railroad trips from denver

4 Incredible Day Trips You Can Take From Denver By Train

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There is something so fun and magical about riding on a train… wouldn’t you agree? Even though trains are no longer as popular as they once were, these nostalgic treasures can still be found in and around the city, with these four railroads even offering some of the most interesting day trips near Denver by train , the likes of which you will not find anywhere else. Let’s check out these Denver train rides !

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Wouldn’t you agree that these are some of the most unique day trips near Denver, by train or otherwise, that you’re going to find? In the comments, tell us about your favorite train ride around the city! For even more railroad fun, check out this epic train ride near Denver that will give you an unforgettable experience.

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Best day trips near denver.

What are some of the most unique things to do around Denver?

There are so many unique things to do in and around the Mile High City. Why not take a day trip from Denver to Dillon where you’ll find a reservoir and the Frisco Bay Marina? Here, you can rent a boat and spend the day out on the water. Colorado Springs is a town that’s completely worthwhile to spend some time in. Explore the downtown area filled with shops and restaurants, take a ride with the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and view Seven Falls, a natural wonder that’s so close to Denver.

What road trips can I take from Denver?

With stops in and around the Denver area, our haunted road trip to the scariest places in Colorado may be of interest to those of you who enjoy a good scare. Denver’s Cheesman Park is just one stop along the way. Perhaps you’re more interested in seeing some of the best waterfalls in Colorado , some of which are close to the Mile High City.

Are there any train museums near Denver?

Everyone loves trains so let’s visit one of the city’s train museums! Fun for kids and adults of all ages, the Forney Museum of Transportation not only has a collection of trains but vintage cars, aircraft, motorcycles, and other forms of transportation. 

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Psst… 15 Colorado Train Ride Experiences

The first train tracks were laid in Colorado the 1860’s and since then the trains have been transporting people through the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer.

Two of Colorado’s scenic train rides have been rated as top in the country,  and there are over five railroad museums in the state as well as the World Famous Tiny Town and Railroad . But it isn’t all tourist attractions! Colorado is midway through the California Zephyr’s route from Chicago to San Francisco and the section of tracks through the Rockies is said to be the most beautiful train trip in the west. Discover Colorado’s trains from playful to practical!

15 COLORADO TRAIN RIDE EXPERIENCES

Scenic train adventures, #1 georgetown loop railroad and mining park.

Photograph courtesy of ©Georgetown Loop Railroad

Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park  was one of Colorado’s first tourist attractions. Completed in 1884 this track was originally used to transport folks among mountain mining towns.  In 1975 it became the Georgetown Loop and has been a tourist attraction ever since. The train runs between Georgetown and Silverplume and you can start from either town and experience the entire loop. This spot is a great place to plan a day trip. You can ride the train in coach or class it up in the parlor car. They also offer ticket combos so you can ride the train and tour the Lebanon Mine all in one day.

Opening day for 2018 is April 28th and advanced reservations are available for the season.

Cost: Varies by package . Basic ticket Adult $25.95/Child (3-15 years old) $18.95

All aboard the train starting at the Silver Plume Depot Location  825 Railroad Avenue, Silver Plume, CO 80476   or Devil’s Gate Depot Location   646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO 80444

#2 LEADVILLE COLORADO & SOUTHERN RAILROAD CO

Photograph courtesy of ©Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad Co

Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad Co  takes passengers for a meandering 2.5 hour ride along old Denver, South Park & Pacific and Colorado & Southern lines to the Continental Divide. As the train makes its way through the San Isabel National Forest conductors regale the guests with Colorado history and anecdotes, so it is entertaining and educational! They also offer some great adventure packages like:

•   Zip Line and Train Ride  is a chance to see the Colorado wilderness from land and air! Enjoy the winding train ride through the mountains and then experience the thrill of zip lining over the forest to base camp.
• Raft and Rail Package Special  includes a rafting adventure through Brown’s Canyon and then a relaxing train ride back up through the mountains to Leadville.
• The Devil’s Tail BBQ  brings the train and delicious BBQ for a delicious ride through the mountains.
• The  Wildflower Special  is a celebration of the peak blooming season for the wildflowers in the high mountains. This train ride passes by some incredible vistas and includes a 20 minute guided hike and a catered lunch.

