Driving is cool, but there’s something special about traveling by train. And since the Centennial State has no shortage of natural wonders — as well as a mining history that provided plenty of railroad infrastructure — it’s the ideal place for a scenic train ride.
Whether you’re looking to ski near Denver without sitting on the highway for hours or want to embark on a multi-day excursion through stunning canyons and red rock formations, there’s something to love in this list of the best Colorado train rides.
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Best Colorado Train Rides Near Denver
Amtrak Winter Park Express (better known as the “Ski Train”)
Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, Colorado, 80202
- Driving distance from Denver: 0 minutes (because you leave from downtown!)
- Route: From Union Station, through Coal Creek Canyon and the Moffat Tunnel, and over to Winter Park
- Fees: One-way fares start at $19, with kids fares starting at $9.50.
- Reservations: Find Amtrak tickets online here.
Skiing is one of the best things ever, but sitting in traffic on Interstate 70 to show up at the resort and wait in long lift lines sometimes isn’t. The ski train can take out at least some of that pain. During the ski season (the last two weeks of December through March 31), this train takes off from Union Station at 7 a.m. and arrives at Winter Park at 9:11 a.m. — giving you plenty of time to get in all the runs you can before it departs again at 4:35 p.m. It’s free to bring your skis and snowboards aboard, and during the ride, you can indulge in views of the Front Range, see the historic Moffat Tunnel, and bask in the fact that chances are, you won’t end up on the I-70 Things Instagram account. Let’s be honest: That last item alone makes the Amtrak tickets more than worth it.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad
646 Loop Drive, Georgetown, CO 80444
- Driving distance from Denver: 46 miles (about an hour from Denver without traffic)
- Route: The train runs 2 miles from Georgetown to the historic mining town of Silver Plume, for a roughly 4.5-mile round trip journey that takes a little over an hour during peak season.
- Fees: $30-38 in the open seating areas, with parlor cars running for $40 each
- Reservations: Tickets are available online and reservations are encouraged in advance.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad might not be a long journey, but it’s still one of the best Colorado train rides — and a heck of a lot better than just sitting on nearby I-70. Enjoy stunning views of Colorado’s high peaks and indulge in some of the area’s mining history aboard a historic steam or diesel locomotive. If you have extra time, be sure to get off at the stop for a walking tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine.
The Rocky Mountaineer Train
Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, Colorado, 80202
- Driving distance from Denver: This train leaves right in the heart of downtown!
- Route: The Rockies to Red Rocks train starts at Union Station in downtown Denver, with an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, before making its way through the Western Slope to the towering red rocks of Moab, Utah.
- Fees: Rides start at $1,723 per guest.
- Reservations: Pick your trip package and reserve online here.
If you’re a fan of Western landscapes (and who isn’t?!), then the Rocky Mountaineer train is the ultimate bucket list item. Start your day in Denver’s historic Union Station before heading through the Front Range and along the Colorado River through the engineering marvel which is Glenwood Canyon. You’ll then spend one night in historic Glenwood Springs (you’d be remiss not to visit the hot springs) before what’s arguably the highlight of the whole trip: the unique desert landscape leading into Moab, Utah. Sure, this journey is a little bit pricey, but it’s worth not driving on I-70 and seeing some of the most incredible views that America has to offer.
Best Summer Train Rides in Colorado
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
5234 B US Hwy 285, Antonito, Colorado, 81120
- Driving distance from Denver: 310 miles (about five hours and 15 minutes)
- Route: A 64-mile one-way route between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, with a high point just over 10,000 feet on Cumbres Pass.
- Fees: Adult tickets start at $105, and child tickets start at $55, depending on the season. A one-way ride from Chama to Antonito takes around seven hours, and some packages allow bus rides back.
- Reservations: Book your slot and preferred type of experience online here.
This historic landmark has been voted the best train in the Rocky Mountains and beyond. Visit during the summer, and it’s easy to see why this scenic route is one of the best Colorado train rides as it makes its way from the San Juan Mountains to the Conejos Valley, with views of pine forests, steep canyon walls, the 137-foot Cascade Trestle, and plenty of wildflowers to boot. If you keep a close eye out the window, you might even spot a bear!
The Leadville Railroad
326 E. 7th St., Leadville, Colorado, 80461
- Driving distance from Denver: 101 miles (about two hours without traffic)
- Route: This train starts in Leadville (above 10,000 feet!) and, over the course of the 21-mile route, winds through the San Isabel National Forest with views of the Arkansas River Valley and some of the state’s highest peaks. All trips are 2.5 hours.
- Fees: Tickets start at $59 for adults, $36 for children, and are free for toddlers under 3.
- Reservations: Advanced reservations are recommended throughout the year and required for the fall colors. Choose your slot here.
