Top 5 Trains in Colorado

If you love trains or just love to ride in them, this list of the top trains in Colorado will help you get your Rocky Mountain adventure on the right track. 

Passenger trains provide visitors with a unique way to explore more isolated parts of the state. A train ride makes the trip fun for everyone. No one has to worry about keeping their eyes on the road or navigating hairpin turns in heavy traffic. Everyone has a chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery. 

They really are a great way to see the sights in the Pikes Peak region and in other parts of the state. 

We have listed the top trains according to their distance from Colorado Springs. 

1. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is one of the last three remaining cog railways in the United States. It is also one of the highest, bringing visitors from the station in Manitou Springs all the way to Pikes Peak’s 14,115-foot summit. It is one of the most stunning rides you can take in the state of Colorado!

The trip begins at the Manitou Station located on Ruxton Avenue. It is the same route visitors use to go to the Incline and Miramont Castle. Riders can park at the Depot for $20 up to 30 minutes before your departure time. Be aware that parking can be very limited during the busy season. 

Riders who wish to walk around Manitou Springs before or after their trip should park in one of the city lots. You can take the Route #33 shuttle to the station from Hiawatha Gardens or the Wichita, Cañon and Smischny lots. Riders who want to park and leave should purchase tickets online. Digital tickets include helpful text messages about parking before your visit.

Once you have parked, purchased snacks and settled in, it’s all aboard to the top of Pikes Peak. Your trip will take you through beautiful scenic views in the Pikes Peak region. You will encounter sights only the most determined backpackers ever get to see. It is a truly special journey. 

Pay attention as you ascend and you will notice the terrain transition between 4 different life zones. You will learn about the animals and plants that make up these unique zones and hopefully get the chance to spot a few of them. From marmots and bighorn sheep to deer, rabbits and chipmunks, Pikes Peak is home to a diverse ecosystem. 

At the top of Pikes Peak, your conductor will give you 40 minutes to take in the views and visit the gift shop. Be sure to purchase the specialty donuts at the Summit House. They are famous for a reason! 

Return to the train at the designated time and enjoy the same amazing trip in reverse. You will be surprised just how different the scenery looks from a new perspective. 

Distance from Colorado Springs: 8 miles / 15 minutes
Time: 3 hours
Cost: Adult tickets start at $59.50 when purchased online.
Gift Shop: Yes; train items and souvenirs at the Manitou Station. Pikes Peak items and gifts at the Summit House. 

2. The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a gem of a train riding experience. Cripple Creek sits southwest of Colorado Springs along CO-67 after turning off of Highway 24 in Divide. It is in one of the coolest historic mining towns in the state of Colorado! 

Miners and other pioneers founded Cripple Creek in 1892 during the region’s booming Gold Rush. You can still see the remnants of the mines dotting the hills around the town to this day. Wild donkeys descended from that era trot right through town on unknown adventures. One of the original mines, the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, offers tours to visitors who want an up-close experience. 

The Narrow Gauge Railroad travels south of Cripple Creek. Riders will get the chance to see the remnants of the original mines that brought fortune and defeat to prospectors. The train pauses several times so riders can take in the views and take photos. 

One cool fact about the railroad is that all of the train cars are open air. You won’t have to fight for a spot with an unobstructed view or pay extra for the privilege. You will want to dress in layers. Cripple Creek sits at 9,494 feet and it can get chilly even in the summer. 

One of the coolest benefits to the open-air cars is that you can bring your dog! The railroad allows well-behaved, leashed dogs to join their human companions. Tip: If you plan to do any shopping, dining or gaming in Cripple Creek it may be better to leave your pup at home. Many of the establishments do not allow dogs that are not service animals. 

Distance from Colorado Springs: 44 miles / 60 minutes
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: Adult tickets start at $19
Gift Shop: Yes; train items, Thomas the Tank Engine toys, gifts and more. 

3. Royal Gorge Railroad

If you want an upscale railway experience that is close to home, the Royal Gorge Railroad should be your first choice. But before we get started on the luxury options on the Royal Gorge Railroad, let’s take a look at the basics. 

The Royal Gorge Railroad station is in Cañon City and offers four departures each day. Your train will travel along the Arkansas River. Towering thousand-foot canyon walls provide a monumental view as you ride. You’ll even pass beneath the world-famous Royal Gorge suspension bridge. 

