The history and adventure of Rocky Mountain railroading is waiting to be explored in Colorado – both in standard and narrow gauge. From Trains Magazine‘s Tourist Trains Guidebook, here are the tourist railroads, museums and historic sites you must visit across the Centennial State!
Colorado Tourist Railroads and Museums
Denver Metro
Colorado Railroad Museum – 17155 West 44th Avenue, Golden
The mountainous, narrow-gauged lines of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western are usually synonymous with the state’s railroad lore. That history is showcased thoroughly at the Colorado Railroad Museum with its train rides around the campus powered by historic steam locomotives and a vintage Galloping Goose self-propelled railbus. The museum is also home to 100 pieces of equipment from other railroads that once served the Centennial State.
Denver Trolley – 1400 Platte Street, Denver
Make sure to take a sightseeing ride aboard the Denver Trolley when planning a summer visit to the Mile High City. The replica of a turn-of-the-century, open-air breezer operates through the South Platte Greenway Park, connecting several of the city’s popular attractions including the Aquarium, Children’s Museum, and Broncos Stadium. It’s truly one of Denver’s best-kept secrets!
Forney Museum of Transportation – 4303 Brighton Boulevard, Denver
This museum’s rail collection includes both steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, a rotary snowplow, and even a steam crane. Union Pacific’s 4-8-8-4 Big Boy No. 4005 serves as a centerpiece to that collection. While visiting the Forney Museum, don’t forget to check out the Moffat Modeler’s N-scale, 20-foot-by-100-foot layout as it models the former Rio Grande main line between Downtown Denver and the Moffat Tunnel.
South Central Colorado
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad – 520 East Carr Avenue, Cripple Creek
Traversing the foothills of what was once the “World’s Greatest Gold Camp,” this 2-foot-gauge railroad offers a 4-mile ride behind 15-ton steam locomotives. Passengers in open-air coaches travel along the former Midland Terminal Railway right-of-way. En route to the old Anaconda mining camp, the colorful locomotives pull the train through the scenic Poverty Gulch where gold was discovered in 1890.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad – 5234 B Hwy 285, Antonito
When you think of tourist railroads in Colorado, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad and the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad both come to mind – more on the latter in a moment. The Cumbres & Toltec offers several steam excursions between Antonito and Chama, N.M. No matter which direction you’re heading or how long the journey is, this is narrow-gauged mountain railroading at its finest with steep grades and magnificent vistas of the western landscape!
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad – 326 East 7th Street, Leadville
A hidden gem full of spectacular scenery! Diesel-powered excursions depart from the mining town of Leadville to climb the Rockies through the Arkansas River Valley. In addition to the regular coaches, open-air cars are provided, followed by premium, limited seating in either a caboose or the cab of the locomotive. Make sure to stay on the right side of the train to witness the mountainous views.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad – 401 Water Street, Cañon City
Where else in the United States can you ride a train through a deep, narrow gorge with roaring rapids on one side? From open-air cars to Vista Domes, the 2-hour excursion aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a wide range of class accommodations to take in the towering canyon walls and Arkansas River. If you’re looking to add a gourmet experience during the sightseeing, try either the breakfast, lunch, or dinner trains.
Front Range
Fort Collins Trolley – 1501 W Oak Street, Fort Collins
If you’re planning a future visit to this Front Range town during a summer weekend, riding the Fort Collins Trolley is a must. Two Birney Safety Cars are used on a 3-mile round trip between the downtown area and City Park. These century-old artifacts are preserved, maintained and operated by the volunteer-based Fort Collins Municipal Railway Society, making the relaxing ride a great cause to support.
Georgetown Loop Railroad – 646 Loop Drive, Georgetown
When it comes to engineering feats to reach the precious minerals within the Rockies, the famous Georgetown Loop is a prime example! Between Devil’s Gate Station in Georgetown and Silver Plume Station, steam- and diesel-powered excursions operate through the railroad’s namesake scenic highlight. It is at the loop where the tracks cross over themselves on the reconstructed Devil’s Gate Viaduct to gain elevation.
Southwest Colorado
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – 479 Main Avenue, Durango
It could be argued that the Durango & Silverton is one of, if not the must-visit, scenic tourist railroads in North America! Whether you’re looking to go half the distance from Durango to Cascade, or traversing the entire 45 miles to Silverton, you’ll be promised scenic wonders while traveling along a former branch line full of rich, narrow-gauge history. Steam-powered excursions through the Animas River Gorge are the way to go for the incredible experience.
Other Colorado railroad sites to consider
During your visit to Colorado, consider also visiting these railroad sites:
- Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum – Castle Rock
- Limon Heritage Museum – Limon
- Marcia Railway Car – Craig
- Pueblo Railway Museum – Pueblo
- Ridgway Railroad Museum – Ridgeway
- Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum – Dolores
- Windsor History Museum – Windsor