This historic stretch of railroad tracks in Colorado’s highest city is family-owned — and also happens to be a top train ride Colorado has to offer. What makes this one of the best scenic train rides in Colorado? To start, there are the views of incredible aspens, which provide stunning bursts of color against the already beautiful mountain backdrops during the fall. In the summer, this route is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, and thanks to the high elevation, is a perfect reprieve from the Colorado heat. Then, there are the unique views of the roaring Arkansas River Valley and some of Colorado’s most famous peaks, including Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Whether you’re in one of the open-air cars or are enjoying food and drinks in the lounge cars, this is sure to be an incredible experience. Be sure to check out the website for some of the seasonal specials.
Best Fall Train Rides in Colorado
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
520 E. Carr Ave., Cripple Creek, Colorado, 80813
- Driving distance from Denver: 112 miles (a little more than two hours without traffic)
- Route: This 4-mile round trip journey takes visitors around Cripple Creek and Victor, with a look at the area’s mining history and stunning views.
- Fees: $19 for adults, $14 for children three through 12, $17 for seniors over 65, and free for children under 3
- Reservations: Trains leave at 10 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:20 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:40 p.m., 3:50 p.m., and 5 p.m. mid-May through the first weekend in October. Visit the historic train depot to snag your spot.
The drive from Woodland Park to Cripple Creek has some of the best autumn colors around, so it makes sense that this relatively short route would be one of the best fall train rides in Colorado. And unlike other journeys on this list, this one isn’t an all-day commitment, meaning you can head on your way and do even more leaf peeping as the day progresses (or play penny slots in the Cripple Creek casinos — we don’t judge). During this route, a 15-ton iron horse takes visitors south out of Cripple Creek, over a reconstructed trestle, and past many historic mines before heading back to Cripple Creek. This 45-minute ride combines views as well as plenty of history, making it an excellent trip for the entire family.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
479 Main Ave., Durango, Colorado, 81301
- Driving distance from Denver: 360 miles (about six hours and 40 minutes)
- Route: One route starts in Durango and spends 3.5 hours meandering to Silverton, with a 2-hour layover in this historic mining town before the journey back. If that’s a little too rich for your blood, the Cascade Canyon Express follows a similar route (without stopping in Silverton) and takes around 5.5 hours total. The 3.5-hour Highline Express is another shorter option.
- Fees: A roundtrip to Silverton starts at $109, with various options available for express packages and backcountry access.
- Reservations: Choose your package and make reservations here.
Train might be the best way to explore the Rocky Mountains, and the historic route from Durango to Silverton has had that on lock since 1882. Back then, it was a route for the area’s rough and tumble miners to haul ore between the two outposts. Now, it’s a family-friendly attraction that also happens to provide one of the best summer train rides in Colorado. Enjoy the views (and lack of cell signal!) in Las Animas Canyon, and take in stunning views of the towering San Juan Mountains. If you want to experience some luxurious vibes, be sure to book presidential or first class, where you’ll get to spend your day in a train car that can only be described as old-west cool. If that’s a little too rich for your blood, there are also great views in coach. No matter what, you won’t be wondering, “What is the best train ride in Colorado?” When you’re finished with this excursion, you’ll already know the answer.
Best Scenic Train Rides in Colorado
Royal Gorge Train
401 Water St., Cañon City, Colorado, 81212
- Driving distance from Denver: 115 miles (about two hours)
- Route: The train begins in Cañon City and continues through the canyon and under the famous Royal Gorge suspension bridge to Parkdale, Colorado.
- Fees: Rides start at $99 for adults and $94 for children in coach class, with other options available.
- Reservations: Departures are at 9 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. throughout the year. Reserve your ride here.
The Royal Gorge train is easily one of the best scenic train rides in Colorado — and honestly, one of the most well-known. It winds through what’s considered the “Grand Canyon of the Arkansas,” with views of towering 1,000-foot cliff walls and roaring whitewater rapids, as well as plenty of Colorado wildlife. Be sure to head to one of the open-air cabins for views of the famous Royal Gorge suspension bridge. During the day, this ride takes around two hours, and while it’s not required, there’s a pretty darn good restaurant onboard — and you can obviously buy drinks to help make the journey even better. If you find yourself asking, “What is the best train ride in Colorado?”, the Royal Gorge railroad might end up being the answer.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway
515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, Colorado, 80829
- Driving distance from Denver: 75 miles (about one hour and 20 minutes without traffic)
- Route: From Manitou Springs at 6,320 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet
- Fees: Tickets start at $67 for adults and $57 for children, with various options available.
- Reservations: Tickets are available online here.
The Pikes Peak Cog Railway has been one of the best Colorado train rides since 1891 — and it’s only getting better. Known as the premiere cog railway in Colorado and beyond, this roughly three-hour roundtrip journey takes visitors from the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs (a destination in its own right) to the very summit of what’s commonly referred to as “America’s Mountain.” During the 40-minute stop at the top, you can enjoy the new Pikes Peak visitor center, as well as views of the Sangre de Cristos, Collegiate Peaks, Front Range, and even the Denver skyline if you look hard enough. This trip is only around 18 miles roundtrip, but it’s easily the coolest (and maybe only?) cog railway Colorado has to offer.