Colorado Train Rides and Excursion Trains

Colorado train rides offer a uniqueness one just can't find anywhere else in the country. The state has become legendary for its many narrow-gauge tourist lines operating west and south of Denver, all of which use trackage once part of either the Denver & Rio Grande Western's or Colorado & Southern's mining branches (built during the late 19th century to tap the region's silver deposits). The most popular of these excursions certainly has to be the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge (D&SNG) although others like the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic (C&TS) and Royal Gorge Route Railroad offer similarly incredible views and are not too far behind. Colorado is also home to more unique tourist lines like the cog railway, Mamtou & Pike’s Peak, or the Platte Valley Trolley. In any event, the information included here provides a brief overview of each excursion along with their contact and website information.

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, based in Cripple Creek, Colorado is another of the state's many narrow-gauge tourist railroads (it's gauge is two feet). The little railroad has been in operation since the summer of 1967 and since that time has become a popular operation, running trains on four miles of ex-mining trackage. Of course, the railroad is only one attraction in the town of Cripple Creek, which is itself a popular tourist attraction. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is another famous narrow-gauge tourist railroad in southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico, like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (except that it operates entirely in Colorado). The C&T is quite similar to the D&S in many ways, including the use of famous narrow-gauge steam locomotives that are native to the line (which were originally owned by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad). Also like the D&S, the C&T operates through the gorgeous canyons and mountains located in the region. So, if you are ever in southwest Colorado I would strongly consider stopping by to see this historic and super scenic tourist railroad! Even better, if you time, also stop by and see the nearby Durango & Silverton. For more information and making a visit please click here.

One of the premier tourist trains you will found anywhere in the country, the Durango & Silverton operates on the fabled narrow gauge lines of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad in the beautiful rugged regions of southern Colorado, still using the same steam locomotives that operated under the D&RGW. The railroad also hosts special events and trains throughout the operating season that include lunches and barbecues. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Fort Collins Municipal Railway

Based in Fort Collins, Colorado this tourist train operates on 1 1/2-mile stretch of former interurban trackage using a restored Birney Safety Car #21. They normally operate on weekends and host special excursions throughout the year. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

The narrow-gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad is a short, but very popular and scenic tourist railroad located in Georgetown, Colorado and operated by the Colorado Historical Society as the Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park. The scenic line dates as far back as 1881 (as the Georgetown, Breckenridge & Leadville Railroad, originally a Union Pacific subsidiary) when it was chartered to serve thriving silver mines near Georgetown and Silver Plume. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad

The Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad is another of Colorado's many tourist railroads and just like the others operates through the spectacular Rocky Mountain Range, departing each trip from the historic mining town of Leadville at the former Colorado & Southern restored depot. The railroad's primary power is a GP9 #1714 painted in LC&S colors. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Mamtou & Pike’s Peak Railway

This cog railway operates up Colorado's Pike's Peak, along a line that covers nearly nine miles and lasts over three hours. While this isn't a traditional tourist train it's tough to find one that affords such spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Platte Valley Trolley

The Platte Valley Trolley operates from mid-April through the end of October every weekend using trolley cars along a route that allows for about a 25-minute ride. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is a new tourist railroad based in Alamosa, Colorado that has been operating only since 2006. The railroad operates exclusively over ex-Rio Grande trackage (as you may have guessed from the name) and connects with the popular narrow-gauge tourist line, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic at its southern terminus of Chama, New Mexico. For more information and making a visit please click here.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is another tourist railroad that operates part of the Denver & Rio Grande Western’s super-scenic trackage in Colorado. Also close to other very popular lines like the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic, and Durango & Silverton the Royal Gorge Route operates 24 miles of the Rio Grande’s famous line the Royal George Route (as you may have guessed, this is where the railroad derives its name) departing daily from Canyon City, Colorado (it should be noted that the railroad is one of the few tourist lines to operate year-round). For more information and making a visit please click here.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Tourist Railroads Section

Share Your Thoughts