Colorado is home to some of the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery in the entire country, and the best way to soak it all in is from the window of a historic train. Whether you are crossing sky-high bridges, winding through narrow gorges, or climbing above the clouds, these rail journeys offer something truly unforgettable.
From century-old steam engines to modern scenic railways, each trip tells a story of the wild West. Pack your camera, grab a seat by the window, and get ready to explore Colorado on rails.
Georgetown Loop Railroad – Georgetown, Colorado
Back in 1884, engineers pulled off something remarkable: a railroad that loops over itself to climb a steep mountain grade. The Georgetown Loop Railroad in Georgetown, Colorado, is a living piece of that history.
Passengers ride a narrow gauge steam train across a dramatic trestle bridge towering 95 feet above Clear Creek.
You can even hop off and tour a real silver mine along the way. Families love this one, and it runs seasonally from late spring through fall.
Leadville Railroad – Leadville, Colorado
At over 10,000 feet above sea level, Leadville is already the highest incorporated city in the United States, and the Leadville Railroad takes you even higher. This two-hour round trip winds through breathtaking alpine terrain with views of Mount Elbert and Turquoise Lake that feel almost too beautiful to be real.
Narrated by knowledgeable guides, the journey brings Colorado mining history to life. It is a relaxed, scenic ride perfect for anyone wanting big mountain views without the hike.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – Antonito, Colorado
Stretching 64 miles through the San Juan Mountains, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is the longest and highest narrow gauge steam railroad in North America. Starting in Antonito, Colorado, this National Historic Landmark crosses into New Mexico and back, passing through wild terrain that roads simply cannot reach.
Passengers share a coal-fired steam engine that has been running since 1880. Few train experiences in the country match this one for sheer historical authenticity and raw natural beauty.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Cañon City, Colorado
Imagine sitting in a glass-topped dome car as sheer granite walls rise 1,000 feet on either side of you. That is exactly what the Royal Gorge Route Railroad delivers, running along the Arkansas River through one of Colorado’s most dramatic canyons right outside Canon City.
Gourmet dining options, open-air cars, and murder mystery events make this more than just a scenic ride. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, the gorge never stops feeling absolutely awe-inspiring.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Durango, Colorado
Few train rides in America are as legendary as the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Running continuously since 1882, this coal-fired steam train carries passengers 45 miles through the stunning Animas River Canyon, deep into the heart of the San Juan Mountains.
The trip from Durango to the old mining town of Silverton takes about three and a half hours each way. Riders are treated to waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and mountain meadows that feel completely untouched by modern life.
Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Climbing to 14,115 feet, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs is the highest cog railway in the entire world. Modern Swiss-built trains grip the steep track and carry passengers to the very summit of Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired the song “America the Beautiful.”
Round trips take about three hours and include time at the top to enjoy the views. On a clear day, you can see four states from the summit.
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – Cripple Creek, Colorado
Gold was discovered in Cripple Creek in 1890, and the town boomed almost overnight into one of the richest mining districts in the world. Today, the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad rolls through that same historic landscape on a fun, narrated four-mile loop.
Old mine ruins, tunnels, and scenic overlooks line the route. It is a shorter ride compared to others on this list, but the storytelling and setting make it a totally worthwhile stop, especially for history buffs and families.
Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad – Alamosa, Colorado
Tucked in the vast San Luis Valley, the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad in Alamosa offers a rare look at the southern Colorado landscape that most tourists never discover. The routes wind through open grasslands and near the dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park, offering a completely different side of Colorado.
It is a quieter, less crowded alternative to the bigger tourist railroads. Travelers who appreciate wide open spaces and big skies will find this journey genuinely refreshing and surprisingly moving.
Winter Park Amtrak Station – Winter Park, Colorado
Riding Amtrak’s California Zephyr to Winter Park is one of the most underrated mountain experiences in Colorado. The train departs Denver early in the morning and climbs through the Rockies, passing through the famous Moffat Tunnel before arriving right at the base of Winter Park Resort.
Skiers and snowboarders can ride the train up and ski back down without ever touching a car. Even in summer, the ride through the Fraser Valley and surrounding peaks is genuinely spectacular and worth every minute.
Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to the Red Rocks – Denver, Colorado
Canada’s famous Rocky Mountaineer expanded into the American Southwest with a jaw-dropping route called Rockies to the Red Rocks, departing from Denver. Glass-domed coaches give every passenger a nearly unobstructed view as the train rolls through the Rocky Mountains and into Utah’s canyon country.
Gourmet meals, attentive service, and storytelling hosts make this a premium experience unlike anything else on this list. For a truly luxurious Colorado rail adventure, this two-day journey sets the gold standard for scenic train travel.
Ski Train – Denver to Winter Park Historic Route
Long before driving to the slopes became the norm, Coloradans hopped aboard the Ski Train from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort. This beloved winter tradition ran for decades and has seen various revival efforts over the years, reminding riders just how magical train travel through snowy mountains can be.
When it runs, the trip takes about two hours and drops skiers directly at the resort base. Nothing beats swapping a crowded highway for a cozy seat and mountain views out the window.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad – Alamosa to La Veta, Colorado
Running between Alamosa and La Veta through the stunning La Veta Pass, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers one of Colorado’s most serene and underappreciated rail experiences. The route climbs through mountain meadows and aspen groves before descending into the charming town of La Veta.
Special themed excursions like fall foliage trips and holiday trains make it even more memorable. Riders looking for a peaceful escape from crowded tourist spots will feel right at home on this quiet, beautiful stretch of southern Colorado track.