- Home ›
- The States ›
- Colorado
Colorado Railroads: Map, History, Abandoned Lines
Last revised: September 15, 2024
By: Adam Burns
Colorado railroads are known mostly for three things; flat plains, the Rocky Mountains, and narrow-gauge railroading (even today!). It shouldn't be surprising then that mountainous operations also define the state's railroads.
While the first line would not appear in Colorado until over 40 years after the Baltimore & Ohio was incorporated the state's rail network rapidly expanded after this time.
History
During the state's heyday with trains it featured a rail network consisting of over 5,000 miles and a half-dozen classic "fallen flags".
Today, Colorado is dominated by Class I systems Union Pacific and BNSF Railway. Along with the Class I railroads the state is also renowned for its bucolic and breathtaking narrow-gauge railways.
Most were operated by the fabled Denver & Rio Grande Western while other famous names included the Rio Grande Southern; Denver, South Park & Pacific; and Colorado & Southern.
The information included on this page gives a brief background and overview of Colorado from its earliest history with trains to present-day operations.
Additionally, when possible links are provided to other pages here at the site covering various railroad subjects related to Colorado (i.e., museums, excursion trains, interurbans, etc.).
Photos
Rio Grande F7A #5571 and #5574, along with four F7B's, are on the north end of the Aspen Branch at Glenwood Springs, Colorado on May 15, 1966. Ed Fulcomer photo. American-Rails.com collection.Colorado railroads arrive rather late to the game in comparison to other states, as the state's first railroad did not appear until 1867.
That year the Denver Pacific Railway & Telegraph Company was chartered to complete a main line between Denver and Cheyenne, Wyoming where it would establish a connection with the growing Union Pacific system.
After three years of construction the new 100-mile route was opened in 1870. Just ten years later the DPR&TC became another division of the UP system.
After this line was opened the state's rail network quickly exploded to over 1,500 miles by 1880.
Statistics
Of the classic fallen flag systems that made up most of Colorado's railroads, the Rio Grande is by far the state's most celebrated and recognized, mostly due to its fabled and sprawling narrow-gauge system, which lasted until the late 1960s.
It's narrow-gauge operations, or what remained of them anyway (over the years the once almost exclusive narrow-gauge system had been converted to standard gauge), was centered primarily in the southern part of Colorado and northern New Mexico.
It was originally built to serve coal, timber, silver, and gold although most of this (particularly the latter) had dried up by the 20th century and in its final days the narrow-gauge operations were mostly a tri-weekly service carrying mixed trains of people and freight.
A pair of sharp Colorado & Southern (Burlington) SD9s in 'Chinese Red', #842 and #831, layover at Rice Yard in Denver on December 25, 1963. M. W. Swansick photo, Rick Burn collection.One of the Rio Grande's narrow-gauge operations did survive, however. The Silverton Route survived abandonment and today continues on as the very popular Durango & Silverton Railroad. A
long with the Silverton Route the Rio Grande's narrow-gauge line between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado also survived. Today this line is home to the likewise well known Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Rio Grande GP30's #3017 and #3013 enter the Monarch Branch (which served the Colorado Fuel & Iron coal mine at Monarch) in downtown Salida, Colorado heading west with empties bound for the mine on November 6, 1975. This segment was originally narrow-gauged and served as the main line from Salida to Montrose via Gunnison and Marshall Pass. It was later removed west of Poncha Junction and standard-gauged as a short stub serving the mine. This segment was eventually abandoned by the 1980s. Ed Fulcomer photo. American-Rails.com collection.Besides the Rio Grande's famed narrow-gauge lines two other future ventures would earn the railroad legendary status.
At the Continental Divide northwest of Denver, the Denver and Rio Grande Western completed the famous Moffat Tunnel in 1928, some 6.1-miles in length and bypassing the torturous Rollins Pass, over 11,000 feet in height!
The new tunnel cut down transit times over that section of main line from several hours to mere minutes and further strengthened the line's demand as a high-speed connection over the Rockies.
Even more famous than the tunnel was the introduction of a joint passenger train by the Burlington, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific in 1949 known as the California Zephyr deliberately routed through the mountains so that passengers could witness the stunning beauty offered over the Rio Grande's main line through the Rockies.
Not surprisingly the train was an instant hit with the public and did so well that the Rio Grande elected not to include it in Amtrak in 1971 and would rename the train the Rio Grande Zephyr.
