Train routes offer a different perspective on our beautiful state

By Johnny Burkin

Before traffic jams or the rise of commercial airliners, trains ruled the day as the primary mode of transportation across most lands. And although they are still used in that capacity today, cross-country travel in the U.S. has largely been passed over. But everyone should experience the serenity of chugging along the tracks, especially here in the Centennial State where there is no shortfall of gorgeous landscapes to venture through. Finding a fun and scenic train ride to gather some historic perspective and limitless photos is easy. So, for those interested in coasting some rails and seeing the state in a different light, here are some exciting train rides to consider.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Take the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company, sprinkle in some mining and that’s the recipe that binds Durango and Silverton. In fact, when D&RG founded Durango in 1880 it did so with the primary intention of supporting mining operations in the San Juan area. That meant one of the first orders of business was the construction of a Silverton line. Fast forward to the present, and the line, now part of Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, is one of the better known tourist rides in the state. During the summer season those onboard the steam powered train can anticipate a seven-hour round trip along the Animas River and through the San Juan Mountains as they traverse between Durango and Silverton. Once reaching Silverton, however, passengers will have a two-hour layover to take in the town. Wander the main street with all its historic buildings like the Grand Imperial Hotel or the San Juan County Courthouse. There’s also no shortage of local shops and eateries to check out. For the beer connoisseurs, don’t head back before grabbing a cold one at one of Silverton’s two breweries - Avalanche Brewing Company and Golden Block Brewery. Altogether, D&SNGRR provides a great experience for people from all walks of life, even offering several special packages catered to the more adventurous. One example is the Raft & Rails package, which includes a guided morning rafting trip before catching a relaxing afternoon train ride back to Durango.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Considered an engineering triumph at the time of its completion in 1884, The Georgetown Loop is one the more well-known visitor attractions found across the state. The 3-foot narrow gauge railroad corkscrews its way through mountainous terrain as it hauls passengers between the old mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. The ride itself is on the shorter side as it only covers 2 miles and generally lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes during the main season. For those with limited time or restless children, this can be seen as a plus - just like the loop’s proximity to the Denver Metro area, which is less than an hour away. During July, take advantage of Sasquatch Adventure Days and explore the legend of the furry beast. Or, take advantage of an August visit during Wild West Days and pan for gold while learning about yesteryear. To further enhance the experience, be sure to check another historic offering on site: the walking tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Some say necessity is the mother of invention. In the case of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, that might be true. Its construction in 1889 came about after businessman/inventor Zalmon G. Simmons traveled to Pikes Peak to inspect telegraph insulators placed on the mountain. What he encountered was a difficult two-day mule ride to the summit. Hence, his decision to fund the creation of the railway. These days the Pikes Peak Cog Railway serves as the world’s highest and longest cog railroad. The three hour, 9-mile trip takes riders on a journey filled with magnificent views as the train ascends to the top of America’s Mountain. Once there, visitors will have 40 minutes to explore the newly updated Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. For those seeking a little sustenance, be sure to try one of the center’s famous freshly made donuts. Need a keepsake or souvenir to commemorate the journey? Don’t forget to browse the gift shop. And for the bold few, scrap that return trip all together and hike your way down the 13-mile Barr Trail.

Leadville Railroad

Photo courtesy of Leadville Railroad

Since 1988, Memorial Day weekend has marked the beginning of a new season for the Leadville Railroad. Not that anyone is counting, but that makes 2024 their 36th season in action. More importantly, though, it means daily trips will be available through September. For a little context, the railway dates to 1884 and was originally owned by the Denver South Park & Pacific Railroad, and once played a key role during the town’s silver mining boom. Guests that embark on the roughly two-and-a-half hour route can expect to learn more about the railroad’s origin in addition to discovering the region’s vast natural beauty. Expect sweeping scenes of the Upper Arkansas River Valley and San Isabel National Forest. Peak lovers can look forward to seeing the Rocky Mountains in all their glory, as along the way they’ll be treated to the sights of the state’s two tallest, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

The Royal Gorge is one of the most iconic landmarks that Colorado has to offer. It’s so spectacular that a war was fought in the late 1870s over which railroad company would have access to its breathtaking views. Well, not exactly. While the Colorado Railroad War, or as it’s also known, the Royal Gorge Railroad War, was indeed a conflict between two rival railroad companies, the Atchison,Topeka and Santa Fe, and the Denver & Rio Grande, the dispute only involved the gorge because it simply obstructed their way. In other words, what both companies truly sought was to build a direct railway to the flourishing mines of Leadville. But after a bitter two-year struggle, only the D&RG would be allowed to resume construction of the track. Today, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad uses part of that same stretch of track to give its passengers a one-of-a-kind journey spotlighting the beauty of the gorge in addition to stunning views of the Arkansas River. The onboard experience is also top notch and offers first-class accommodations and dining options. Furthermore, availability should never be an issue as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad runs year round with up to four departures daily.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

A darling of the big screen, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has made cameo appearances in several well-known films over the years: Bite the Bullet (1975), Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade (1989), and Hostiles (2018), to name a few. And considering its picturesque 64-mile trek that whips between the Colorado and New Mexico borders and builds up to a 10,000-foot climb over Cumbres Pass, one can begin to see the allure. Other highlights of the route include a descent into the Chama Valley, hugging the edges of the Toltec Gorge, and a top-down view of the rushing waters of the Rio de los Pinos. If that doesn’t quite pique enough interest, board one of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad’s special trains, like the Outlaw Express - Brews, Views and Que’. Travelers that book this trip can look forward to an afternoon ride followed by a 6 p.m. dinner prepared by Outlaw BBQ. Enjoy delicious smoked turkey, sliced brisket, as well as other favorites. Plus, for craft beer enthusiasts, pair the meal with a nice, refreshing brew provided by Ska Brewing Company.

And here are a few bonus rail rides around the state

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Hop on that steam engine and relive the historic mines of Cripple Creek during this 45-minute journey.

Ridgway Railroad Museum & Train Ride
Experience the old train equipment and the railroading history of Ouray County and surrounding areas.

Tiny Town & Railroad
This fun and short miniature train ride through a miniature town is always a hit with the kiddos.

Colorado Railroad Museum
Tour the museum’s exhibits as well as its 15-acre railyard and truly be immersed in the rich railroading past of the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado Railbike Adventures
Put the pedal to the rails and railbike tracks that were once used to support the coal mines of Erie.

In addition to contributing to Thirst Colorado, Johnny Burkin writes screenplays and breaks down the chances of the Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets returning to championship glory. And he’s been known to bend a few ears with a history lesson.