Cost: Basic train ride Adult $41/ Children $22/ 3 under are free

Psst…They offer a 15% military discount , special rates for riding in the caboose or engine.

All aboard the train at 326 E 7th St, Leadville, CO 80461

#3 ROYAL GORGE ROUTE RAILROAD

Photograph courtesy of ©Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Royal Gorge Route Railroad  departs from Cañon City and is a 2 hour ride of  amazing views and delicious food. Passengers can choose from riding in Coach or upgrade to the beautiful view of the Vista Dome Class. The food is sourced locally when possible and prepared and served on the train. The views are stunning and a highlight of the gorge route is the 1879 hanging bridge located along the north side where the gorge narrows to 30 feet (9.1 m) and the sheer rocks walls plunge into the river.

Cost: Basic coach  Adult $49/Child $44/ Children under 3 ride free seated on an adult lap

All aboard the train at S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212

#4 CRIPPLE CREEK AND VICTOR NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

Photograph courtesy of ©Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad  may have a stuffy sounding name but this is a fun four-mile, 45 minute ride on a steam locomotive near historic mines and beautiful scenery. The ride features stories about the area and stops for photos and questions along the way. Don’t worry about missing the train! They run every forty minutes starting at 10am and ending around 5pm. They are seasonal so  look for their opening dates on their website!

Cost: Adults $15.00/ Children ages 3-12 years $10.00/Seniors over 65 – $14.00 /$1.00 Off for AAA & Active Military ID

All aboard the train at 520 E Carr Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

#5 DURANGO AND SILVERTON TRAIN AND RAILROAD MUSEUM

Photograph courtesy ©Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango and Silverton Train  offers train rides all year around. The current offering is the Winter + Spring Train to Cascade Canyon  and is a 26-mile journey through the San Juan National Forest and along the Animas River with stunning views from inside heated coaches. In early May they expand their trips to offer a variety of options that last from half-day to full day excursions. If you get hungry on the ride hot and cold lunches are available for purchase, as well as drinks from the Concession Car.

The Historic Narration Journey   is for those who are interested in knowing the good, the bad, and the history of the train. With actors in costume to make things authentic this train ride takes you back in time in style and comfort. Since you will be in the area make sure you visit the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum . Free entry, authentic historical items, displays from the past as well as knowlagable staff lends to a wonderful experience in the history of the railroad in Colorado.

Psst…If you are planing to visit the railroad make sure to take advantage of their Summer Train Discounts before March 31!

Cost: Standard-Class Coach (all ages) available all season Adults $65/ Children $39

All aboard the train at 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

#6 CUMBRES AND TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD

Photograph courtesy of ©Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad  was number one in the  USA’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Poll  for American Train Rides! It is a bi-state railroad adventure with narrow gauge steam engines that provide full and half-day trips through stunning landscapes. The trains leave daily from Antonio, CO and Chama, NM to meet in historic Osier, CO. You can take the train one way and a motor coach the other way or vice versa for a shorter journey. Don’t worry about getting hungry, included in the ticket price is a buffet lunch in Osier, CO. They offer Special Trains through out the year like a Forth of July Dinner Train, a Sunset Dinner Train or the Wildflower Botany Train.

Cost: Half Day Trip Adult $84.75/Child $32.25

Full Day Trip starting at Adult $99.75/ Child $49.75

All aboard the train at 5234 US Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120

#7 RIO GRANDE SCENIC RAILROAD

Photograph courtesy of ©Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad  roams among the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain ranges. The depot center is located in Alamosa in the San Luis Valley with the excursion train running to La Veta between May and October during the year. Starting on the weekends in June through September you can experience  Mountain Rails Live.  Hop the train with world class musicians and ride together to Fir Summit (a concert venue only accessible by rail) and enjoy music among the beautiful mountain vistas.  The other special event that happens annually is the Rails and Ales event in June, a mountain top brewfest that regularly sells out months in advance.

Cost: Adult $109/ Child $89

All aboard the train at  610 State Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101

Psst… For more scenic train rides check out our article ‘ 9 Things to do in Colorado this Spring ‘!

TRAIN MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS

#8 colorado railroad museum.

