Colorado is not just renowned for its breathtaking landscapes but also it’s many scenic train rides. There are at least 7 that I have compiled and ranked for you in this post, all of which take passengers through majestic mountains, verdant forests, and along rushing rivers.
Here are the 7 best scenic train rides in Colorado:
- Royal Gorge Route Railroad
- Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
- Durango And Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad
- Cumbres and Toltec Scenic railroad
- Georgetown Loop Railroad
- Leadville Colorado Southern Railroad
- Pikes Peak Cog Railroad
I’ll be discussing a summary of each of the scenic railroads in a moment but at the end of the day, this top 7 list is my subjective view of it and frankly every single one on this list is amazing. You preferences may be different than mine but you can’t really go wrong with any of the options here!
Royal Gorge Route Railroad:
This train journey takes you through the spectacular Royal Gorge on a 24-mile round trip. The train runs alongside the Arkansas River, at the bottom of a 1,000-foot canyon, providing stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the famous Royal Gorge Bridge. One can argue that the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is the best scenic train ride in all of Colorado, but there are many more contenders to that, so let’s continue the list.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Ticket prices: $30+
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad:
This seasonal train ride used to operate from Alamosa to La Veta, traveling over La Veta Pass with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The train often features live music onboard, combining scenic views with entertainment. Currently this ride is not in service but if that updates, I’ll add the details to this post too.
Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad:
The Durango And Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a historic steam-powered train that travels through the rugged San Juan National Forest, offering stunning views of the Animas River and the surrounding mountains. The journey between Durango and Silverton takes passengers back in time, with options for open-air gondolas or vintage coaches.
- Duration: 9 hours
- Ticket prices: $60+ per person
Cumbres And Toltec Scenic Railroad:
As America’s highest and longest narrow gauge railroad, the Cumbres And Toltec Scenic railroad takes passengers on a 64-mile journey between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The route crosses the border between Colorado and New Mexico 11 times, offering panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains and the Conejos Valley.
- Duration: Up to 9 hours
- Ticket prices: $40+
Georgetown Loop Railroad:
Located just west of Denver the Georgetown Loop Railroad includes an engineering marvel from the 1880s, a high trestle bridge that loops over itself to gain elevation. The train ride offers breathtaking views of Clear Creek Valley and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Although it’s a short ride, the experience and views on it are breathtaking!
- Duration: A little over 1 hour
- Ticket prices: $100+ per person
Leadville And Southern Railroad:
Departing from the historic mining town of Leadville Colorado, this train climbs almost 1,000 feet over a 2-3 hour round trip, offering views of the Arkansas River Valley, the Mosquito Range, and the Continental Divide. If you are looking for a great blend of historical rail riding with incredible views of the Rockies, then the Leadville Colorado And Southern Railroad is what you’ll want to book tickets for!
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Ticket Prices: $30 per person
Pikes Peak Cog Railway:
Although not a traditional train ride, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a unique experience that takes passengers to the summit of Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain. The journey offers incredible views of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Ticket prices: Around $50
Note: This ride was closed for renovations but has reopened, offering a modern experience on the world’s highest cog railroad. There are also other similar cog railroads across the US including the Mount Washington Cog Railway which can provide you with similar types of views, but Cog’s Peak Railway is just way higher in elevation.
Best times to go:
For most if not all the train rides on this list, I’d recommend going between June-October. While this period is usually when there’s a lot of other people visiting the state and these rides, the reason why is because the weather throughout the state is far better then, especially during the summer so you’ll have way more opportunities to enjoy the sights vs having rain and snow situations happen as you travel through these locations.
Another thing to note is purchasing tickets as soon as you can is imperative. Because I suggest going during peak seasons, you’ll often find that a lot of other families and people are trying to snag them as well, so purchase them online if you can at least a few weeks out.
These train rides in Colorado offer a mix of historic travel, stunning natural beauty, and unique Colorado experiences. Whether you’re interested in the history of the Old West, the tranquility of nature, or just looking for a memorable adventure, Colorado’s scenic train rides are easily a great way to get some of the best experiences of all this when visiting the state.