Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking train rides in the entire country. From towering mountain peaks to deep river gorges, these scenic railways take you through landscapes that look like they were painted by hand.
Whether you love history, adventure, or just want to sit back and enjoy the view, there is a train ride here for everyone. Get ready to discover nine unforgettable rail journeys across the Centennial State.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Durango, Colorado
Few train rides in America carry as much legend as this one. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been running since 1882, hauling silver and gold through the San Juan Mountains.
Today, it carries wide-eyed passengers instead.
The coal-fired steam engine fills the air with a nostalgic whistle as it winds through the Animas River Gorge. Tall canyon walls and pine forests create a jaw-dropping backdrop.
This 45-mile round trip feels like stepping into a classic Western movie.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – Antonito, Colorado
Straddling the border between Colorado and New Mexico, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is the highest and longest narrow gauge steam railroad in North America. That alone makes it worth the trip.
The route climbs to over 10,000 feet, crossing dramatic trestles and tunneling through rocky mountainsides. Wildflowers carpet the meadows in summer, and elk are sometimes spotted grazing nearby.
History buffs will love knowing this line dates all the way back to 1880.
Georgetown Loop Railroad – Georgetown, Colorado
Imagine crossing a bridge so high and curvy that the train almost loops back over itself. That is exactly what happens on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, and it never gets old.
Built in 1884, this engineering marvel was considered one of the greatest feats of its time. The ride takes you through Clear Creek Canyon and past historic silver mines you can actually tour.
Kids especially love spotting the old mining equipment scattered along the hillsides during the journey.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad – Cañon City, Colorado
The Royal Gorge is one of Colorado’s most jaw-dropping natural wonders, and riding a train through it is an entirely different experience from standing at the rim above. Granite walls soar nearly 1,000 feet on either side of the Arkansas River.
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers dome cars, open-air cars, and even a luxury dinner service. Every seat gives you a front-row view of roaring rapids and ancient rock formations.
Spring and fall bring especially stunning colors to the canyon walls.
Leadville Railroad – Leadville, Colorado
At over 10,000 feet above sea level, Leadville is already the highest incorporated city in the United States. Hop on the Leadville Railroad and you climb even higher into the Rocky Mountains.
The two-hour round trip takes passengers through alpine tundra, past old mining ruins, and alongside the headwaters of the Arkansas River. On a clear day, views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive are absolutely stunning.
This ride pairs perfectly with a visit to Leadville’s charming historic downtown afterward.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Pikes Peak inspired the song “America the Beautiful,” and riding the cog railway to its 14,115-foot summit is an experience that truly lives up to that legacy. The views from the top stretch for hundreds of miles on a clear day.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway uses specially designed Swiss trains built for steep mountain climbing. The round trip takes about three hours.
At the summit, fresh doughnuts are a beloved tradition that visitors look forward to almost as much as the scenery itself.
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – Cripple Creek, Colorado
Gold fever once gripped Cripple Creek in the 1890s, making it one of the richest mining towns in the world. The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad brings that wild history back to life on every ride.
The four-mile round trip winds through abandoned gold mine sites and offers narrated commentary about the town’s colorful past. It is a short but charming journey, perfect for families.
Children are especially captivated by the old mining equipment and stories of fortunes won and lost in these hills.
Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad – Alamosa, Colorado
The San Luis Valley is one of Colorado’s most underrated treasures, and the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad gives you a peaceful, unhurried way to take it all in. Wide skies and distant mountain ranges make every window feel like a painting.
This heritage railroad celebrates the rich history of the Rio Grande rail lines that once connected southern Colorado communities. The flat valley terrain makes for a relaxing ride, quite different from the steep mountain railways elsewhere in the state.
It is a wonderfully calm and reflective experience.
Winter Park Express – Denver, Colorado
Ski boots, snowboards, and a train ticket are all you need for one of Colorado’s most beloved winter adventures. The Winter Park Express runs from Denver’s Union Station straight to the slopes of Winter Park Resort, cutting out all highway traffic stress.
Operated by Amtrak, this seasonal train passes through the famous Moffat Tunnel, a 6.2-mile passage beneath the Continental Divide. The journey takes about two hours and feels surprisingly cozy.
Grab a hot chocolate on board and watch the snowy Rockies roll past your window like a living holiday postcard.
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