| Near Summit County | Georgetown Loop, Leadville C&S, Winter Park Express |
|---|---|
| Statewide icons | Durango & Silverton, Royal Gorge, Pikes Peak Cog |
| Season | Mostly May–Oct; some winter/holiday & ski trains |
| Best for | Families, scenery, no hiking required |
A scenic railroad is one of the easiest, most memorable ways to see the Colorado high country — someone else does the driving, the views are non-stop, and kids love it. Here are the rides near Summit County and the famous ones worth a road trip.
Near Summit County
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is the closest — a restored narrow-gauge line that spirals over a high trestle between Georgetown and Silver Plume, right off I-70 about an hour from the resorts. The Leadville, Colorado & Southern climbs into the high country from the highest incorporated city in the U.S. And in winter, the Winter Park Express ski train delivers you from Denver’s Union Station straight to the slopes.
Colorado’s famous railroads
Farther afield, the coal-fired Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge steams through the San Juans on one of the country’s great train rides; the Royal Gorge Route runs along the Arkansas River beneath a 1,000-foot canyon; the Pikes Peak Cog Railway climbs to a 14,115-foot summit; and the Cumbres & Toltec crosses the New Mexico border on another historic steam line.
Book a trip
Scenic railroads sell tickets directly and through tour operators, with open-air cars, dining, holiday, and themed rides — peak-season and holiday trains sell out, so book early. Direct booking links are coming as we finalize our activity partners.
Planning your ride
Most railroads run seasonally (roughly May through October) with special winter and holiday trains, so check the current schedule and book ahead. Pair a ride with a nearby destination or a day of hiking to make a full trip of it.
Scenic train rides FAQ
Is there a scenic train ride near Breckenridge?
Yes — the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad is about an hour east off I-70, and the Leadville, Colorado & Southern runs high-country trips about an hour southwest. The Winter Park Express ski train from Denver is another nearby option in winter.
What is the Winter Park ski train?
The Winter Park Express runs from Denver’s Union Station straight to the Winter Park base area on winter weekends and holidays — a scenic, stress-free way to reach the slopes without driving. See our Winter Park guide.
What is the Georgetown Loop Railroad?
A restored narrow-gauge railroad that loops through the mountains between Georgetown and Silver Plume, just off I-70 — a short, family-friendly ride over a dramatic high trestle, with mine-tour add-ons. It runs spring through fall and for holiday trains.
What is the most famous train ride in Colorado?
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge in southwest Colorado is the icon — a coal-fired steam train through the San Juan Mountains. Others include the Royal Gorge Route, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and the Cumbres & Toltec.
Are Colorado train rides family-friendly?
Very — they’re a favorite with kids and grandparents alike, with open-air and enclosed cars, holiday and themed rides, and no hiking required. Most sell out in peak season and for holiday trains, so book ahead.
Can you ride scenic trains year-round?
Some run seasonally (roughly May–October) while others add winter holiday and ski trains — the Winter Park Express runs in ski season, and several railroads run festive December trips. Check each railroad’s current schedule.
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