This recently-delivered set of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy FT's (#103-A through #103-D) lead a 126-car freight westward near Keenesburg, Colorado on May 31, 1944. Richard Kindig photo. Author's collection.The train by then was so well known that Amtrak did not hesitate to keep it in service when the Rio Grande finally did elect to relinquish the train in the early 1980s and even honored it by renaming it back to the California Zephyr in 1983.
Abandoned Lines
Colorado has lost a significant amount of its rail infrastructure with 3,100 miles abandoned since the 1920's.
While there have been segments of standard gauge lines removed, mostly by way of branches and secondary trackage (operated by the Rio Grande, Santa Fe, Burlington, Missouri Pacific, and even the Rock Island), most of the abandonments were former narrow-gauge routes.
Colorado's 3-foot lines are legendary, names like the Denver & Rio Grande, Rio Grande Southern, Colorado & Southern, and Denver South Park & Pacific.
Rio Grande Southern 4-6-0 #20 lays over along the D&RGW at Alamosa, Colorado in 1952. This unit was built as Florence & Cripple Creek #20 in 1899 by the Schenectady Locomotive Works. American-Rails.com collection.According to George Hilton's book, "American Narrow Gauge Railroads," its narrow-gauge railroads peaked in the 1880's at 2,199 miles; 1,673 miles was comprised of the Denver & Rio Grande alone.
In addition, the Colorado Central operated roughly 145 miles and the Denver, South Park & Pacific another 335 miles. The rest was comprised of small operations that did not exceed 40 miles.
The D&RG began reducing its narrow-gauge network by the late 1880's but interestingly continued to operate as many as 46 miles until 1980.
Notable narrow-gauge operations of Colorado include:
- Argentine Central Railway
- Aspen & Western Railway
- Crystal River Railroad
- Colorado & Northwestern Railway
- Colorado Central Railroad
- Colorado Eastern Railroad
- Denver & Middle Park Railroad
- Denver & Rio Grande Railway
- Denver Circle Railroad
- Denver, South Park & Hill Top Railway
- Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad
- Denver, Utah & Pacific Railroad
- Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad
- Gilpin Tramway (2 Foot)
- Little Book Cliff Railway
- London, South Park & Leadville Railroad
- Rio Grande & Pagosa Springs Railroad
- Rio Grande Southern Railroad
- Silverton Railroad
- Silverton, Gladstone & Northerly Railroad
- Silverton Northern Railroad
- Uintah Railway
Finally, the Rio Grande's standard-gauged Tennessee Pass remains in limbo; still owned by successor Union Pacific but unused since 1997, its future status remains in doubt.
There were efforts recently to revive the line but those appear to have fallen through.
American Crystal Sugar Company F7A #64 at Rocky Ford, Colorado on March 19, 1977. This unit had began its career as Rio Grande #5644 in 1949. Ed Fulcomer photo/Warren Calloway collection.Today, the Rio Grande and other classic fallen flag systems have been merged away into the Union Pacific and BNSF Railway which carry on much of what their predecessors left behind as many lines remain important routes.
For a more in-depth look at Colorado's rail mileage over the years please refer to the table below. As you can see, during the height of rail travel Colorado was home to just over 5,500 miles of trackage.
State Mileage Chart
First Railroad
* Colorado's first operational railroad was the Denver Pacific Railway & Telegraph Company. Incorporated in 1867 it was designed to link Denver by rail after the Union Pacific elected to bypass the Frontier town on its way to meet the Central Pacific. With a great deal of financial backing it was completed to Cheyenne in 1870. In 1880 it merged with Union Pacific and Kansas Pacific forming a new Union Pacific Railway.
Today, that number has fallen to around 2,500 or a loss of 54%. Considering that many states have lost about half of their rail infrastructure since the 1920s Colorado's decline is fairly typical.
