There’s a moment on every great Colorado train ride when the road disappears. The pavement, the parking lots, the traffic apps all fall away, and suddenly it’s just you, a river far below, and a mountain that no car could ever reach. That’s the magic of riding the rails in Colorado: these trains go where the highways can’t, and they’ve been doing it since the silver-boom days when narrow-gauge steam was the only way over the passes.
Whether you’re chasing golden aspens in the fall, hunting for the best family day trip near Denver, or planning a bucket-list run through a river gorge, there’s a Colorado train with your name on it. Here’s your complete guide to the rides worth booking, what makes each one special, and how to turn any of them into a full Colorado weekend.
Why ride the rails in Colorado?
Cars are great. But a train changes the whole feel of a trip:
- You get to actually look. No white-knuckling switchbacks or watching for elk on the shoulder. Somebody else drives while you stare out the window.
- They reach the unreachable. River gorges, 14,000-foot summits, and canyon walls with no road access at all.
- The history is real. Many of these lines were carved out in the 1880s to haul silver, gold, and ore. You’re riding the same rails the miners did.
- It’s a whole day, handed to you. Snacks, a bar car, a story from the conductor, and scenery that keeps topping itself. Just show up.
Now, the trains.
The bucket-list run: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
If you only ride one Colorado train in your life, make it this one. Coal-fired steam locomotives have been climbing the 45 miles from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton since 1882, and the route follows the Animas River right through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, into a gorge you simply cannot see any other way.
- The ride: Roughly 3.5 hours each way, with a couple of hours to poke around Silverton before the return trip.
- What you’ll see: The Animas River gorge, high canyon walls, and some of the most rugged country in the Lower 48.
- Best season: Summer for the full through-ride; late September into early October for jaw-dropping aspen color on the fall photo trains.
- Make a weekend of it: Base yourself in Durango, walk the historic Main Avenue, and grab dinner downtown. In Silverton, wander Blair Street and get a slice of pie before you climb back aboard.
The highest and longest: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Running between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico, the Cumbres & Toltec is the longest and highest narrow-gauge steam railroad in the country, cresting Cumbres Pass at 10,015 feet. It’s a National Historic Landmark and, frankly, one of Colorado’s most underrated experiences.
- The ride: A full-day, 64-mile journey with a hot lunch stop in the middle at Osier.
- What you’ll see: The dizzying Toltec Gorge, high meadows, and trestles that seem to hang in midair.
- Best season: Fall is spectacular here, with aspens blanketing the high country in gold.
- Local thing to try: You’re in the San Luis Valley, so grab some roasted green chile and a sopaipilla while you’re down here.
The easy family win near Denver: Georgetown Loop Railroad
Short on time but still want the real thing? The Georgetown Loop is your answer, and it’s barely an hour up I-70 from Denver. This historic 1880s line corkscrews between Georgetown and Silver Plume, crossing the famous Devil’s Gate High Bridge, where the track literally loops over itself to gain elevation.
- The ride: About 70 minutes round trip, perfect for younger kids and short attention spans.
- What you’ll see: The high bridge, tight mountain curves, and an optional stop at a real silver mine tour.
- Best for: Families, first-timers, and anyone who wants a taste of the narrow-gauge experience without a full-day commitment.
- Make a day of it: Georgetown itself is a gem. Stroll the historic district, feed the ducks at the lake, and stop for lunch before heading home.
The one that goes right into the canyon: Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Departing from Cañon City, the Royal Gorge Route runs along the Arkansas River straight through the bottom of the Royal Gorge, with those thousand-foot granite walls towering overhead and the famous bridge crossing the sky far above you.
- The ride: About two hours round trip, with open-air cars so nothing gets between you and the canyon.
- The upgrade: This line is famous for its dining. Lunch, brunch, and multi-course dinner trains turn the ride into a full experience.
- Best for: Couples, foodies, and anyone who wants scenery with a white tablecloth.
- Make a weekend of it: Cañon City pairs the train with whitewater rafting on the Arkansas and a drive up to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
The 14er by train: The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
This one is a genuine engineering marvel. From Manitou Springs, the highest cog railway in North America climbs all the way to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired “America the Beautiful.”
- The ride: Roughly three hours round trip, including time at the summit.
- What you’ll see: Four life zones in one trip, from forest to alpine tundra, ending with a view that stretches for a hundred miles.
- Plan ahead: This one sells out. Book well in advance, dress in layers (it can be 30 degrees colder at the top), and take it easy up there, the altitude is no joke.
- Local thing to try: Down in Manitou Springs, sip from the historic mineral springs and browse the artsy, walkable downtown.
The affordable everyday adventure: Amtrak’s California Zephyr
Here’s the sleeper pick that locals love. You don’t need a special excursion ticket to ride one of the most beautiful stretches of railroad in America. Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs daily out of Denver Union Station, and the leg west to Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction carries you through Fraser Canyon, the Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide, and the stunning Glenwood Canyon along the Colorado River.
- The ride: A relaxed half-day to Glenwood Springs, no driving required.
- Why locals love it: It’s affordable, it runs year-round, and it ends somewhere wonderful.
- Make a weekend of it: Step off in Glenwood Springs and soak in the world’s largest hot springs pool, then ride back the next day.
More rails worth your time
Colorado is stacked with historic railroads. A few more to put on the list:
- Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad — A high-country ride out of North America’s highest incorporated city, with views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two tallest peaks in the Rockies.
- Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad — A short, sweet loop through gold-mining country in historic Cripple Creek.
- Winter Park Express — Amtrak’s winter ski train runs weekends from Denver Union Station straight to the base of Winter Park Resort. No I-70 traffic, no parking, just skis and a smile.
- Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden) — Not a long ride, but a fantastic rainy-day stop for train-loving kids, with locomotives to climb on and short weekend rides.
When to go: chasing fall color by rail
Autumn is the crown jewel of Colorado train season. As the aspens turn, usually from mid-September into early October depending on elevation, the narrow-gauge lines run some of their most popular trips of the year. For peak gold, aim your trip at the higher routes:
- Cumbres & Toltec, over 10,000 feet, turns early.
- Durango & Silverton runs special fall photo trains through the San Juans.
- Georgetown Loop and the Leadville line frame the color beautifully at Front Range-adjacent elevations.
Book fall rides early. These are the tickets that sell out first.
Before you go: a few local tips
- Reserve ahead. The marquee rides (Durango & Silverton, Pikes Peak Cog, fall trains) sell out weeks out. Don’t wing it.
- Dress in layers. Mountain weather flips fast, and open-air cars are breezy. Bring a jacket even in July.
- Respect the altitude. Summit rides top 14,000 feet. Hydrate, go easy, and skip the extra coffee.
- Check the pet and stroller policy before you show up. It varies by railroad.
- Bring the real camera. Phone shots are great, but these are the views you’ll want to print.
Your quick-pick guide
- Best overall bucket list: Durango & Silverton
- Best fall color: Cumbres & Toltec
- Best with kids, close to Denver: Georgetown Loop
- Best for a date or a great meal: Royal Gorge Route
- Best big-summit thrill: Pikes Peak Cog Railway
- Best value, no reservations needed: Amtrak California Zephyr
However you ride, a Colorado train is one of those rare trips that’s just as much about the journey as the destination. Pick your route, book your seats, and let somebody else take the wheel for a change.
Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Explore our town guides and weekend ideas across the state at GoColorado.com.