🚂 Riding Through Time: 8 Historic Colorado Trains Worth the Trip

Colorado’s mountains have more than just epic hiking trails and ski runs—they’re also home to some of the most scenic and storied railways in the country. These trains aren’t just transportation; they’re living history, chugging through rugged canyons, alpine meadows, and mining towns while sharing tales of the Wild West.

From steam-powered locomotives to engineering marvels that defy mountain grades, here are eight unforgettable historic train rides to add to your Colorado bucket list.

🚞 Travel Tips for Riding Colorado’s Historic Rails

  • Best Season: Summer for lush greenery, fall for golden aspens, winter for snow-capped drama.

  • Book Ahead: Especially for peak season and special event trains.

  • Dress in Layers: Even summer mountain air can turn brisk.

  • Bring a Camera: These are some of the most photogenic train rides in the country.

Map created with Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Colorado's Historic Train ...

Route: Durango → Silverton
Why Go: For the romance of the Old West and San Juan Mountain scenery

Built in 1882 to haul silver and gold ore, this coal-fired steam train still runs its original 45-mile route along the Animas River. Expect sheer canyon walls, rushing water, and that haunting steam whistle echoing through the peaks.

2. Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad

Leadville Colorado Train Ride

Route: Leadville → Continental Divide views
Why Go: High-altitude adventure with a mining town backdrop

Departing from the highest incorporated city in North America, this 2.5-hour ride offers sweeping views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, plus rich stories about Leadville’s colorful silver boom days.

3. Georgetown Loop Railroad

Georgetown Loop Railroad - Wikipedia

Route: Georgetown ↔ Silver Plume
Why Go: To marvel at 19th-century engineering

A short but thrilling ride featuring tight curves, steep grades, and the iconic Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Pair it with a guided mine tour to get the full Gold Rush experience.

4. Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Colorado Has Reopened

Route: Manitou Springs → Pikes Peak Summit (14,115 ft)
Why Go: For bucket-list bragging rights

Operating since 1891, the Cog Railway is the highest in North America. The journey offers sweeping alpine views and the same summit panorama that inspired America the Beautiful.

5. Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Book Your Breathtaking Journey | Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Route: Cañon City → Through Royal Gorge
Why Go: Canyon walls and comfort

Travel along the Arkansas River between 1,000-foot granite cliffs. Choose an open-air car for wind-in-your-hair adventure or a Vista Dome for a luxe panoramic experience.

6. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

[4K] Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Steam Train

Route: Cripple Creek → Historic gold mines
Why Go: A short ride packed with history

This 4-mile steam train journey takes you past old mining sites while narrators spin tales of fortune seekers and the gold boom that built the region.

7. Rio Grande Scenic Railroad (seasonal)

La Veta Mountaineer Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Excursion 2025 - Colorado - BOOK NOW

Route: Alamosa → La Veta Pass
Why Go: Mountain music & Sangre de Cristo views

Climb over La Veta Pass while enjoying views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In summer, some trips feature live concerts in a high-mountain pavilion only accessible by train.

8. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Preserving The Rio Grande

Route: Antonito, CO ↔ Chama, NM
Why Go: For the ultimate steam rail adventure

This 64-mile route is the longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the U.S., crossing the Colorado–New Mexico border with trestles, tunnels, and endless mountain vistas.

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