Current Railroads
- Union Pacific
- BNSF Railway
- Great Western Railway of Colorado
- Colorado & Wyoming Railway
- Kyle Railroad
- Nebraska, Kansas & Colorado Railway
- Cimarron Valley Railroad
- Denver Rock Island Railroad
- Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad
- Rock & Rail
- San Luis Central Railroad
- San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad
- V&S Railway
State Map
Museums and Attractions
Along with the Durango & Silverton and C&T narrow-gauge operations the state boosts several other museums and tourist railroads. These include the:
- Boulder County Railway Historical Society
- Colorado Railroad Museum
- Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Forney Museum of Transportation
- Fort Collins Municipal Railway
- Galloping Goose Historical Society
- Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park,
- Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
- Mamtou & Pike's Peak Railway
- Museum of Northwest Colorado
- Platte Valley Trolley
- Pueblo Railway Museum
- Ridgway Railroad Museum
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad
- Windsor Museum
Rio Grande GP7 #5106 in Pueblo, Colorado during the 1970s. Robert Eastwood, Jr. photo. American-Rails.com collection.Lastly, if you are planning a trip to Colorado to either railfan or enjoy the sites and sounds of the state's many museums and tourist railroads don't forget to stop by beautiful Denver Union Station in downtown Denver. It is well worth the drive to see!
While it still serves Amtrak's California Zephyr and Southwest Chief, the station's future include it becoming the city's hub of its ever-growing commuter rail system.
In any event, the state's beauty alone is well worth a visit to the Centennial State, whether your interested in Colorado railroads or not! All in all there is plenty to do and see all across the state so you are bound to have a wonderful visit whatever you decide to do.
Recent Articles
-
Pikes Peak Cog Railway Fall Foliage Train Ride (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:37 PM
Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog—year-round summit trains with late September–mid-October aspen color. ~3-hour RT from Manitou Springs. Book cograilway.com. -
Osceola & St. Croix Valley Fall Colors Trains (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:28 PM
Named Fall Colors trains from Osceola, WI through the St. Croix River Valley—~90 minutes, weekends mid-Sept through late Oct. Book trainride.org. -
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Fall Foliage Train Rides (2026)
Aug 14, 26 11:18 PM
Elbe–Mineral steam excursions through Cascade foothill forests—~75-minute scenic trains into autumn. Adults from ~$34. Book mtrainierrailroad.com. -
Conway Scenic Pumpkin Patch Express (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 11:01 PM
Conway Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Patch Express—North Conway to White Mountain Cider Co. / Glen area pumpkin pick, family October special, 2026 booking tips. -
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains (2026): Dates, Tickets & Tips
Aug 14, 26 10:46 PM
Black River & Western Pumpkin Trains—Ringoes/Flemington family pumpkin package, steam #60 when rostered, maze and wagon activities, 2026 booking tips. -
Halloween Train Rides (2026): Pumpkin Patch, Haunted & Spooky Trips
Aug 14, 26 10:02 PM
2026 Halloween train rides—pumpkin patch trains, haunted excursions, and family fall specials at tourist railroads across the U.S. National hub with state directory and planning tips. -
Vermont Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 09:35 PM
Vermont tourist trains—Green Mountain Railroad / Champlain Valley Dinner Train, Shelburne Museum context, foliage and lake-country planning. 2026 guide. -
Virginia Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 08:04 PM
Virginia tourist trains and rail museums—Virginia Scenic Railway, Buckingham Branch context, VMT Roanoke, C&O Heritage Center, O. Winston Link Museum. 2026 planning guide. -
Scenic Train Rides (USA 2026): State Guide to Tourist Railroads
Aug 14, 26 07:44 PM
Find scenic and tourist train rides in every U.S. state—heritage railroads, steam excursions, dinner trains, and fall foliage. National hub with history, what to expect, and state-by-state guides. -
Rhode Island Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 07:01 PM
Rhode Island tourist trains—Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad and the Rhode Island Railroad Museum. 2026 Ocean State guide. -
Commuter Rail (USA): Definition, History & Systems Directory
Aug 14, 26 06:36 PM
American commuter rail—private suburban trains to public agencies (LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, Metra, Metrolink, and more). History, vs light rail, and a national systems directory. -
