Colorado’s Scenic and Historic Railroads and Trains offer a Glimpse into Colorado’s Storied Past

Colorado is well-known for its 10 scenic and historic trains and railways, which can take visitors everywhere from mountaintop summits and deep river gorges to rolling valleys and lush vineyards. In fact, one can trace Colorado’s vast history through its trains and railroads, from steam engines and luxurious antique passenger cars to 19^th century narrow gauge railroads and a famous cog railway, taking passengers to areas where no other conveyance can. Following is a brief description of Colorado’s passenger railroads and trains that are sure to be a great addition to any group tour.

The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad packs quite a bit of history into its four-mile route, which traces the path of the now-defunct Midland Terminal Railbed. Beginning at the Cripple Creek railroad depot, which was established in 1894, the railroad takes passengers along majestic Pikes Peak and former mining camps, where prospectors once sought to make their fortunes. The 45-minute trip also runs through Echo Valley, where passengers can hear the train’s whistle echo into the deep valley. Learn more at www.cripplecreekrailroad.com or phone (970) 689-2640.

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is one of Colorado’s most storied vintage railroad lines, having been in operation since 1880. This southern Colorado railroad boasts 64 miles of track featuring two trestles. The route takes passengers through two tunnels spanning more than a football field in length and past several of the railway’s original buildings, still intact. Allow six hours for a one-way trek, which runs from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico. For more information phone (888) 286-2737 or visit www.cubrestoltec.com.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad debuted in 1892 after a top-secret expansion through the Animas Valley to the mining town of Silverton. The 45-mile railroad boasts vintage steam locomotives pulling a variety of rolling stock, including antique and open train cars, along the cliffs of the Animas River Gorge. The train, which also serves as the lone access route to Soaring Tree Top Adventures, a zip line tour, has been featured in several major motion pictures, including The Prestige, starring Scarlett Johansson. The railroad also houses a museum in Durango where visitors can view restored vintage rail cars. Allow 3.5 hours for a one-way trip. You can contact the railroad at (877) 872-5607 and visit their Web site at www.durangotrain.com.

Experience grand adventure aboard a train that takes visitors from Denver to the vineyards of Colorado’s Wine Country. Through a partnership with AAA, train passengers will enjoy spectacular scenery en route to western Colorado, from the Rocky Mountains to The Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat top mountain. Included in the trip is a day-of-departure continental breakfast, two nights’ accommodation in Grand Junction including daily breakfast, visits to several Grand Valley wineries, and a “Wine 101” seminar and tasting by a sommelier from a participating winery.  Guests will return to Denver via luxury motorcoach. For more details phone (800) 962-2547 or go to www.visitgrandjunction.com.

The Georgetown Loop Railroad originally began operation in 1872, running from Denver to Idaho Springs. In 1938, the line was abandoned and then dismantled. It was not until 1969, following an extensive restoration and modernization project, that the railroad began operation once again. The Georgetown Loop Railroad re-opened for full use in 1984, tracing its original 1872 route. In fact, the railway also benefitted from engineering advances not available when it was first in operation. The result is that the railway can now reach areas that were not possible in 1872, including Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Allow 1.5 hours for a one-way ride; an optional 1.5-hour mine tour is also offered. Learn more at www.georgetownlooprr.com or phone (888) 456-6777.

The Leadville & Company Southern Railroad follows a 22-mile route along old lines that were originally developed by now-defunct railroads. Beginning in Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the U.S., the route follows dramatic switchbacks along the upper Arkansas River Valley and passes along the Continental Divide. This trip is popular in the summer and fall months when wildflowers and foliage are in their respective peak periods. The railroad’s route also passes Mount Ebert and Mount Massive, Colorado’s two tallest peaks. Allow 2.5 hours round trip. Phone (866) 386-3936 or visit www.leadville-train.com for more information.

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest train in the U.S., takes passengers 14,115 feet above sea level to the summit of Pikes Peak. It was here that Katharine Lee Bates, inspired by the “purple mountains’ majesty” penned the words to a poem that eventually became the lyrics to the ubiquitous “America the Beautiful.” The cog railway combines a historic, nearly nine-mile route and restored vintage station with modernized cars offering unparalleled views. The journey takes a bit over three hours roundtrip. This includes a stop at the Pikes Peak summit, where passengers can be inspired just like Katharine Lee Bates.  You can phone the railway at (719) 685-5401 and their Web site is at www.cograilway.com.

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is comprised of two separate railroads – the Toltec Limited and the San Luis Express – which combined, span more than 100 miles. The two railroads criss-cross each other in the lush San Luis Valley and through the San Isabel National Forest. The railroad started out as a method of transporting supplies to otherwise impassable mining camps. Today, the railroad makes its way past these now-abandoned settlements, which were left intact and remain inaccessible by any other conveyance. Passengers will enjoy the amazing scenery, which also includes the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Excursion times vary by route and trip options.  Visit  www.riograndescenicrailroad.com or phone (877) 726-7245 for more details.

The Royal Gorge Route runs along an historic 12-mile track from Cañon City, Colorado directly through the Royal Gorge, which was carved out of rocky riverbed along the roaring Arkansas River. This mid-century streamliner offers modern conveniences and comforts with amazing scenery via panoramic-view Vista Dome cars that are open to the sheer, massive canyon walls. One of the most interesting parts of the Santa Fe construction, which dates back to 1879, is the 175-foot, plate girder hanging bridge, a suspension bridge that hangs over the Arkansas River where the Gorge narrows to just 30 feet. More than 100,000 guests ride this train annually, and each and every one of them have access to the Royal Gorge Route’s open-air cars, where it’s not unusual to spot a bald eagle or blue heron.  It’s also where passengers can take in an unequalled view of the Royal Gorge Bridge, the second-highest suspension bridge in the world.  The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is one of Colorado’s premier trains and is the only one in the state that offers first-class dining aboard various classes of service, including gourmet lunch, dinner and murder mystery trains.  Allow 2-hours for this 24-mile roundtrip during the day and 3 hours at night. For more information phone (888) 724-5748 or visit www.royalgorgeroute.com.

The (California) Zephyr operated by Amtrak is described as a spectacular, high-speed tour through the Rocky Mountains. The Zephyr, which boasts Vista Dome cars offering nearly unimpeded views of the landscape, operates on a 321-mile scenic stretch in Colorado making six stops: Fort Morgan, Denver, Fraser, Granby, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction. The Colorado portion is part of a 2,500-mile route from San Francisco to Chicago. The Zephyr also has an onboard “Trails and Rails” program operating between Denver and Grand Junction. “Trails and Rails” is an innovative partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service, providing educational opportunities to passengers for the purpose of fostering appreciation of America’s natural and cultural heritage. Go to www.amtrak.com or phone (800) USA-RAIL for more details.

Golden, Colorado is home to the Colorado Railroad Museum which boasts a replica of an 1880s-style railroad depot, antique restored locomotives and rolling stock, rare photographs, artifacts and documents illustrating the colorful history of Colorado’s railroads.  Visit the museum’s Web site at www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org.

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