Photograph Courtesy of ©Colorado Railroad Museum

Colorado Railroad Museum  is a delightful museum for railroad and history fans alike. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the museum has an outside railyard including a roundhouse and indoor exhibits that change regularly. Every weekend they have Ride the Rails Saturday  where they offer short train rides. Special events that happen every year are A Day out With Thomas , where fans who are young at heart can meet Thomas the Tank Engine and around the winter holidays they present the Polar Express  where they theatrically-recreate the beloved book for children of all ages.

Cost: Museum Members and Children under 2 are free/ Adults $10/ Children $5/ Seniors $8

Train Ride Tickets: Adults (16+) $4/ Children (2-15) $2

All aboard the train at 17155 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403

#9 COLORADO MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM

Photograph courtesy of ©Colorado Model Railroad Museum

Colorado Model Railroad Museum  has beautiful displays of trains that will enchant and delight all ages! Miniature dioramas with a large variety of trains and models, there is education and delight around every turn of the tiny railroad.

Cost: Adults $10/ Children (4 – 12 years old) $5

All aboard the train at 680 10th St, Greeley, CO 80631

Psst… Colorado Model Railroad Museum was also featured in our round up of ‘ Best Undiscovered Colorado Museums to Visit ‘!

#10 BELLEVIEW PARK MINIATURE TRAIN

Photograph courtesy of ©Joshua Dorkin

The Belleview Park Miniature Train  has been running over 30 years and operates through Memorial Day to Labor Day at only $2 per ride! The tracks are located right next to the  Belleview Children’s Farm, so after you get off the train you can see and play with barnyard animals and discover a little bit of the farmyard in the city. 

Cost: $2 per ride

All aboard the train at 5001 S Inca Dr, Englewood, CO 80110

#11 TINY TOWN AND RAILROAD

Photograph courtesy of ©Tiny Town & Railroad

Tiny Town and Railroad  opens in May and has children sized buildings for youngsters and adults to explore and peer inside the windows to a smaller world. This little park also has also has a miniature train ride that offers ten minute rides around the park.

Psst…if you are curious about how a steam train is put to bed you can read about it on their website !

Cost: Adults $5 / Kids 2-12 $3/ Train rides $2

All aboard the train at 6249 S Turkey Creek Rd, Morrison, CO 80465

DOWNTOWN TROLLEYS

#12 platte valley denver trolley.

Photograph courtesy of ©Platte Valley Denver Trolley

Hop the trolly in Denver and ride the rails like they did in the 1800’s! Beginning on Thursday, May 24, 2018 the Platte Valley Denver Trolley  will be giving riverfront rides five days a week, as well as special services and fares during football season for those who would like to catch a ride to Mile High Stadium.

Cost: Adults (ages 13 and older)$5 / Children $2/ free under age 4

All aboard the train at 1400 Water Street, Behind REI along the South Platte River., Denver, CO 80202

#13 FORT COLLINS MUNICIPAL RAILWAY

Photograph courtesy of ©Fort Collins Trolley

Fort Collins Municipal Railway  is a fancy name for a sweet little trolley that will start giving rides in Fort Collins on May 1, 2018. Birney Car 21 picks up passengers along Old Town and is a half hour ride through some of the classic areas of Fort Collins.

Cost: Adults $2/ Seniors & Children $1/ free under 3

All aboard the train at  1501 W Oak St, Fort Collins, CO 80521

PRACTICAL TRAIN RIDES

#14 denver airport rail.

Photograph courtesy of ©RTD

The Denver Airport Rail  is a convenient way to get from Denver International Airport to downtown Denver. With six stops along the way and a ticket price of $9 this is a great option for getting to and from the airport instead of asking a friend to come pick you up.

All aboard the train at Union Station  Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202  and at Denver International Airport  8500 Peña Blvd, Denver, CO 80249

#15 CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR

Photograph courtesy of ©Amtrak

The California Zephyr  is operated by Amtrak and leaves from Denver at Union Station. You can get to your destination in style with multiple stops anywhere between Chicago and San Francisco. If you are heading west it is said that the ride across Colorado and Utah is the most beautiful in the United States.

Cost: Depends on where you are going…

All aboard the train at Union Station  Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202

Travel | The best Colorado train trips whether you want…

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Things To Do

Travel | the best colorado train trips whether you want scenery or family-friendly fun, there’s a summer railway adventure for everyone in the centennial state.