New Jersey Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 06:23 PM
New Jersey tourist trains—Black River & Western, Woodstown Central, Cape May Seashore Lines, Delaware River Railroad, Pine Creek, Whippany. 2026 guide. -
Rail Tours (USA & Canada): Luxury Trains, Cruise Trains & History
Aug 14, 26 06:11 PM
North American rail tours explained—luxury multi-day trains vs Amtrak packages vs tourist excursions. Rocky Mountaineer, Chepe Express, historic AOE, New River Train, and directory of AR profiles. -
Massachusetts Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 04:23 PM
Massachusetts tourist trains—Cape Cod Central, Berkshire Scenic, Edaville, Shelburne Falls Trolley. 2026 Bay State scenic and heritage guide. -
Amtrak Unique Trainsets: TurboTrain, Turboliner, Metroliner & More
Aug 14, 26 03:44 PM
Amtrak’s distinctive trainsets—United Aircraft TurboTrain, French RTG and Rohr RTL Turboliners, German ICE and Swedish X2000 tests, and Budd Metroliners on the Northeast Corridor. -
Amtrak Locomotive Roster: Historical & Current Power
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Amtrak motive power—heritage E/F/SDP40F/F40/Genesis roster research plus mid-2020s ALC-42 Chargers, state SC-44s, ACS-64 electrics, NextGen Acela, and Airo ALC-42E dual-modes. -
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides From Essex
Aug 14, 26 01:55 PM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Virginia Dinner Train Rides From Staunton
Aug 14, 26 01:41 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a classic scenic train ride with a genuinely satisfying meal—served at your table while the countryside rolls by—the Virginia Scenic Railway was built for you. -
Discontinued Amtrak Trains: Lost Named Services & Routes
Aug 14, 26 01:25 PM
List of discontinued Amtrak and Amtrak-era named trains—Broadway Limited, Floridian, Pioneer, Desert Wind, Metroliners, North Coast Hiawatha, and dozens more with route and date notes. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides From The MRM
Aug 14, 26 01:11 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Georgia Dinner Train Rides From Nashville
Aug 14, 26 01:05 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha… -
Amtrak Ridership by Year (1971–2025): Passengers, Miles & Revenue
Aug 14, 26 01:03 PM
Amtrak fiscal-year ridership tables 1971–2019 from American-Rails.com research, plus FY2024–FY2025 record years from Amtrak public reports. -
Amtrak (USA): History, Routes, Ridership, Fleet & The National Network
Aug 14, 26 12:21 PM
Amtrak history and network—Railpax 1970, May 1 1971 startup, Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains, ridership through FY2025 records, Superliners to NextGen Acela and Airo, ALC-42s, and route di… -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides Departing From Bardstown
Aug 14, 26 11:10 AM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Railroad Infrastructure (USA): Track, Bridges, Signals, Yards, History
Aug 14, 26 10:54 AM
American railroad infrastructure—what it means (track, ballast, ties, bridges, tunnels, signals, yards, towers), T-rail and standard gauge roots, and a full directory of fixed-plant topics. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams
Aug 14, 26 10:48 AM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Railroad Maintenance-of-Way Equipment: Machines, Track Work, History
Aug 14, 26 12:22 AM
Railroad maintenance-of-way (MOW)—section gangs to mechanized track work: ballast, tampers, undercutters, Jordan spreaders, spike machines, Sperry defect cars, and a full equipment directory. -
Railroad Freight Cars (USA): Types, History, AAR Codes, Modern Designs
Aug 14, 26 12:10 AM
American freight cars—from Granite Railway tram flats and B&O gondolas to boxcars, hoppers, tanks, reefers, autoracks, well cars, AAR type codes, and a full car-type directory. -
Maine Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 14, 26 12:03 AM
Maine train rides offers the public incredible views of the state's back country with experiences including narrow-gauge operations, trolleys, and more. -
Passenger Train Cars (USA): Types, History, Pullman & Streamliners
Aug 13, 26 11:53 PM
American passenger cars—from stagecoach-style coaches and B&O’s Imlay cars to Pullman sleepers and diners, heavyweights, air-conditioning, streamliners, and a full type directory (coach, dome, RPO… -
Electric Locomotives (USA): History, Models & Preservation
Aug 13, 26 10:41 PM
American electric locomotives—from B&O’s 1895 Belt Line and Sprague’s streetcars to PRR GG1s, Milwaukee Little Joes, Virginian rectifiers, NEC power, and a roster of preserved classic motors. -
Steam Locomotive Terms & Definitions: Glossary of Parts, Types & Talk
Aug 13, 26 09:14 PM
