Railroads & Locomotives Hot Spots Colorado Railfan Vacation Hotspots

Colorado Railfan Vacation Hotspots

By Angela Cotey | April 24, 2009

| Last updated on January 29, 2021


Railroad museums, trains to photograph, even a chance to engineer a locomotive yourself; Colorado is a railfan's paradise.

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Our June 2009 “Fantrip” offered an itinerary for a 10-day Colorado railfan vacation. But you have 11 days to explore! Just in case you find yourself with time to spare, here are more ideas for railfan fun in Rocky Mountain territory.
The Forney Transportation Museum
The museum features more than 500 transportation exhibits. For the rail enthusiast, the stars are a Forney 0-4-4T steam locomotive and Union Pacific Big Boy 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive, among the biggest to ever operate in North America. Located at 4303 Brighton Boulevard, Denver, Colo. For information call 303-297-1113.
Coors Brewery
Coors has its own plant switching railroad, so you’ll have more business than just beer-tasting on this tour. Switchers scurry around the plant. Located at 13th and Ford Streets, Golden, Colo. For more information call toll free 866-812-2337.
Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad
If you’re age 13 or older, and have $99 to spend, you can ride in the locomotive with the engineer. Another option is the murder mystery train (minimum age 8) at $110 per person, which advertises “an evening of delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and outstanding service” to accompany a classic “who dunnit” murder mystery. Located at 401 Water St. in CaƱon City, Colo. For information call toll free 888-724-5748.
Pueblo Railroad Museum
The museum is located in the Union Depot, and the highlight of the rolling stock collection is Santa Fe 4-8-4 No. 2912. Located at 201 West “B” Street in Pueblo, Colo. Call for more information 719-251-5024.
Durango Railroad Historical Society 315
One of the steam success stories of 2008 was this 1895 2-8-0’s appearance on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic after a miraculous restoration, most of which took place in a Durango, Colo. city park. Denver & Rio Grande Western No. 315 is back in Durango but will make an appearance at C&TS again this fall. A permanent home for the engine is in the works in Silverton.
Galloping Goose Historical Society
The Galloping Goose Historical Society was founded by a group of Rio Grande Southern Railroad enthusiasts in Dolores, Colo., to preserve, restore and operate the RGS equipment, rolling stock, and historical sites. Galloping Goose No. 5, a rail-mounted truck-bus, was restored to operating condition in 1998. It now operates twice a year on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. A replica of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad’s Dolores depot was constructed by the society in 1991. It now houses the society’s museum and gift shop and is located in the center of Dolores on Railroad Avenue. Call for information 970-882-7082.
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