Time travel may not be a thing. But taking a trip on one of Colorado’s legendary railways gets you pretty darn close. Train tracks wind up mountainsides, showing off the same views that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen “America the Beautiful” at the turn of the 20th century. They connect storied mining towns in the Rocky Mountains and, for drama’s sake, trace the ledge of Toltec Gorge just south of the Colorado border amid a remarkable landscape that has drawn Hollywood filmmakers for decades.

Steam ahead for four of Colorado’s iconic train trips that are the perfect speed for summer.

Best day trip: Georgetown Loop Railroad

With Victorian architecture and an occasional train whistle setting the soundtrack, Georgetown is a small town that’s big on charm. But did you know that in the 1800s, this mountain town 45 minutes west of Denver was known as the “Silver Queen of Colorado” and was the third-largest city in the state? Today the Georgetown Loop connects two of the state’s famous mining towns, Georgetown and Silver Plume, and you can take in the sights during a round-trip narrow-gauge, steam-powered train ride.

“Those who haven’t seen a steam engine operate will be amazed at how impressive these locomotives are, using 19th-century technology to pull a heavy train up a steep mountain,” says Mark Graybill, president and general manager of the Georgetown Loop. “Unlike today’s locomotives, each engine almost seems human, with its own personality.” It’s almost as if you can hear them breathe, taking heavy sighs after they’ve been working hard, he says.

Round out your trip by adding on a mine tour and gold panning, and pop in for a cocktail at The Bread Bar in Silver Plume which is housed in an 1800s-era bakery and names its cocktails after local mining legends.

• Duration: About 75 minutes
• Cost: Tickets start at $24.95 for children ages 3-15 and $30.95 for everyone else. Children age 2 or younger ride for free.
• Info: georgetownlooprr.com

Best scenery: The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

In the late 1800s, tourists wanting to see the views from the top of Pikes Peak made the journey on mules. But Zalmon Simmons (the founder of what became the Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Co.) had the idea to engineer a more comfortable ride up the 14,115-foot mountain. In 1889 construction of the Pikes Peak Cog Railway began. One of the early Pikes Peak passengers was Katharine Lee Bates, who would conclude that “all the wonder of America seemed displayed there,” leading her to write “America the Beautiful.”

The cog railway recently shut down for three years so workers could rebuild and modernize the 9 miles of track that gain 7,795 feet in elevation. In 2021 the railway reopened, coinciding with its 130th year. Aboard shiny red train cars engineered in Switzerland, riders embark on a journey from the Manitou depot to the top of Pikes Peak, where they can get out and enjoy those awe-inspiring summit views as well as the new Summit House.

Along the ride, keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, foxes and marmots and marvel at the 2,000-year-old Bristlecone pines that dot the route. If you’d like a bit more adventure, arrange to ride the train up and then hike down on Barr Trail.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: Tickets start at $48.50 for children up to age 12 and $58.50 for everyone else.
• Info: cograilway.com

Best for movie buffs: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad has appeared in more than 40 films and is perhaps best known for the circus animal scenes in “Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade.” The railway also received lots of air time in the Jay Z-produced film “The Harder They Fall” and in the recent movie “Hostiles.”

Running coal-fired steam locomotives from Antonito as well as Chama, N.M., the railroad follows 64 miles of tracks first laid down in 1880 that zigzag, crossing between Colorado and New Mexico 11 times. The train skirts canyon walls through 600-foot-deep Toltec Gorge, burrows through tunnels, and steams over Cascade Trestle (137 feet above a creek). It also ascends to the top of 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, which is the highest point reached by any steam railroad in North America.

You’ve got lots of train trip options, but new this year is the 168 Dinner Train and 168 Brunch Train which provide a ride in a museum-quality historic train in all of its Victorian splendor.

• Duration: Multiple trips, ranging from express rides to full-day excursions.
• Cost: Rates start at $25 for children ages 2-5, $45 for children ages 6-12, and $90 for everyone else.
• Info: cumbrestoltec.com

Best for the whole family (Fido, too): Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

The railroad uses three, coal-fired narrow-gauge locomotives during the summer season, but one that kids especially love is the blue and red No. 2 engine that looks like a real-life Thomas from “Thomas the Tank Engine.”

