The Georgetown Loop Railroad®
The Georgetown Loop Scenic Train runs every day from May through mid-October and most days through early January. The train ride is 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Their scheduled opening day for 2023 is April 8th. They offer an endless list of special event trains and a variety of fares. Passengers will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains, which are accompanied by the incredible feeling of stepping back into another time when the railroad ruled, mining was a way of life, & outlaws littered the land. Hear fascinating stories and learn about the history of the train and mining in the early days. It’s all part of the Georgetown Loop experience.
Purchase Tickets ~ Call: 1-888-456-6777 ~ Email: info@historicrailadventures.com
Located only 45 miles from Denver and is nestled high in the rocky mountains.
The Georgetown Loop
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a narrow gauge heritage railroad located in Clear Creek County right off Interstate 70 in Colorado. The “Loop” runs between the communities of Georgetown and Silver Plume. The total Georgetown Loop distance is 4.5 miles and ascends an elevation of 640 feet through very mountainous terrain. The train ride is full of stunning mountain vistas, thrilling crossings of high trestle bridges, and curvy cuts through the forest.
Passengers can board the train at Silver Plume and Devils Gate depots.
The Georgetown Railroad Service
Charter a Train
The Georgetown Loop Train makes it possible to Charter a train. Give them a call 1-888-456-6777 to make special arrangements and to reserve your train. Chartered trains are perfect for large functions such as corporate events, weddings, or private parties.
Special Event Trains
The Georgetown Train is notorious for its many special event trains. They have special trains for every season and holiday. Their winter Holiday Train is their hallmark and an all-out effort, featuring a spectacular lighted forest and Santa Land experience. Plus, special treats, storytelling, and gifts for the kids.
Mining Tours & Gold Panning
Experience “The Silver Queen of the Rockies” with a mine and gold panning tour. There are 3 choices of mining tours. Each tour takes participants into historic mines. Participants will be guided, shown ore veins, and told stories about the early mining days. Natural features will be pointed out, and learn about spooky miners’ superstitions and ghost stories.
Georgetown Loop Classes of Fare
Coach Class
The Georgetown Loop coach cars are heated and enclosed in the winter but return to open-air cars in the summer and fall. These cars feature bench seating, and some cars are wheelchair accessible. Coach Class cars are available all season.
Parlor Class – only available during the Holiday Train (Nov-Jan) 
Argentine, Silver Queen, and Clear Creek Cars are fully enclosed and feature tables with chair seating (2-4 guests per table). Fare includes onboard snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer, wine, and special holiday cocktails are available for purchase. Some cars are wheelchair accessible.
Executive Class – only available during the Holiday Train (Nov-Jan)
The Tahoe Club Car is a fully enclosed car with upholstered booth-style seating, perfect for families and groups. Fare includes onboard snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer, wine, and special holiday cocktails are available for purchase. Unfortunately, these cars are not wheelchair accessible. Staff members will provide assistance to guests with limited abilities on and off train cars.
Presidential Class – only available during the Holiday Train (Nov-Jan) 
The Waldorf Club Car is a fully enclosed car featuring upholstered booth-style seating, elaborate victorian wood finishes, and a posh atmosphere. Fare includes onboard snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer, wine, and special holiday cocktails are available for purchase. Unfortunately, these cars are not wheelchair accessible. Staff members will provide assistance to guests with limited abilities on and off train cars.
History of the Georgetown Train
The Georgetown Loop was originally part of the larger line, the Colorado Central Railroad, and was constructed in the 1870s and 1880s by the Georgetown, Breckenridge and Leadville Railway. These railroads were facilitating the Colorado Gold Rush and the silver boom. More specifically, the “Loop” was used to haul silver ore from mines at Silver Plume.
The “Loop “ portion of the line was the crown segment, crossing the gorge on a 95-foot high trestle.
In 1893, the Colorado and Southern Railway took over the line and operated it for passengers and freight until 1938. During part of this time, the “Loop” connected with the Argentine Central Railway in Silver Plume. Tourists were able to continue onward to the summit of Mount McClellan.
The survival of the Georgetown Loop as a scenic train was due to the Colorado Historical Society and their ability to negotiate mining claim donations and track and ties donated by the Union Pacific Railroad that helped rebuild the high bridge in the 1970s. Although the “Loop” hasn’t been without turmoil. In the 2000s, The Colorado Historical Society awarded the operation contract to Railstar, Inc. (away from the original operator, Georgetown Loop Railroad, Inc.), which ultimately drove the train into near destruction. In 2009 the Colorado Historical Society terminated the contract with Railstar and awarded it to a local Georgetown businessman. The train is now called the Historic Rail Adventures LLC. It has been operating successfully to this day.
