by Michele Kadison

With all the technology getting us through our days with utmost speed, we are fast losing our feel for the leisurely ways of yesteryear.  The history of the Colorado Rockies brings us back to the days where we seemed more connected to our landscape.  Horses and wagons were the first developments, and then later the train, transporting supplies over great distances, allowing civilization to advance and culture to expand.  Long ago, the only choice was to take the train if you wanted to traverse the states, giving yourself to the pleasures of watching the countryside go by as you waited for your destination to appear.

As the backbone of American travel, trains have traditionally been one of the best ways to take in the beauty of our varied terrain, allowing the traveler to revel in being transported up hill and down dale to the chug-a-lug rhythm of the early steam engine.  Railroad travel has since evolved, with new systems and streamline trains being the order of the day.  But the sensation remains the same.  Today we can experience those first tracks leading from one western town to the other.  Colorado has happily retained its historic train routes along their original narrow-gauge tracks that traverse the southern mountains through some of the most majestic scenery in the world.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Operating out of Durango, Colorado, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes the 50-mile route to Silverton between May and October when snows do not threaten its course.  Pioneered in 1881, this magnificent ride will take you through some of the most majestic mountains along the Animas River Canyon where you can enjoy all the wild Alpine colors of both spring and fall.  Ride in the authentically restored passenger cars for a true feeling of days gone by.

For more information, contact www.durangotrain.com or call 888-872-4607.

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad was developed in 1880.  One of the best Colorado Rockies attractions during the summer months, the train is the longest and highest narrow-gauge railway in North America and will take you on a 64-mile journey from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico.  Here you will cross the 10,022 foot Cumbres Pass in your open-air coach, a breathtaking site that is not to be missed!  Take refreshments in the dining car and enjoy one of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain railroad experiences.

For more information, contact www.cumbresandtoltec.com or call 866-286-1737.

Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway

As the highest cog railroad in the world, Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway reaches up to the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak, one of the most striking mountains in the United States.  Taking you through some of the most exquisite terrain in the world, the journey includes a view that extends from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide.  Starting in the scrub oak-filled plains, you then ride through lush pines that turn into Aspen groves as you ascend.  Then as you get above the tree line, you are in Alpine forests that extend all the way up to the peak.  Along the way you will see deer, bear, elk, and at the highest point, rocky mountain sheep.  Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the ubiquitous Yellow Belly Whistling Marmots who love to scamper around the tracks!  Once you’ve arrived at the top of Pikes Peak, you can enjoy the five acres of flatland that afford some of the most sunning views of the vista beyond.  Here you can have refreshments and peruse the gift shop for some interesting wildlife memorabilia to bring back home.

According to Dave Donatto, Traffic Manager and Operations Officer of the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway, taking the train ride is unique in any season.  This past winter was the first time the railway was open during snow season.  Donatto says that because so many people are moving to the area, many of whom don’t ski, taking the train is a perfect way to see the mountain snow drifts from a safe and cozy point of view.  Often the train will travel high above the clouds, creating a magical sense of otherworldliness as you watch their fluffy backs change shapes with the wind.

With its comfortable coaches, the railway runs from April through December.
For more information contact www.cograilway.com or call 719-685-5401.

Georgetown Loop Historic Mining and Railroad Park

Constructed in 1884, this wonderful narrow-gauge railroad takes you through Georgetown and Silver Plume Depot, winding its way through Clear Creek Valley.  Just 50 miles west of Denver, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is in operation from Memorial weekend through October.  With its covered or open-air coaches, it is easy to see why this ride is one of Georgetown’s best attractions.  Watch the flora and fauna go by as you wend your way towards Devil’s Gate Bridge, looming high over the canyon below.  At the end of the ride, you can take a historic tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine, made famous in the 1880’s.

For more information contact: www.georgetownlooprr.com.

Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

A short jaunt of merely four-miles round trip, this train will take you through Cripple Creek, famous in the gold rush years and best known now for its low stakes gambling.

For information contact: www.cripplecreekrailroad.com or call 719-689-2640.

Royal Gorge Scenic Railway

Take this 24-mile journey departing from Canon City to the magnificent Royal Gorge.  En route you will be agog at the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains that define this area as one of the most beautiful in the Colorado Rockies.  The rail line was created in the 1950’s, allowing you to ride in comfort and safety as you rise to the 1,200 foot top of the Royal Gorge Bridge.

For information contact www.royalgorgeroute.com

Leadville, Colorado, and Southern Railroad

Founded in the 1800’s. Leadville, Colorado is a goldmine of history.  The railway line was developed to service both passengers and freight to and from the largest cities in the area.  In 1955, the steam engine was converted to diesel power and in the 1960’s the service was transferred to a standard railway train system.  The train now makes an 11 ½ mile journey from Leadville through the Arkansas River Valley and on to the Continental Divide.  According to Kirsten Olson, Sales and Marketing Director for the railway, this is one of the most scenic train rides in the Colorado Rockies, with views of two of the highest peaks in Colorado as well as exquisite valleys and a plethora of wildlife.  A tour guide is on board to inform riders of the historical and geological aspects of the area, making the trip not only aesthetically worthwhile, but educational as well.  With cars built from flat cars, the railway also offers caboose and engine rides, making it fun for the entire family.  Additional family members are welcome too, so take your cat, dog, turtle, or hamster on this pet-friendly railroad!

For more information contact: www.leadville-train.com or call 866-386-3936.

Points of Interest:

Visit the Colorado Railroad Museum.  Famed as one of the most complete privately funded museums in North America, this museum, which moved from Alamos and opened its door in 1959, contains more than 70 narrow and standard gauge locomotives and cars dating back to the 1890’s.  According to Historian, Rex Thrash, the Colorado Railroad Museum is a fully hands-on site where you can actually go into nine pieces of equipment, including an engine where the kids can ring a bell!  With two floors of memorabilia, the museum is highly interactive, making it a must for the entire family.  The museum also houses a gift shop that has everything related to the railroad, as well as a café for enjoying a bit of refreshment.
Located just out side of Golden, Colorado, this museum is a must for a great family vacation destination.
For more information contact: www.crrm.org or call 800-365-6263.

Take the AMTRAK train from Denver to the West Coast for a magnificent ride through the Moffatt Tunnel and the Colorado River Valley.  You will climb through vast mountain scenery, go deep inside the Continental Divide, and then go onto Utah, enjoying some of the most breathtaking canyon views the world has to offer. If you’re not pressed for time, riding this modern railway is an ideal way to enjoy the great expanse of the west, riding across the states with the landscape before you.  It’s a treat that you well deserve, at least once in a lifetime!

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