Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking train rides in the entire country. From deep mountain gorges to sky-high peaks, these routes offer views that feel almost too beautiful to be real.
Whether you love history, nature, or just a good old-fashioned adventure, there is a Colorado train ride made just for you. Hop aboard and get ready to see the Centennial State from a whole new perspective.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Colorado
Few train rides in America carry as much legend as this one. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been running continuously since 1882, making it a living piece of Wild West history.
Passengers ride in authentic Victorian-era coaches pulled by a coal-fired steam engine.
The route winds through the stunning Animas River Gorge, where towering canyon walls rise on both sides. It is a 45-mile journey each way, and every mile delivers jaw-dropping scenery that no photograph can fully capture.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – Antonito, Colorado
Straddling the Colorado-New Mexico border, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is the highest and longest narrow gauge steam railroad still operating in the United States. At its peak, the train climbs to 10,015 feet at Cumbres Pass, offering riders a truly epic high-altitude experience.
Built in 1880, the route passes through remote wilderness that is largely unchanged from the days of the Old West. History buffs and nature lovers alike will find this 64-mile journey absolutely unforgettable.
Georgetown Loop Railroad – Georgetown, Colorado
Imagine crossing a spiraling loop of track suspended high above a mountain valley. That is exactly what riders experience on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a Victorian-era engineering marvel that was considered one of the wonders of the West when it opened in 1884.
The famous High Bridge stretches 300 feet across and sits 95 feet above Clear Creek. Beyond the thrilling trestle crossing, the route offers stunning Rocky Mountain scenery and optional tours of the Lebanon Silver Mine for those wanting extra adventure.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Cañon City, Colorado
Carved by the Arkansas River over millions of years, the Royal Gorge is one of Colorado’s most dramatic natural wonders. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad takes passengers directly through this magnificent canyon, with granite walls soaring up to 1,000 feet on either side of the train.
The route runs 24 miles round trip from Canon City and operates year-round, offering different experiences with every season. Dinner trains, brunch rides, and special holiday excursions make this one of the most versatile scenic railroads in the state.
Leadville Railroad – Leadville, Colorado
At 10,152 feet above sea level, Leadville is already the highest incorporated city in the United States. The Leadville Railroad takes that altitude even further, climbing into the surrounding Rockies for breathtaking views of the Sawatch Range, including the majestic Mount Elbert.
The two-hour round trip ride is relaxed and family-friendly, making it a great choice for all ages. Onboard narration shares the fascinating mining history of the region, giving riders both scenery and stories to take home with them.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Reaching the summit of a 14,000-foot mountain by train sounds almost too good to be true, but the Pikes Peak Cog Railway makes it a reality. Operating since 1891, this iconic cog railway is the highest in North America, taking riders all the way to the Pikes Peak summit at 14,115 feet.
The views from the top are staggering on clear days, stretching across the Great Plains and deep into the Rockies. Recently upgraded with new Swiss-built trains, the experience is smoother and more comfortable than ever before.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – Cripple Creek, Colorado
Gold rush energy still hangs in the air around Cripple Creek, and the narrow gauge railroad here brings that history to life in a wonderfully fun way. The four-mile round trip ride loops through the historic mining district, passing old mine ruins, ghost town remnants, and stunning mountain terrain.
This is one of Colorado’s most family-friendly train experiences, with friendly narration and plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Summer and early fall are the best times to ride before the season wraps up.
Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad – Alamosa, Colorado
Tucked away in the sweeping San Luis Valley, the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad offers a quieter, more contemplative train experience. Riders are treated to wide-open views of the valley floor with the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains forming a stunning backdrop to the east.
The route connects to some of the most underrated scenery in all of Colorado, far from the usual tourist crowds. For travelers who appreciate solitude, wide skies, and authentic railroad heritage, this is a truly rewarding ride worth seeking out.
Winter Park Express – Denver to Winter Park, Colorado
Skiers and snowboarders have a secret weapon in Colorado: the Winter Park Express. Running weekends during ski season, this Amtrak train departs from Denver’s Union Station and delivers riders directly to the slopes of Winter Park Resort without a single traffic jam in sight.
The journey passes through the famous Moffat Tunnel, which bores right through the Continental Divide at 9,239 feet. Even non-skiers enjoy the ride for the mountain scenery alone, making it a beloved Colorado winter tradition for families and adventurers alike.
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