• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Made in CO
  • Search
Colorado Train Rides Durango and Silverton Railroad Locomotive
The end of the line, Silverton. Photo: Mike McBey

Colorado Railroads & Passenger Trains

1
SHARES
FacebookTwitter

Colorado has a rich history of railroads and trains. Today, you can take a passenger train ride across the state via Amtrak, or a historic tour on a narrow gauge track. Most trains offer passenger service during most of the year. Read our railroads blog.

Historic Railroads in Colorado

From narrow gauge to cog railways, you can find a number of track types in the Rockies. Most of the narrow gauge tracks were chosen became space was limited high in the mountains. Several of the historic routes still operate.

Cripple Creek Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – Cripple Creek-Victor

Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railway

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – Antonito

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Durango-Silverton

Fort Collins Municipal Railway

Fort Collins Municipal Railway – Fort Collins

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Georgetown Loop Railroad – Georgetown-Silver Plume

Leadville Colorado Southern Railroad

Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad – Leadville

Pikes Peak Cog Railway Manitou Springs Colorado

Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Manitou Springs

Platte Valley Trolley

Platte Valley Trolley – Denver

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad – Alamosa-la Veta

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Cañon City

Tiny Town Railroad Morrison Colorado

Tiny Town & Railroad – Morrison

Amtrak and RTD Passenger Railroads in Colorado

Today, you can take a railroad trip across the state via Amtrak, or a tour on a narrow gauge track. Sometimes you need to get from A to B and a train is the perfect way to accomplish this. Amtrak runs two train routes through Colorado. Denver’s RTD Light Rail transports passengers across the metro area and to Denver International Airport.

Amtrak Rail Raton Pass Colorado

Amtrak Rail – Colorado

RTD Light Rail Denver Colorado

RTD Rail-Light Rail – Denver Metro

Guide to Railroads in Colorado

Rio Grande Scenic Railway Alamosa Train Depot
Rio Grande Scenic Railway at Alamosa Train Depot. Photo: Don Barrett

Colorado operates a number of popular train rides, though most of its railroads are used for freight. There are a few passenger train options that will advance someone from A to B, though most of them are scenic loops that are more for sightseeing than transportation. Amtrak has two lines that pass through Colorado. One in the southeast, passing through Trinidad. And the other passes completely through east to west, making its grand stop at Denver Union Station along the way.

Train Union Station Denver Colorado Transportation
Train at Denver Union Station. Photo: Robert Rynerson

Whether you’re traveling across country by train, or checking out historical railroads that played an important role in modernizing the United States, Colorado railroads are one of the most popular attractions to visit. During the 19th century, U.S. Presidents pushed for the completion of an intricate network of trains to carry people, cargo, and even livestock, from coast to coast. Fueled by the mining boom, Colorado’s railroad history is fascinating, beginning in the 1860s.

Many of the Colorado railroads that are still being used, are being used for their original purposes (usually freight). There are many train lines that grace the local railroads that are still in use. Amtrak is the only passenger train system that runs on Colorado railroads, other than a few scenic train routes.

However, over seven different lines are still being used for freight and cargo. Some of these include the Utah Railway, Kyle Railroad, BNSF, the Union Pacific Rail, and the Colorado and Wyoming Railway. Out of all of these, the Union Pacific Railroad is one of the oldest railroad systems that runs on the Colorado railroads. Established in 1862, this ancient train company has been bringing freight to almost every corner of the country.

Modern freight trains might be fascinating for train enthusiasts, but not for the average tourist. No, tourists generally fall in love with the mystique of historical trains. Most of the railroads that tourists care to learn about are now-defunct railroads that once carried settlers, cowboys, and travelers to different towns.

Colorado’s Historic and Scenic Train Rides

Pikes Peak Cog Railway Vintage Colorado Historic Train
Vintage Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Photo: Robert Huffstutter

Another fun member of the group of defunct trains that once rode the Colorado railroads is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This section began in the early 1880’s, and was created to carry cargo, supplies, mining goods, and even people from local mines to major cities. Though it was once an extensive network of tracks, it has been reduced to a single line. You can still ride this narrow gauge railroad as a tourist. Combine a train ride with zip lining, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, ATVing, Jeeping, rock climbing or mountain biking.

There’s no doubt that trains fueled American’s expansion out west. Colorado’s mining history accelerated the tracks laid to remote mountain towns, many of which still run trains today. Some trains run year round, while others operate during the summer and fall.

Colorado Railroad Yampa Valley Moffat Tunnel 1966
The Yampa Valley at Moffat Tunnel railroad in 1966. Photo: Herbaert Maruska

Parents who have small children who adore trains will love a train ride. Quaint, fun, and chock-full of history, it’s very hard to go wrong with taking a stop at one of the local historic railroad museums in Colorado. You can rest assured that people traveling with you will be all aboard with your decision to visit them.

