Colorado Scenic Winter Trains

In Colorado, scenic train riding continues through the winter months. Many of these trains feature special tours for the more discerning passengers, such as photo opportunity trains, dining trains, wine and rails trains, and storytelling trains. The amazing Colorado mountain vistas, canyons, and high country are just as stunning in the winter.

The Leadville Winter Trains

Otherwise known as the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railway, is located in Central Colorado and offers seasonal scenic train rides. Their current special is the Holiday Express train, a two-hour winter express train featuring holiday lights and festive interior garland.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad

This scenic train near Canon City runs through the dramatic Royal Gorge Canyon. In addition to its Santa Express train, it offers special winter trains, such as the holiday train and the first-class train. Choose from a variety of fares or join them for the first-class lunch train in the Vista Dome Car. Purchase a special Ride ticket with the Engineer or experience a story-telling show during the train ride. Sign up with Alpenglo Adventure Tours for the best rate and door-to-door service.

The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Winter Trains

The D&SNGT is located in Durango, Colorado, and features a variety of winter train events, such as Romance on Rails, Cowboy Poetry Train, and Hops & Hops Train. The D&SNGR will accommodate groups, offer package deals, provide exploration opportunities, and offer a choice of fares.

The Georgetown Loop Railroad Winter Trains

This popular winter train is located in Georgetown, Colorado, off Highway I-70, on the way to Silverthorne. The Georgetown loop offers seasonal specials, including holiday trains and four classes of fare. Alpenglo Tours partners with this train as well. Sign up with the tour company for the best rates and service.

All of Colorado’s scenic train rides are steeped in history. Whatever narrow gauge train ride you choose, you will certainly get a glimpse of the past. Most of these rails were developed to haul ore during the mid-1800s gold and silver mining days and consequently moved early western pioneers into Colorado’s high mountain communities. Enjoy the ride!

by Kathleen Fitzsimmons