The early trains of Colorado hauled dreams, gold and grit across the spine of the Rockies. Once the iron lifeline of booming mining towns, these railways have transformed into windows to the past. Today, these rails ferry passengers through the same breathtaking canyons and over the same dramatic passes—but these days, it is more about the journey than the destination.
As novelist Paul Theroux mused in his 1975 travelogue The Great Railway Bazaar: “I have seldom heard a train go by and not wished I was on it.”
Colorado’s trains still stir the spirit of adventure.
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer has operated luxury train journeys in Western Canada for 35 years and in 2021, they launched their first standalone route in the United States—Rockies to the Red Rocks.
This is no typical train ride. The trains travel only during the day, with overnight hotel stays in mid-point destinations, so guests don’t miss a moment of the ever-changing landscapes through the oversized train windows. The route travels between Denver and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stop in the stunning Glenwood Springs. In 2026, Rocky Mountaineer will also offer a three-day version of this route which will extend to Salt Lake City.
Rockies to the Red Rocks features SilverLeaf railcars—spacious with panoramic windows. And unique to this route is a SilverLeaf Plus upgrade option, which gives guests access to an additional lounge car with a dedicated bartender, top shelf beverage options and craft cocktails.
https://www.rockymountaineer.com/
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
The 64-mile Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. It is the longest, highest steam railroad in North America, traversing spectacular scenery—through forests, wildflower-filled high plains and a rocky gorge. Straddling Colorado/New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times.
This is the perfect time to visit because in August, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is celebrating 100 years with a week-long tribute to K-36 locomotives, the workhorses that helped conquer the Rocky Mountains. The festivities begin Aug. 13.
Can’t make it that week? There are always lots of great options on the Cumbres & Toltec. Serious railfans should try the full 64-mile line between Chama, NM, and Antonito, CO. There are also roundtrips, a short 1.5-hour trip from Chama to Cumbres with a bus return, geology trains, dinner trains, 4th of July trains and more—something for everyone. The closest station is in Antonito, about three hours southwest of Colorado Springs.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This one requires a long weekend, as Durango is about 5 ½ hours southwest of Colorado Springs. But it is worth the trip. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was voted the “Best Scenic Train Ride in America” in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards.
Although it opened in 1882 primarily to haul gold and silver (more than $300 million in precious metals are estimated to have been transported over this route), the railroad was also promoted as a scenic passenger route from its earliest days. Check out the year-round excursions and events, including the Scenic Round-Trip Silverton Train, Highline Express, Skyway Tour, Shamrock Express, Cowboy Poetry Train, Polar Express™ Train and more.
And don’t forget the 12,000-square-foot D&SNG Railroad Museum. It’s free and open to the public. Several steam locomotives and railroad cars are on display. Explore the cab of a locomotive and the history of the local railroad.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Mining super fan? This is the train for you. Experience the Old West as it was when Georgetown was known as “The Silver Queen of the Rockies” with gold panning and mine tours. Georgetown is about 2 hours from Colorado Springs.
Running from Silverplume to Georgetown (or vice versa), the ride lasts about an hour and 15 minutes and can be boarded from either station. Add on an optional walking tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine, located at the halfway point. Please wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers, and bring a jacket.
Georgetown Loop also offers various themed rides such as Wild West Days and the Sasquatch Adventure Train. Trains run regularly from April-October, followed by Santa trains, a Victorian Holiday Celebration Train and a Holiday Lighted Forest Train.
https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Looking for something close? Royal Gorge Route Railroad has been creating memories since 1998. This train boards from Canon City—less than an hour’s drive south of Colorado Springs. The train runs west along the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge, carrying more than 200,000 passengers each year.
They offer coach, deluxe and Vista Dome seats on up to four departures per day, year-round. Try the breakfast, lunch or dinner trains, as well as special experiences like a laser light show train, a ride with the engineer, the Santa Express Train and more.
Morning and afternoon departures are about 1 hour 50 minutes, evening departures run about 2 ½ hours. Enjoy a meal, then take a local microbrew or top-notch cocktail out to one of the open-air cars to enjoy the view.
https://www.royalgorgeroute.com/
Leadville Railroad
Originally owned by the Denver South Park & Pacific Railroad, the "highline" was completed in 1884 and traveled 151 miles from Denver and crossed the continental divide twice before arriving in Leadville.
The Leadville Railroad is the last remaining section of the original route and runs regularly from May through October. Enjoy stunning views of the Upper Arkansas River Valley, Colorado's two tallest peaks, Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive, and the peaceful San Isabel National Forest.
Most trips are 2 ½ hours. Learn about Leadville's colorful history including famous characters such as the Tabors, Molly Brown and Doc Holiday. There are also wildflower and BBQ tours, as well as Holiday Express and Winter Express rides in heated lounge cars. It’s only 2 ½ hours from Colorado Springs, but bring a coat as the temps can be much cooler.
https://leadvillerailroad.com/
Amtrak California Zephyr
The full route travels 51 hours and 20 minutes from Chicago to San Francisco. But you can do just part of it–Denver to Glenwood Springs or Grand Junction, for instance.
Departing from Denver, the train climbs rapidly across the Front Range and through the historic Moffat Tunnel, a nearly seven-mile passage beneath the Continental Divide. As it emerges, passengers are treated to spectacular views of alpine terrain, pine forests, and winding canyons. The route follows the upper Colorado River, weaving through remote stretches like Gore Canyon and Glenwood Canyon, with steep cliffs and narrow riverbanks.
Passengers enjoy large windows, comfortable seating, and panoramic views from the Sightseer Lounge car. The California Zephyr offers coach and sleeper accommodations, along with dining.
The first Amtrak train rolled out of New York City en route to Philadelphia in 1971. More than a half century later, a national system connects more than 500 destinations across more than 21,400 miles.
https://www.amtrak.com/california-zephyr-train
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Just a quick, beautiful drive up Hwy 24 and a sharp left at Divide leads you to the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Originally, narrow gauge railways like this were essential for transporting ore and supplies through the steep, rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains.
This is a great budget option for the whole family–seven departures per day with rates from $14-$19 and children three and under riding for free. It’s four miles and 45 minutes–easy peasy, with pretty views and educational narration about the area’s rich history. The track goes south out of Cripple Creek, over a reconstructed trestle, past many historic mines, to Echo Valley and World’s Fair then turns around and heads back to the 1894 depot and gift shop.
It’s been a family-run business since 1967. Open seasonally from May to October.