Colorado 'BBQ Tasting' Train Rides
Published: June 17, 2026
By: Adam Burns
At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Leadville, Colorado feels like a place suspended between earth and sky—a rugged, storied mining town wrapped in big-mountain scenery. It’s also home to one of the state’s most relaxing (and surprisingly immersive) ways to experience the high country: the Leadville Railroad, a vintage-train excursion that blends panoramic views, conductor narration, and an unhurried pace that encourages you to simply breathe and look around.
While the daily scenic trips are a staple of summer and fall, one of the most popular ways to ride is during a special event—especially the Devil’s Tail BBQ Special, an evening dinner train that pairs golden-hour mountain vistas with a hearty, buffet-style barbecue meal.
A Brief History
The Leadville Railroad operates on what’s known historically as the “Highline,” a route whose origins trace back to the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad. Completed in 1884, the Highline was first built as a narrow-gauge line—a hallmark of many early Colorado mountain railroads—and it stretched roughly 151 miles from Denver to Leadville, crossing the Continental Divide twice along the way. Today’s Leadville Railroad is the last remaining section of that original DSP&P system, a living remnant of the era when rail lines were pushed into high valleys to serve booming towns and remote industries.
Leadville itself surged into prominence as one of Colorado’s great mining centers in the late 19th century, producing immense wealth and earning the nickname “Cloud City” thanks to its extreme elevation. The town’s lore is rich with unforgettable characters—among them Horace Tabor and Baby Doe—whose dramatic rise and fall has become part of Leadville legend. The Leadville Railroad leans into that sense of place: the ride isn’t just scenic, it’s contextual, tying the landscape to the human stories that unfolded here.
From freight line to family-run scenic railroad
The modern tourist operation began with a local preservation-minded purchase at just the right time. In December 1987, Ken and Stephanie Olsen approached Burlington Northern about buying the Highline, which BN no longer needed for freight service. They ultimately purchased not only locomotives and cars, but a substantial set of railroad assets—two GP9 diesel-electric locomotives, multiple freight cars and cabooses, a roundhouse, more than 14 miles of track, and large quantities of rail hardware and materials. They then rebuilt and adapted what they had into the passenger equipment used for excursions today, opening for business on Memorial Day weekend in 1988. The Olsens still own the line, now joined by their children in day-to-day operations.
That family stewardship matters. On a ride like this, the “hardware” is only half the experience—the other half is the sense that the operation genuinely cares about the railroad as a piece of local heritage, not merely a seasonal attraction.
The Route
A Leadville Railroad trip is designed for people who want the mountains without the stress. You’re not white-knuckling a pass in traffic or rushing between trailheads. You’re seated (or strolling between cars), with the scenery delivered to you at the perfect speed.
Along the way, the railroad highlights classic Leadville country: the Upper Arkansas River Valley, Colorado’s two tallest peaks (Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive), and the forests of the San Isabel National Forest—towering evergreens and fluttering aspens that change personality with every season.
The railroad also emphasizes storytelling. Conductors provide narration about Leadville’s colorful past and the role railroading played in shaping the region—exactly the kind of “only here” detail that turns a pretty ride into a memorable one.
The Devil’s Tail BBQ Special
If the standard daytime runs are about fresh air and wide-open views, the Devil’s Tail BBQ Special adds something else: atmosphere. It’s timed as an evening departure, meant to catch the mountains at their most dramatic—when the light softens, shadows stretch across the valley, and the temperature finally drops into that perfect high-country comfort.
The railroad describes the Devil’s Tail BBQ Special as a 2 hour and 45 minute dinner train ride that combines scenic Rocky Mountain views with a full barbecue spread. It’s an all-ages event, and it’s one that tends to sell out—so reservations are required and planning ahead is strongly encouraged.
Departure details
Departs: 5:30 p.m. from the Leadville depot at 326 E. 7th Street, Leadville
Arrival recommendation: about 30 minutes early for will-call pickup and boarding
Trip length: 2 hours 45 minutes
Pricing (as listed by the railroad)
$92.00 per adult
$68.00 per child (ages 4–12)
Because this is a special-event dinner trip with limited seating, the overall feel is closer to an “evening out” than a simple sightseeing run. It’s the kind of ride that works equally well for families looking for a unique vacation night, couples chasing a low-key date with epic scenery, or groups who want something more memorable than another restaurant reservation.
What’s on the menu?
The Leadville Railroad keeps the meal flexible, noting that the specific meats and sides can change by ride. That said, their examples give a clear picture of what to expect: mains may include brisket, pulled pork, hot dogs, or BBQ chicken, with sides like coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, plus light appetizers (such as veggies and dip) and desserts that can range from brownies and cookies to cream puffs.
They also note an important practical detail for travelers: if you have an allergen or strict dietary requirement, you’re encouraged to leave a note in the comments when purchasing, and the railroad will try to accommodate—but they recommend bringing your own food as a backup in case an accommodation can’t be met to your satisfaction.
Why this event stands out
Plenty of scenic railroads offer meals. The Devil’s Tail BBQ Special stands out because the setting does so much of the work.
It’s timed right. Evening departures in the high country often deliver the best mix of comfortable temperatures and dramatic light.
It’s unhurried. Nearly three hours on the rails gives you time to settle in, eat, wander to different cars if available, and take photos without feeling rushed.
It pairs perfectly with Leadville’s personality. Leadville has always been a town of big stories and big appetites—mining-era grit, frontier drama, and mountain-scale views. A barbecue dinner on a historic rail line fits that vibe naturally.
Final Thoughts
The Leadville Railroad is more than a sightseeing loop—it’s a surviving piece of Colorado mountain-rail history, preserved and operated by a family that stepped in at a pivotal moment and kept the Highline alive for the public. And the Devil’s Tail BBQ Special is one of the best “feature presentations” of what they do: a relaxing, high-altitude evening ride where the views are huge, the stories are local, and dinner comes with a side of Rocky Mountain air. To learn more about this excursion and purchasing tickets please click here to visit the railroad's website.
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