A lot of ground is covered during this 45-minute route that goes south of Cripple Creek, passing the Midland Terminal Wye over a reconstructed trestle and past historic mines, including the deserted mining camp of Anaconda. Legend has it that the mine was so rich that ore was plowed out by ox teams.

Train cars are mostly open-air, and well-behaved dogs are allowed to join on the 4-mile ride.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Cost: Tickets are $12 for children ages 3-12, $15 for seniors over age 65, free for children age 2 or younger, and $17 for everyone else.
• Info: cripplecreekrailroad.com

Of course these aren’t the only popular train rides around the state. We also enjoy riding on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad , Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Leadville Railroad and at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Some of these railroads also offer lunch and dinner rides and special excursions featuring music and photography tips.

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Denver Railroads

Colorado has one of the most colorful railroad histories in the world. Following the discovery of gold and silver in the Rockies, railroad lines were pushed up nearly every canyon and high pass, making them the lifeline of every mining camp and community in the state.

It was the railroads that changed Denver from a wild frontier town to a large, urban city -- the most elegant and sophisticated metropolis between Chicago and Los Angeles. The colorful history of railroading through the Rockies has inspired railroad buffs for many years, making Denver one of the major destinations in the world for rail fans. But even railroad novices will enjoy some of the model railroads and railroad museums to be found in the area.

COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM

Established in 1958, this museum has the largest collection of historic records, mementos, artifacts, photos and stock of Colorado railroads. At one point, more than 2,000 miles of narrow-gauge track probed the mountains of Colorado, and the exciting era comes to life at the  Colorado Railroad Museum .

The Museum is housed in a replica of an 1880-style masonry depot, filled with 50,000 rare old photographs and artifacts. Outside on 12 acres of sprawling grounds are more than 50 narrow- and standard-gauge locomotives, cars and other rolling stock. The museum has its own spur, allowing it to have "steam ups" throughout the year. In the basement of the museum is one of Colorado's largest HO model railroad exhibits, representing more than 20 years work in an area 45 feet by 20 feet, much of it recreating a cross-section of the state's most interesting railroads such as those at Cripple Creek, Telluride and Tennessee Pass. There are also many special events throughout the year, including Steam Ups With Thomas, visits from Santa and much more. It's a great, family-friendly attraction. Locomotives and cars come from such famous Colorado railroads as the Colorado Midland; the South Park, the Florence & Cripple Creek; the Denver Boulder & Western; and the Manitou & Pikes Peak.

The Rio Grande Southern 1931 Galloping Goose No. 2; a meticulously restored Rio Grande 1881 Baldwin 2-8-0 engine; a huge Burlington CB&Q 4-8-4 locomotive; and the "Navajo," a 1937 steel observation car once used on the Santa Fe Super Chief. The museum also has the Railroad Book Store with more than 1,000 titles as well as an assortment of railroad gifts, tapes, magazines and memorabilia.

DENVER TROLLEY

The  Denver Trolley  is a replica of an open-air "Seeing Denver" streetcar operated by the Denver Tramway Company in the pre-World War I era. The trolley follows a scenic route along the South Platte River, beginning near the REI building at  Confluence Park.  It   then goes by the  Downtown Aquarium ,  Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus,   Empower Field at Mile High  and other attractions.

GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD

The  Georgetown Loop Railroad    is a reconstruction of one of Colorado's most famous railroads. The original railroad reached  Georgetown  in 1877 and builders intended to continue it to the rich mining town of  Leadville . That line was never completed, but it was decided to push the railroad up the valley another two miles to the neighboring mining camp of  Silver Plume . The problem was that Silver Plume was 600 feet higher in elevation. To gain that much altitude that fast, the railroad had to twist and turn four and a half miles, making two and a half complete circles and at one point crossing over itself on a 90-foot-high trestle -- the Devil's Gate Bridge. With the collapse of the mining industry and the coming of the automobile, the railroad was closed and in 1939 the bridge and rails were torn up for scrap metal. For 35 years the grade lay undisturbed, but then the Colorado Historical Society began to buy the land to reconstruct and operate the railroad. Steam returned to the valley in 1975, and in 1984 the Devil's Gate Bridge was reopened. Today, steam-powered locomotives make the climb up the valley through the end of September. The train may be boarded in Georgetown or Silver Plume and offers panoramic views, particularly when crossing the bridge. From the open-air viewing cars it is possible to see bighorn sheep and other wildlife, and the sound of the train whistle echoing down the valley is unforgettable.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

Get a feel for the rails while seeing some spectacular scenery that only a train ride can provide by traveling from Denver to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, on the  Rocky Mountaineer   . You'll go through Ruby Canyon, see Mount Logan and cross the Continental Divide and see deserts, arches and hoodoos. The spacious glass-domed train coaches let you take it all in. 