Steam locomotive glossary—articulated, Mallet, superheater, feedwater heater, cab-forward, camelback, Shay/Heisler/Climax, duplex-drive, pop valve, quartered drivers, and more shop and type terms used… -
Steam Locomotives (USA): History, Types, Whyte Notation & Builders
Aug 13, 26 08:47 PM
American steam locomotives—from Trevithick and Stephenson to Tom Thumb, Super Power Berkshires, Big Boys and Challengers, How steam works, Whyte types, Baldwin/Alco/Lima, dieselization, and living ste… -
Locomotive History (USA): Steam, Electric & Diesel Power
Aug 13, 26 04:50 PM
How American trains are powered—steam, electric, and diesel-electric locomotives from Tom Thumb and Stourbridge Lion through B&O’s Howard Street motors, EMD FT, and today’s Progress Rail &am… -
Interurbans & Streetcars (USA): Definition, History & State Guides
Aug 13, 26 04:09 PM
American interurbans and trolleys—what an interurban was, peak ~15,580 miles (1916), Hilton & Due, Midwest epicenter, decline, survivors (South Shore, Iowa Traction), and links to state traction h… -
Maryland Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 03:09 PM
Maryland tourist trains—Western Maryland Scenic, Walkersville Southern, B&O Railroad Museum, streetcar museums. 2026 mountains-to-Baltimore guide. -
Streamliners (USA): History, Famous Trains & Why They Mattered
Aug 13, 26 02:51 PM
American railroad streamliners—UP M-10000, Burlington Pioneer Zephyr, Hiawatha, Super Chief, California Zephyr, Art Deco design, diesel power, and the decline into Amtrak. Full named-train directory. -
Michigan Dinner Train Rides From Owosso
Aug 13, 26 02:28 PM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides From Duluth
Aug 13, 26 01:02 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Delaware Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:58 PM
Delaware tourist trains—Wilmington & Western Railroad steam and specials in the Red Clay Valley. 2026 planning guide. -
Connecticut Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Aug 13, 26 12:42 PM
Connecticut tourist trains—Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Naugatuck Railroad, Danbury Railway Museum, Connecticut Trolley Museum, Shore Line Trolley. 2026 planning guide. -
North Carolina Dinner Train Rides From Spencer
Aug 13, 26 12:15 PM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
West Virginia Railroads: History, Map, Coal Lines & Today’s Network
Aug 13, 26 12:09 PM
West Virginia railroad history—B&O, C&O, N&W, Virginian, Western Maryland; coal and logging heritage; abandonments; CSX, Norfolk Southern, short lines; Amtrak Cardinal; Cass and mountain tourist train… -
Railroad Bridges (USA): History, Types, Trusses & Famous Spans
Aug 13, 26 11:51 AM
History of American railroad bridges—from stone viaducts and wooden trestles to Howe, Pratt, and Warren trusses, plate girders, movable spans, and landmarks still carrying freights and Amtrak today. -
California Dinner Train Rides From Sacramento
Aug 13, 26 11:47 AM
Just minutes from downtown Sacramento, the River Fox Train has carved out a niche that’s equal parts scenic railroad, social outing, and “pick-your-own-adventure” evening on the rails. -
New Jersey Dinner Train Rides From Woodstown
Aug 13, 26 11:42 AM
For visitors who love experiences (not just attractions), Woodstown Central’s dinner-and-dining style trains have become a signature offering—especially for couples’ nights out, small friend groups, a… -
Texas Dinner Train Rides On The TSR
Aug 13, 26 11:38 AM
Today, TSR markets itself as a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile journey between Palestine and Rusk—an easy day trip (or date-night centerpiece) with just the right amount of history baked in. -
Iowa Dinner Train Rides From Boone
Aug 13, 26 11:07 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could pair a leisurely rail journey with a proper sit-down meal—white tablecloths, big windows, and countryside rolling by—the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum… -
Railroad Landmarks (USA): Famous Bridges, Tunnels, Passes & Grades
Aug 13, 26 11:04 AM
U.S. railroad landmarks hub—Horseshoe Curve, Tehachapi Loop, Hoosac and Moffat tunnels, Starrucca and Thomas viaducts, mountain passes, cutoffs, and railfan hot spots. Engineering feats still carrying… -
Indiana Dinner Train Rides From Jasper
Aug 13, 26 10:00 AM
In the rolling hills of southern Indiana, the Spirit of Jasper offers one of those rare attractions that feels equal parts throwback and treat-yourself night out: a classic excursion train paired with…
%20in%20downtown%20Salida%2C%20Colorado%20heading%20west%20with%20empties%20bound%20for%20the%20mine%20on%20November%206%2C%201975.%20%20Ed%20Fulcomer%20photo.%20%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}
%20lead%20a%20126-car%20freight%20westward%20near%20Keenesburg%2C%20Colorado%20on%20May%2031%2C%201944.%20%20Richard%20Kindig%20photo.%20Author's%20collection.){kind=link}
