The Royal Gorge railroad construction started in 1878 after miners descended upon the area and created an influx in travel to the area. The train ride covers about 24 miles and provides a ride over the Arkansas River, also known as Royal Gorge, a route through the Rocky Mountains. The historic train ride provides a scenic trip, as well as the option to participate in different offerings, such as the dinner train, murder mystery train, lunch train, ride in the cab, Santa Express, wine dinner, Oktoberfest or even a Mother's Day ride. The Royal Gorge Railroad also provides a rail and raft package to whitewater raft through either Bighorn Sheep Canyon or the Royal Gorge as part of the adventure. On the scenic route, you may also observe bald eagles, blue heron, bighorn sheep or other animals native to the area.
Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Santa Fe Depot
401 Water St.
Cañon City, CO 81212
(719) 276-4000
royalgorgeroute.com
The Georgetown Loop Railroad, completed in 1884 is part of the Colorado Historical Society and loops from Georgetown, Colorado, to Silver Plume, which is about two miles apart. Giving you an opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat, the Georgetown Loop has open train cars for optimal viewing. As part of the train tour, you can also take a silver mine tour. As part of the Georgetown Loop Railroad, you can participate in the mining and railroad days, the pumpkin festival, wine tasting festivities, Fourth of July Fireworks or moonlight on the mountains.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
P.O. Box 249
Georgetown, CO 80444
(888) 456-6777
georgetownlooprr.com
The Durango & Silverton railroad line was started in 1881 and expanded to Silverton in 1882. The train provides year-round service and scenic rides with coaches and passenger train rides. The train ride goes through the San Juan National Forest and provides a fire side lunch or concessions in the train car. The Durango & Silverton line provides adventure and touring packages on the historic train ride, including a winter photography special through the mountains.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
479 Main Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-2733
Durango & Silverton Narrow
10 Animas
Silverton, CO 81433
(970) 387-5416
www.durangotrain.com
The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad is located in the San Isabel Mountain range. The scenic train ride brings through tourists along the Continental Divide and the Arkansas River. The train provides scenic rides, including a photographer's tour, a night ride special, wildflower train ride with open train cars and other opportunities.
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
326 E. 7th St. PO Box 916
Leadville, CO 80461
(719) 486-393
leadville-train.com
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes visitors through a trip at an elevation of 14,000 feet. The train ride runs year round and travels about 9 miles and provides a view of the Continental Divide. The trip lasts about 3 hours and provides views of Pikes Peak. Passengers often see Bighorn sheep and marmots. This scenic route often creates problems with altitude, including nausea and headaches.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave.
PO Box 351
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
(719) 685-5401
cograilway.com
