Colorado Railroad Adventures

With the coming of the gold rush, trains were needed to take ore to smelters, bring in supplies and carry new arrivals to the gold fields of the mountain areas. Narrow gauge railroads were built to handle the winding mountain trails into the Colorado Rockies. Now only a few trains are left running. Some are being used by scenic railroads to give visitors to the state a look into Colorado's history. As you board the restored train, imagine yourself a hundred plus years in the past.

You are a new arrival from back east, eager to start a new life in a brand new territory. You are filled with excitement and a little afraid of what lies ahead. As your train starts chugging along, you see towns sparsely populating the landscape. You start heading into the mountains. Perhaps your destinations are the towns of Silverton and Durango. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most popular scenic journeys. The most beautiful scenery fills your 45 mile trip between the two towns. Today's train has amenities that the old Rio Grande line didn't have. During the season, May through October, four trains run continuously. You can relax and enjoy the views from the open air coaches. Or if you are in the mood for a snack, the lounge car is available to quench your thirst.

Another popular scenic train is the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. This route has been in use since the mid 1800's taking travelers up Pikes Peak. Back in the day, the steam engine was in use and would transport passengers from the base of the Peak in Manitou Springs to the summit in two days. Stops along the way included a hotel, water towers for fueling the engine and scenic overlooks.

Today's train is electronically controlled and still uses the original cog rail line. It makes in the trip in a few hours. To be precise, the train takes you up almost 8,000 feet in about 9 miles. The depot is still in Manitou Springs, where you will purchase your ticket and board the train. As the cog gears grind away, you are taken through the same rail line the original steam train traveled long ago. You will pass what is left of the old hotel, homes that were built up the peak, the old water towers and lots of scenery and wildlife. When you reach the summit, the old weather station has been transformed into a gift shop and restaurant. Here you get a panoramic view of most of the state of Colorado and what inspired Katherine Bates to write "American the Beautiful". The train runs year round, weather permitting.

The Cripple Creek and Victor Railroad is a small line, only two miles long, connecting Cripple Creek to the town of Victor. Cripple Creek was the last big gold strike in Colorado. The restored terminal still exists on its original site. This is where you board the train for the short trip into Victor and the Mary McKinney mine. Whether you are a railroad buff or not, these historic restored scenic trains are a great way to step into Colorado's past and have a great time in the process. A definite must do!