Historic Vintage Trains in Colorado Mountains
Scenic Railways in the Rockies Offer Rides with Spectacular Scenery
Oct 28, 2008
Scenic vintage trains in Colorado travel through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the country. Vintage diesel and steam locomotives travel along historic routes with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
Train travel is both fun and educational for the entire family. Tours hark back to the era when trains were the most efficient mode of transportation. Ride the vintage trains on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Georgetown Loop, which was completed in 1884, takes passengers on a spectacular stretch on a three foot narrow gauge railroad. The line was built to connect two thriving mining towns via a corkscrew route that included horseshoe curves, four bridges across Clear Creek and the Devil's Gate High Bridge. The rail line was operated by Colorado & Southern Railway form 1899 to 1938, when it was abandoned.
The Colorado Historical Society began restoring the railroad in 1973, as part of the 978 acres Georgetown Loop Historic Mining & Railroad Park.
The vintage passenger train is pulled by a historic steam locomotive. The train park includes an 1883 depot, two 180's mines, a 1871 mill building, four reconstructed mine buildings, a locomotive maintenance building, the 1874 Pohle House and a rolling stock shelter.
Georgetown Loop Railroad runs from May through October. An optional silver mine tour is a walking tour for people who are physically fit.
The Georgetown Loop Mining & Railroad Park is located 45 miles west of Denver, just off Interstate 70.
Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown, Colorado 80444. 1-888-45-7777.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durange was founded by the Dunver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The line winds through spectacular canyons in the wilderness on the two million acre San Juan National Forest, year around. Powered by a coal fired steam locomotive, the railroad offers excursion trains and special events, such as the Polar Express for Christmas, Valentine's Day Special, Mountain Express and the Snowdown Balloon Train.
Durange & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum Durango, Colorado. 1-877-872-4607.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is hidden away in the southern Rocky Mountains. This vintage rail line is on the National Register of Historic Places. Cumbres & Toltec is a 127 year old railroad that travels between Colorado and New Mexico. A historic steam locomotive powers the train through the spectacular Rock Mountain scenery. The line offers dinner trains, excursion trains and special event trains, such and the Cinder Bear Christmas Express.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, Antonito Depot, Colorado. 1-877-890-2737.
Information is subject to change.
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