Train trips take travelers back to Colorado’s Wild West

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — These train rides will take you right back to Colorado’s Wild West past, as well as show off the state’s stunning scenery.

Here are six historic train rides in Colorado:

1. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Not only is this 1880s vintage line a National Historic Landmark on wheels, but it was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The train travels 64 miles over the Rocky Mountains. It traverses along cliffs, through the Toltec Gorge, and over the Cumbres Pass, with views of beautiful, dramatic landscapes of evergreen and aspen forests. The train is owned by Colorado and New Mexico and crosses state border 11 times.

2. Georgetown Loop Railroad

This railroad was an engineering marvel of the 1880s. Located 45 miles west of Denver, the train connected Georgetown to Denver and other areas. Georgetown Loop Railroad connects the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. The train travels through a steep and narrow canyon and over bridges. Passengers can also hop off for the Lebanon Mine Tour with gold panning for an even more historically immersive experience.

3. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

This railroad has been registered as a National Historic Landmark and awarded as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The railroad was also founded in the 1880s, and runs through the San Juan National Forest, presenting beautiful views of mountain vistas. According to the railroad’s website, the staff commits to “provide a taste of authentic railroading history presented as it was in 1882.”

4. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

This train has been traveling up Pikes Peak since 1891. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is also recognized as the world’s highest cog railway. You’ll see views of the sweeping plains and Continental Divide. The ride travels to an elevation of 14,115 feet over nine miles, taking about three hours round trip with a pit stop at the summit.

5. Royal Gorge Route Railroad

This railroad will take you along the Arkansas River and past the 1,000-foot-high granite walls of the canyon. This railroad has been a part of Cañon City’s history for over 100 years and started with silver mining. The first rails reached Leadville in 1880. Guests not only get spectacular views of the river and canyon, but can be treated to breakfast, lunch or dinner aboard the train depending on the time of their ride.

6. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

This old steam locomotive takes passengers back to Cripple Creek’s gold mining days, past historic mines, and the old mining camp of Anaconda. The railroad was opened in 1967 and has carried passengers ever since. The trip also includes a historic narration. The railroad will open for the season on May 25.