2018-12-10 06:08:08
One of the best ways to get off the beaten track in Colorado is to explore it via standard- or narrow-gauge track. Colorado’s numerous scenic trains transport visitors through landscapes that are inaccessible by car and back to the age of steam, when rails were the only motorized ride. ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD Take this classic train for a oneof- 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 refurbished Vista Dome rail cars. Bonus Tracks: Enjoy a gourmet Dinner Train with options like Colorado-raised slow-roasted prime rib, Red Bird Farms Pollo Marsala and a well-curated wine list. RIO GRANDE SCENIC RAILROAD The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in Alamosa winds through beautiful south-central Colorado on the highest standard-gauge tracks in the United States. Bonus Tracks: A first-class ticket gets you a spot in retro dome cars with seating on two levels under a glass, sunlit dome ideal for taking in all the scenery when traveling over La Veta Pass. 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 to an abandoned mining camp and past mines and gorgeous scenery. Bonus Tracks: The ride is fully narrated, with the conductor sharing wonderful facts about the history and scenery around Cripple Creek. GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD This gorgeous railroad was one of Colorado’s first tourist attractions when it debuted in 1884 with its state-of-the-art narrow-gauge tracks, an engineering marvel of the day. Bonus Tracks: Passengers can elect to disembark to tour the historic Lebanon Silver Mine at roughly the halfway point on the trip. 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. Bonus Tracks: Special Blues Trains, Wine & Rails, Brew Trains and Dinosaur Trains add a special flair to your ride throughout the warmer months. 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. Bonus Tracks: Photography and nature buffs will adore the colorful wildflower and fall-foliage trains. 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. Bonus Tracks: The C&T runs several special trains throughout the year, including sunlight dinner runs and fall-color trips on the Galloping Goose. TRAINS THAT TRAVEL THROUGH COLORADO If you have plans to motor west, try taking 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; or use these towns as a scenic stopover on your way west to Los Angeles or east to Chicago. RAILROAD MUSEUMS Colorado’s train museums give you the inside track about how the railroads shaped the state. Check them out: ► Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden ► Forney Museum of Transportation in Denver ► Gunnison Pioneer & Train Museum ► Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greeley ► Pueblo Railway Museum ► Ridgway Railroad Museum ► Comanche Crossing Museum in Strasburg ► Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum ► Moffat Road Railroad Museum in Granby ► Limon Heritage Museum & Railroad Park
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