You can find Santa Fe Depot off of 3rd Street and Highway 50. Parking at the Depot is completely free. That makes it easy to enjoy your trip without having to hunt for a place to leave your car. 

The scenery that surrounds the train is exceptional. But the interior experience is equally lovely. The Royal Gorge Railroad has worked tirelessly to develop a first-class ride for visitors. 

The train is complete with amenities like fine dining, vista dome cars, open-air cars and a la cart food options for purchase. You can select from multiple classes when purchasing tickets to find the best fit for you. 

It’s also worth checking out the train’s specialty rides. They include dinners, holiday events and other periodic offerings. The train runs year-round, so you can enjoy winter or summer scenic rides. 

You can make a weekend of the experience by checking out local glamping sites for accommodations. Nearby, you will find the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. You will also find Echo Canyon River Expeditions and many other fun activities in the region. 

Distance from Colorado Springs: 46 miles / 45 minutes
Time: 2-3 hours, depending on trip
Cost: Adult tickets start at $89
Gift Shop: Yes, all sorts of items and gifts coordinated to the themed trips.

4. Leadville Railroad

Wherever you find mines, you will usually find railroads, and Leadville is no exception. The Leadville Railroad may be a couple hours from Colorado Springs, but it is worth the trip. It offers a view of the Leadville mining region you cannot find anywhere else! Best of all, getting to Leadville is as simple as heading west on Highway 24 until you arrive. 

The Leadville Railroad used to be a freight line that ran over 150 miles across Colorado. The railway website notes that the route crossed the Continental Divide twice before it arrived in Leadville. Today, it is a scenic route that transports riders along the Arkansas River Valley in style. The railroad frequently hosts dinner trains and specialty trips in addition to daily rides. 

Your trip will take you right past Mount Massive and Mount Elbert as you wind through the San Isabel National Forest. The original owners of the railroad referred to the route as the “High Line” and the name fits. The track sits at over 10,000 feet in elevation and the views are perfect in every direction. 

Purchase tickets for their special wildflower train rides in the summer. You will get the chance to get off the train and learn more about the plants of the region with an expert. In the fall, get on board with your fellow leaf watchers to capture breathtaking photos of autumn leaves.

Like the Cripple Creek and Victor Railroad, the Leadville Railroad allows you to bring your dog in specified cars in the spring and summer. You will have to sign a release to bring your dog on the train. 

Distance from Colorado Springs: 127 miles / 2.5 hours
Time: 2.5 hours
Cost: Adult tickets start at $57
Gift Shop: Yes; snacks, Leadville souvenirs, train souvenirs

5. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the longest train ride on this list. It is also the furthest train from Colorado Springs. However, it provides spectacular sights in a profoundly gorgeous part of Colorado. The fact that you won’t have to drive to experience some of the most famous scenery in Colorado is one of the best reasons to take this trip.

Thousands of drivers flock to the Million Dollar Highway each year to take in views across every season. Your ride through the mountains will get you even closer to the stellar sights, without the serpentine turns. Backpackers even use the route to get deeper access into the mountains to get a headstart on their backcountry hike. 

Like the Royal Gorge Railroad, Durango & Silverton provide multiple classes of service to riders. They also offer shorter routes than the 5.5-hour route. Many of the routes include brief stops for riders to buy goodies and take in the sights. 

Distance from Colorado Springs: 313 miles / 5.5 hours
Time: Up to 9 hours.
Cost: Rates vary by route. Check here for details. 
Gift Shop: Yes

6. Special Mention: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad gets an honorable mention because it travels between New Mexico and Colorado. This train will cart you from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM via the incredible Cumbres Pass. This is a part of Colorado that you do not want to miss, especially if someone else can do the driving. 

Take I-25 south of Colorado Springs to the Walsenberg exit and follow signage directions to Antonito. You can also get to Antonito by taking Highway 285 out of Salida as it turns into CO-17. That will take you directly into Antonito. 

Distance from Colorado Springs: 313 miles / 5.5 hours

Time: Times vary by type of route and length of shuttle trip. 

Cost: Rates vary by route. Check here for details. 

Gift Shop: Yes