When in Colorado Springs, your eyes can't help but be drawn to Pike's Peak, the mountain that towers over all others and is visible from miles around. It may look daunting to reach the top, but you can spare your legs (or your tires) the climb by riding the Cog Railway that shoots up all the way to the snowy peak. While you're leaving the city far below, don't forget to look out for wildlife such as bighorn sheep and deer along the tracks.
Pike's Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave.
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
719-685-5401
cograilway.com
Durango and Silverton are two small mountain communities linked by a historic and award-winning train ride that continues to delight passengers. Take a ride between these mining towns by a traditional steam-powered locomotive that chugs its way through river canyons while you marvel at the spectacular views and learn the history of the region.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
479 Main Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
877-872-4607
durangotrain.com
Based out of Alamosa, Colorado, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad has its origins in the days of the Old West, when settlers first moved into the region. These rails have been in constant use for more than a century, offering sightseeing tours for visitors, the Roots and Boots summer music festival, and the Winter Wonderland Express, which takes you through snow-packed valleys and forests that you could never get to by car.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
601 State Ave.
Alamosa, CO 81101
719-587-0520
riograndescenicrailroad.com
Connecting the towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, this railroad scales the mountain terrain as it takes you by old mines, reconstructed depots and stock sheds. Gaze up at the rearing mountains all around as the train runs through Clear Creek Valley, with its host of pine and aspen trees. After the ride is over, don't forget to take the walking tour through the Lebanon Silver Mine to see how mining was done back in the 1800s, when the gold rush still fanned the flames of early settlement.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
P.O. Box 249
Georgetown, CO 80444
888-456-6777
georgetownlooprr.com
