All Aboard! The Ten Best Train Tours in Colorado

Though many Colorado mines ran dry, the rail lines that once served them are as prosperous as ever. Year-round, thousands of passengers climb aboard these historic lines that travel along sheer cliffs, through dense forests and up to alpine summits. Powered by steam locomotives, some excursions are less than an hour, but other more modern routes span for days and even cross the state’s borders.

Regardless of the adventure you choose, expect breathtaking scenery around every bend. Here are the ten best train tours in Colorado to put on your bucket list.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
479 Main Avenue, Durango
Relax or embark on an epic adventure via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Established in 1882, this National Historic Landmark once hauled gold and silver ore between the two mountain towns. Now, it transports amazed tourists through the stunning San Juan Mountains. Backpackers and rafters also climb aboard for stops in the Weminuche Wilderness, which leads to remote fourteeners and thrilling rapids along the Animas River. Year-round tours with various themes, including fall photography and The Polar Express, further make this one of the best experiences in Durango.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs
Generally, fourteener adventures are for the strong and daring. But this mechanical wonder makes summit views accessible to all year-round. Since its completion in 1891, the attraction has claimed fame as the longest and highest cog railway in the world. Modern cars take visitors from the depot in Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak, where panoramic views extend to the Collegiate and Sangre de Cristo ranges. Discover the line’s legacy through onboard narration and interpretive exhibits at the mountaintop visitor center. The famous cinnamon-sugar donuts are a must for the ride down.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
646 Loop Drive, Georgetown
Ranked among the best things to do in Georgetown, this scenic train route is the most accessible from Denver. Ride along hairpin turns and high above Clear Creek while crossing Devil's Gate Bridge — an engineering marvel when the line was completed in 1884. The round-trip journey to Silver Plume clocks in at about an hour, but the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. Through September, passengers can extend their experience with an underground tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine. Golden autumn foliage and a holiday light display make this attraction worth revisiting later in the season.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
5234 US Highway 285, Antonito
Crisscross state borders aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, which departs from terminal stations in Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. Admire high peaks, steep canyons and abundant wildlife from open-air gondolas and restored cars. Docents share insight into the National Historic Landmark, which transported silver as early as 1880. Following the 64-mile journey, passengers return to their starting point via a one-hour bus ride. Abbreviated tours are also available from Cumbres Pass, which culminates at 10,022 feet. Don’t miss your chance to ride — trains run through October 25.
Leadville Railroad
326 East Seventh Street, Leadville
Journey through the Upper Arkansas River Valley aboard this former freight line, which once connected Denver to the boomtown of Leadville. Following the silver rush, the railroad was revived in the late ‘80s with scenic public tours. Marvel at Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the state’s two tallest peaks, on this two-and-a-half-hour ride. Through September, fall foliage adds to the postcard-worthy views. Tours celebrating Oktoberfest and the holiday season follow and are available to the whole family — pups included!

Royal Gorge Route Railroad
401 Water Street, Cañon City
Dramatic views are guaranteed along the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Carved by the Arkansas River, the canyon’s sheer granite walls stand as tall as 1,200 feet. Take in the scenery from open-air cars and enclosed coaches, like the glass-encased Vista Dome and deluxe class booths. Impressive meals and a full bar add to the year-round experience. Consider booking the Santa Express during the holiday season or its brand-new laser light show evening excursion. Dancing, colorful beams make the cliffs even more magical.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
520 East Carr Avenue, Cripple Creek
Travel back to the gold rush era aboard the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Originally built in 1894 and re-established in the late ‘60s, this historic route rolls past several former mines. Conductors offer a wealth of information about the region’s fortune-seekers and point out photo-worthy spots like the expansive Echo Valley. Book your tickets soon, as 45-minute excursions end after the first week of October.

Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks
1701 Wynkoop Street
Witness some of the Western United States’ most stunning landscapes on this two-day excursion with Rocky Mountaineer. From Denver, passengers travel over the Continental Divide and into Glenwood Springs, where an overnight stop provides time to explore the town’s attractions — including some of the best hot springs in Colorado. The next morning, the journey continues to Moab, Utah, where red rock canyons, natural archways and otherworldly hoodoos abound. Starting next year, this luxurious line will continue all the way to Salt Lake City. Return the way you came or take a quick direct flight back to DIA.
Southwest Chief
110 West Pine Street, Trinidad
Operated by Amtrak, the Southwest Chief train travels more than 2,200 miles between Chicago and Los Angeles, with several stops in southeastern Colorado. Climb abroad in Lamar, just minutes from the Amache National Historic Site. Then, disembark in La Junta to witness one of the state’s ghost towns, Indigenous petroglyphs and autumn’s tarantula tourism. The route continues down to Trinidad, where outdoor recreation, Western art and local restaurants are among the many fun things to do.
Winter Park Express
1701 Wynkoop Street
Still debating an Epic versus Ikon pass? Keep in mind that the latter provides unlimited entry to Winter Park Resort, the only Colorado ski area entirely accessible by train. With expanded service last season, round-trip rides from Union Station transported more than 40,000 bundled-up passengers between December and March. Stay tuned for this coming season’s schedule announcements and never have to worry about the notorious winter traffic on I-70.