Many of the tourist trains offer unique events, like dinner trains and Oktoberfests. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad has a fun murder mystery ride, which runs from late May through October. The Georgetown Loop Railroad connects the former mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. You can take this scenic two mile loop and combine it with a tour of the Lebanon Mine. Two more historic mining towns, Cripple Creek and Victor, is connected via the Cripple Creek & Victor NGRR

America’s highest train is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. It summits Pikes Peak, a 14,114 foot peak in El Paso County. Trips depart daily from charming Manitou Springs. Another year round train is the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad in southern Colorado. Departing Alamosa, it’s the highest and longest route on standard gauge rail.

The highest and longest coal-fired, steam-operated narrow gauge railroad in the U.S. is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It runs 64 miles along the 64 miles along Colorado and New Mexico border. Chugging along from late May through early October, the Leadville Colorado Southern Railroad is a unique trip that allows your dog on the train. Guests can meet the engineer and tour the caboose and engine.

The Front range cities of Denver and Fort Collins feature trolleys. Take a ride on the Fort Collins Municipal Railway, a 30 minute trek from City Park to Old Town Fort Collins. Take in Downtown Denver via the Platte Valley Trolley, a 1986 replica of a 1903 Brill open street car. Visitors can stop by the Denver Rail Heritage Society, learn about this cute trolley’s history, and also experience the history by actually taking a ride on the centuries-old streetcar. Rides are very inexpensive, and all proceeds go to local historical sites.

Colorado’s Railroad Museums

Learn about Colorado’s locomotive past at railroad museums. Several historic railroads provide small museums, featuring train artifacts and exhibits. Both Golden and Pueblo have large museums dedicated to the region’s railroad history.

Colorado Railroad Museum

Colorado Railroad Museum – Golden

Pueblo Railway Museum

Pueblo Railway Museum – Pueblo

Latest in Railroads

image of dallas divide

Things to do in Colorado in October

As we enter into fall in Colorado during October, everyone looks for ways to enjoy the…

Things to do in Colorado in OctoberRead More

Colorado Railroad History Denver & Rio Grande Western K-37

A Brief Snapshot of Colorado’s Fascinating Railroad History

Today, Colorado’s old railroad tracks and passenger cars might look like nothing more than curious relics…

A Brief Snapshot of Colorado’s Fascinating Railroad HistoryRead More

image of durango and silverton train

All Aboard these Top 9 Train Rides in Colorado

From utility to tourist attraction, Colorado’s railroad system has seen its share of twists and turns…

All Aboard these Top 9 Train Rides in ColoradoRead More

Moffat Tunnel, CO

Incredible Interstate and Railroad Tunnels in Colorado

Tunnels are an incredible feat of human engineering. By boring out tons and tons of earth,…

Incredible Interstate and Railroad Tunnels in ColoradoRead More

Colorado Christmas Train Rides Georgetown Loop Railroad North Pole

Tis The Season for Christmas Trains in Colorado

{Georgetown North Pole Train, photo by Georgetown Loop Railroad Facebook} What Christmas would be complete without…

Tis The Season for Christmas Trains in ColoradoRead More

Denver International Airport Train

How to Ride the A Line, aka Denver Airport Train

The start of your next international escape or regional jaunt is only a train ride away.…

How to Ride the A Line, aka Denver Airport TrainRead More

Denver Union Station Railroad Depot Train Tracks

Colorado’s Train Stations and Railroad Heritage

As crises go, this was a biggie. The Union Pacific Railroad decided that the Transcontinental Railroad…

Colorado’s Train Stations and Railroad HeritageRead More

Related Activities

Another way to see the sights is by car. Combine a scenic drive with other fun activities.

Colorado Ghost Towns
Ghost Towns
ColoradoMine Tours
Mine Tours
Scenic Drives
Scenic Drives

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

Colorado Activities

  • All Activities
  • All Attractions
  • All Recreation
  • Amusement
  • Archaeological Areas
  • ATV Rentals
  • Biking
  • BLM Land
  • Boating
  • Brewery Tours
  • Camping
  • Casinos
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Comedy
  • Concerts
  • Distillery Tours
  • Dog Sledding
  • Drive-In Theaters
  • Dude Ranches
  • Escape Rooms
  • Factory Tours
  • Federal Lands
  • Fishing
  • Ghost Towns
  • Go Karts
  • Golfing
  • Hang/Paragliding
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hot Air Balloons
  • Hot Springs
  • Hunting
  • Ice Climbing
  • Ice Fishing
  • Ice Skating
  • Jeep Rentals
  • Lakes
  • Landmarks
  • Marijuana Tours
  • Mine Tours
  • Miniature Golf
  • Museums
  • National Conservation Areas
  • National Forests
  • National Grasslands
  • National Monuments
  • National Recreation Areas
  • National Wilderness Areas
  • National Wildlife Refuges
  • Paintball
  • Performing Arts
  • Public Parks
  • Railroads
  • River Tubing
  • Rivers
  • Rock Climbing
  • Rodeos
  • Scenic Drives
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Skiing
  • Skydiving
  • Sleigh Rides
  • Snow Tubing
  • Snowbiking
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Speedways
  • Sports Teams
  • State Parks
  • State Wildlife Areas
  • Theatre
  • Waterfalls
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Wildlife
  • Winery Tours
  • Zip Lines

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Federal Lands
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2021 · Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer