2021-12-03 10:48:55
Be transported back to the age of steam. Visit landscapes inaccessible by car. Experience special holiday, dining and photo excursions all aboard our standard- or narrow-gauge tracks. PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY Reopened in 2021 after a swanky upgrade, the world’s highest cog railway takes you to its dynamic new visitor center on the summit of Pikes Peak above Manitou Springs — that’s 14,115 feet! CRIPPLE CREEK & VICTOR NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD This short, 45-minute train ride is perfect for children of all ages. Ride the century-old steam train south from Cripple Creek past mines and gorgeous scenery to an abandoned mining camp. GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD This stunner, which you can combine with a mine tour, was one of our first tourist attractions when it debuted in 1884. Its state-of-the-art narrow-gauge tracks made it an engineering marvel of the day. ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD Take this classic train for a one-of-a-kind view through the 10-mile-long Royal Gorge in Cañon City as you chug along beside the Arkansas River and enjoy outstanding views from the Vista Dome rail cars. CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD This recently named National Historic Landmark takes passengers from Antonito, Colorado, to Chama, New Mexico, with a stop for a hot lunch atop a mountain in Osier. DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD This full-day trip takes travelers from Durango high up into the mountains to the old mining town of Silverton through miles and miles of pristine wilderness. LEADVILLE, COLORADO & SOUTHERN RAILROAD This hairpin-turn-filled tour takes passengers 1,000 feet above the headwaters of the Arkansas River for unequaled views of the Continental Divide’s jagged peaks. TRAINS THAT TRAVEL THROUGH COLORADO Take Amtrak’s California Zephyr train from Denver all the way through the Rockies, across the Continental Divide and out to Grand Junction (the full route goes from Chicago to San Francisco). Or, snag a shorter trip on the Southwest Chief from Lamar to La Junta or Trinidad; you can also use these towns as a scenic stopover on your way west to Los Angeles or east to Chicago. There’s also the Rocky Mountaineer, which runs from Denver to Glenwood Springs and on to Utah accompanied by stunning views and luxury amenities. Want More? GET THE INSIDE TRACK ON HOW THE RAILROADS SHAPED COLORADO AT A DOZEN RAILROAD MUSEUMS ACROSS THE STATE. COLORADO.COM/RAILROADMUSEUMS
©Colorado. View All Articles.