Tiny Town  began in 1915 at the site of an old stagecoach stop just outside of Denver when George Turner began erecting one-sixth sized buildings for his young daughter. In 1920, the town was open to the public and in just five years it became one of Colorado's top five attractions. By 1939, a miniature railway was added, but a flood, a fire and changing economic conditions forced the attraction to close. In 1988, volunteers began the resurrection of Tiny Town. Today, more than 100 colorful buildings are in place, all beautifully hand-crafted with wonderful details, many with full interiors. Some of the buildings are exact replicas of famous structures from Colorado's history, but all fit the character of a Colorado village at the turn of the century. The one-sixth size village is circled by the miniature tiny town railway, a mile-long run with open-air cars pulled by an authentic steam locomotive similar to the narrow-gauge locomotives that once worked the mountain lines of Colorado. The train crosses a trestle over a small stream, and curls through tall pine trees in its lovely mountain location, affording excellent views of the 100 buildings of the village.

FORNEY MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION

The  Forney Museum of Transportation    is a one-of-a-kind collection of more than 500 exhibits relating to historical transportation. It began with antique cars, but soon expanded to include vehicles of all kinds. Some of these are familiar, while others spark the imagination. Highlights include the Big Boy, the world's largest steam locomotive, and a selection of Forney Locomotives, as well as rail cars and private cars.

HUDSON GARDENS

Constructed in the spring of 2000,  Hudson Gardens & Event Center's    Garden Railroad features more than 700 feet of "G" gauge railroad brass track, trestles, bridges, waterfalls, and a variety of plantings matching the scale of the miniature trains. Higher and lower loops allow two trains to run simultaneously--a diesel engine and a steam engine. And a third rail even runs a trolley on a short line. More than 40 tons of rock were used to create this condensed Colorado landscape. A great diversity of plants, from dwarf conifer to rock garden miniatures "create" the garden. The water is recycled to the lower pond and up over the two waterfalls. The Railroad Garden is a popular attraction for Garden Railroad enthusiasts of all ages! The railroad runs May through the first weekend in October. 

OTHER RAILROADS IN COLORADO

Royal gorge route.

Considered by many to be the most spectacular stretch of rail in America, the  Royal Gorge Route    offers the best experience of the Royal Gorge on a breathtaking, two- or three-hour scenic and historic train ride on the most famous portion of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western train line. The tracks cling to a narrow ledge while the canyon walls rise 2,000 feet straight above. A highlight is the world-famous "Hanging Bridge." The train features one of Colorado's finest gourmet lunch and dinner train experiences throughout the year, as well as many special events, including Mother's Day Brunch, Oktoberfest and Santa Express Train.

CRIPPLE CREEK & VICTOR NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

Take a ride on the  Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad   , a four-mile round trip through one of the most historic goldfields in Colorado on authentic steam locomotives. Cripple Creek legalized casino gambling in October 1991, and now offers over 20 casinos with slot machines, poker and blackjack. The train runs daily from Memorial Day Weekend through October.

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

The   Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad   - an American legend. The daily 90-mile round trip train excursion from Durango to Silverton allows you to travel through the San Juan mountains of Southwestern Colorado, going into areas accessible only by train. Coaches, open gondolas, parlor car, fired steam-operated narrow-gauge locomotives. Five trains operate during the peak of season. Open from early May to late October.

CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD

500 S. Terrace Ave, Chama, NM The  Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad  is America's longest (64 miles each way) and highest (10,015 feet) narrow- gauge steam railroad. Starting in Antonito, Colorado, the line angles southwest through rolling high country, then begins a steady climb through the forested slopes of the San Juan range, passing through groves of pine and at 10,015 feet in spectacular Toltec Gorge of the Los Pinos River. The line then begins a precipitous 4-percent grade drop into Chama, New Mexico.

