2022-12-03 08:55:48
Colorado’s scenic and historic railroads combine three of the top aspects of vacationing here — history, fantastic landscapes and plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family — and each has its own distinct character and charm. Nearly all of Colorado’s trains offer seasonal trips, like winter-holiday excursions and fall-color or spring-wildflower rides, as well as gourmet lunch rides, wine-and-dinner trains and murder-mystery events. Be transported back to the age of steam and visit landscapes inaccessible by car. The Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway 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 45-minute ride is perfect for kids. Ride the century-old steam train from Cripple Creek past mines and gorgeous scenery to an abandoned mining camp. Georgetown Loop Railroad This stunner was one of our first tourist attractions when it debuted in 1884. Its state-of-the-art narrowgauge 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 Royal Gorge beside the Arkansas River in Cañon City. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad This National Historic Landmark chugs from Antonito to Chama, New Mexico, with a stop for lunch atop a mountain in Osier. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad This full-day trip travels from Durango 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 heads 1,000 feet above the headwaters of the Arkansas River for unequaled views of the Continental Divide. 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? See how these railroads shaped Colorado at a dozen railroad museums across the state. Colorado.com/RailroadMuseums
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