lamar, La Junta and Trinidad, Colorado, on its way from Chicago to Los Angeles, California. These train routes offer an eco-friendly and scenic way to travel the USA.

For a luxurious voyage, book a ticket aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from April to October. The train’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a multi-day experience from Moab, Utah, to Glenwood Springs and Denver, Colorado, complete with full-service meals and panoramic views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. Just south of Denver is the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad. Climb aboard one of these bright red trains to travel from the base of Pikes Peak all the way to the top for panoramic views from the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. Travel to Antonito to board the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. This is the longest steam railroad in North America, offering amazing views of the plains, forests and gorges of the Rocky Mountains. Fun fact: This locomotive has made an appearance in several Hollywood films, including “Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade.”

While train rides make for a fun family outing any time of year, many of Colorado’s railroads offer special seasonal or holiday programming. From November to January, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad transforms into the mythical Polar Express, inspired by the book and film of the same name. Tickets to this holiday-themed all-ages experience include a meet-and-greet with “Santa Claus,” hot chocolate and live storybook readings. The Royal Gorge, Leadville and Georgetown Loop Railroads also offer special rides with Santa during the holiday season. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in February aboard the Leadville Railroad’s two-hour Sweetheart Train Ride, a themed excursion that makes for a romantic couples’ getaway or a sweet trip for the whole family.

Fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) or connect to any of Colorado’s 12 regional airports. Rent a car and take a scenic drive to your destination or take advantage of Denver’s public transportation light rail and bus systems. While hiking or exploring nature, please be mindful of local ecosystems and follow Leave No Trace principles.