COLORADO & SOUTHERN R.R. CO

326 E. 7th St., Leadville Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the nation, is the departure point for the Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad . The train leaves from Leadville's century-old depot and travels over the old Colorado & Southern high line, following the headwaters of the Arkansas River up to a spectacular view of Fremont Pass. Then it's down to French Gulch water tower where the train stops to view Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak.

Fall & Winter

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Ride, Dine & Unwind

Come experience a spectacular train ride through Colorado’s Royal Gorge in comfort and style.

Come experience a spectacular train ride through the Colorado Rockies in comfort and style.

Ride the First Class Dinner Train

Click here for gift certificates, ride the rails through colorado’s royal gorge..

The Royal Gorge Railroad combines breathtaking scenery and exceptional service with a casual menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites, prepared fresh, right on board the train. We offer up to four departures daily aboard our Dome, Deluxe or Coach classes of service. Check out our award-winning First Class Lunch and Dinner Trains as well, where we offer our romantic, multi-course culinary experience, along with a selection of wines from around the world.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers up to four daily departures, including 9:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm, with 6:30 pm departures on weekends. Click BOOK NOW to select your journey and view departure options.

Featured experiences

Mother’s Day Train

Ride with the Engineer

• Breakfast Train

• First Class Lunch Train

• Lunch Train

• First Class Dinner Train

Deluxe Class

Coach Class

Don’t take our word for it

In 1905, president teddy roosevelt described our railroad as “the trip that bankrupts the english language”..

This is a truly memorable train ride through the Colorado Rockies where we combine gorgeous scenery, exceptional service, and tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner experiences featuring your casual dining favorites, made fresh right on board the train. For our First Class dining experience, check out our First Class Lunch and Dinner Trains!

Testimonials

Where to stay.

Where you lay your head is as important as the adventure you take. Royal Gorge Route Inns offer beautifully appointed rooms and homes for rent while you’re exploring Canon City and the Royal Gorge Region. Our lodging is newly renovated and beautifully maintained. These properties are among the very best places to stay in the Royal Gorge Region and Canon City. Plus, you’ll be located within walking distance of downtown shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, the Arkansas River Walk and Royal Gorge Route Railroad Santa Fe Depot boutique. 

Adventure awaits

Hop aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and experience a one-of-a-kind adventure through the Royal Gorge and Colorado Rockies. Departing daily from the Santa Fe Depot in Canon City.

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• Directions to the Royal Gorge
• Group Information
• Royal Gorge Train History
• Royal Gorge Route FAQ
• Tourism Consulting
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• Privacy Policy
• Dinner Train
• Happy Endings Caboose Cafe
• Attractions
• Royal Gorge Mansion
• Santa Express Train

© 2024 Royal Gorge Route Railroad. All Rights Reserved. | 401 Water St. | Canon City, CO | 81212

• Conductor’s Wine List
• Mother’s Day Train
• Online Gifts
• Gift Certificates
• Greenwood Inn – Romantic Getaway
• Fairview Vacation Home
• 2024 Brochure
• Royal Gorge Route Railroad History
• Train History
• Royal Gorge Route Videos

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

401 Water St. Cañon City, Co 81212

T:  719.276.4000 E:  [email protected]

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Discover the best of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains by visiting the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park for gold panning & historically immersive experiences.

Loop us into your calendar throughout the year. Special events are happening every season:

Opening Day 2024

March 23, 2024

Bunny Train

March 23-24, 30-31

Mother’s Day Weekend

May 11-12, 18-19

Wild West Days

June 1-2, 8-9 | August 17-18, 24-25

Father’s Day Weekend

Sasquatch Adventure Days

July 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

Grandparents’ Weekend

September 7-8

Fall Colors Train

September 20-22, 27-29

Pumpkin Fest Train

October 4-6

Located just off I-70 and only 45 miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad and Mining Park is one of Colorado’s most authentic living museums and historically immersive experiences. Bring your family and friends for a narrow gauge train ride, book a real silver mine tour, or learn how to pan for gold. Discover the rugged romance of the Colorado Rockies in the 1880s. Climb aboard and travel back in time. We may just become part of the colorful history and traditions of your family too!

Visit History Colorado’s Other Regional Museums and Sites

Click below for more information.