rocky mountain train trips colorado

7 Best Train Rides in Colorado Through the Rocky Mountains

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Are you looking for the best train rides in Colorado? Look no further than these top railways and scenic routes.

Since the first tracks were laid in the 1860’s Colorado railroads have been a popular means of both transportation and tourism.

And many of the original train tracks and railway stations are still in operation today. 

In addition to enjoying scenic train routes through the Rocky Mountains, some trains feature fall foliage tours, wine-and-dine events, mystery dinners, and themed wintery rides.

There is something for everyone and these train rides make great family adventures.

Hop aboard some of the best train rides in Colorado to experience the epic views and picturesque landscape this beautiful state has to offer.

1. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge train is one of the top trains in Colorado for many reasons. 

The ride starts in Durango and travels for 3.5 hours one-way through the mountains to Silverton. 

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

This steam-powered engine runs on coal and rides 200 feet above the Animas River.

This same journey was once traveled by miners and settlers who came to Colorado during the Gold Rush days.

On this route, you’ll see breathtaking views of the San Juan National Forest and wind in-and-out of the Rocky Mountains.

The train follows the Animas Gorge and passes through several remote canyons. 

During the train ride passengers can stop off for fishing, hiking, or backpacking to reach areas that are usually difficult to access by car. 

Or spend an afternoon in Silverton during the 2 hour layover before heading back to Durango.

Grab Your Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Tickets 😃 4.7/5 stars (100+ reviews)

2. Royal Gorge Route Railroad

The Royal Gorge area, near the town of Canon City , is one of those local destinations that keeps on giving.

In addition to hosting one of the world’s tallest suspension bridges , it’s home to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

Grab your camera for epic views as you drive through towering canyon walls that can get up to 1,000 feet high. 

The Royal Gorge Train offers a one-of-a-kind train experience with three-course dinners, wine tastings, and special event train rides like the Santa Express. 

Not to mention that during the entire trip you are traveling alongside the beautiful Arkansas River. 

The train ride starts in Canon City and continues for about an hour to Parkdale, Colorado. 

Pair this epic train ride with a day trip to the Royal Gorge to walk across the Bridge or spend a day at the amusement park nearby.

Grab Your Royal Gorge Bridge Tickets 😃 4.7/5 stars (100+ reviews)

3. Pikes Peak Cog Railway

As America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak sits at 14,115 feet high which makes the Pikes Peak Cog Railway one of the highest cog trains in the world.

After a lot of renovations, and some setbacks, the railway is back on track (ha!) for 2021 and open for business again.

This must-ride experience is not for the faint of heart and offers majestic views of the Rockies and valleys below.

On a clear day, the views can extend as far as neighboring states near Colorado.

The Pikes Peak Railway starts at Manitou Springs and continues up and down the mountain for about 3.5 hours roundtrip. 

We recommend getting your tickets in advance as this train ride is very popular, especially since the grand reopening.

On your journey up-and-down the mountain, be prepared for some of the most expansive views you’ve ever seen.

Plus, there’s lots of wildlife, birds, foliage, and fauna to be seen.

Grab Tickets to Pikes Peak COG Railway 🤩 5/5 stars (likely to sell out)

4. Georgetown Loop Railroad

Situated high in the Rocky Mountains, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is a Colorado train ride you just can’t miss.

And it’s centrally located just 45 miles from Denver.

True to its name, the train starts in Georgetown and loops around for an hour and 15 minutes to Silver Plume, Colorado.

This historic train was built in 1884 and is an engineering marvel to this day. It continues to be a popular Colorado train ride thanks to the picturesque views from all angles.

Unlike the other train rides listed, the Georgetown Loop travels through green forests and across towering cliff sides.

It passes over four bridges, two loops, and travels through Clear Creek Valley.

Throughout the year there are several themed train rides, specifically during the fall and winter months . 

Some of the most popular themed rides are the fall colors train tour and Santa’s Lighted Forest.

5. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge

Cripple Creek is one of our favorite places to visit, especially this time of year. One of activities that’s always on our list is riding the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Compared to the other train rides on this list, this one is a shorter but still gorgeous ride through the Rocky Mountains. 

This historic steam engine powered by coal leaves the station every 70 minutes from 10am to 5pm daily.

Board the historic 15-ton steam locomotive and sit in one of the open air cars. Take in the sights and enjoy the Colorado weather. 

This 4-mile ride starts in Cripple Creek and continues for about 45 minutes, making several stops along the way.

It’s a great spot for photo opps so be sure to bring your camera.

Along the way, listen in as the train conductor shares stories of old mines, native townsfolk, and the history of the town.

Plus, when booking your ticket in advance online via the Cripple Creek & Railroad website , you can save $1.00 per rider up to 4 tickets in total.

6. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad

Climb aboard the Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad and get ready to see some stunning Colorado scenery. 

This 2.5 hour train ride travels to the famous Continental Divide and meanders through the San Isabel National Forest. 

Throughout the summer and fall months you can expect to see gorgeous colors thanks to brilliant wildflowers and autumn colors.

You’ll also travel through the Arkansas River Valley while seeing sights like Mount Elbert, the tallest mountain in Colorado.

Train tickets for the Leadville Railroad are only available from May through October. However, it’s become increasingly popular as the premier train ride for fall leaf-peeping.

There are also a variety of themed rides if you’re looking to spice things up from the traditional train ride.

7. Colorado Amtrak

In addition to the Colorado train rides listed here, Amtrak has multiple ways to get from one part of the state to the other. 

Thanks to two main railways, Amtrak offers stops in Colorado in towns like:

• Grand Junction
• Glenwood Springs

The California Zephyr is a high-speed train ride from Chicago to San Francisco with six stops in Colorado. The most popular boarding location is at Denver’s historic Union Station.

The Southwest Chief also travels through Colorado, mainly focusing on the southwest region, including a few stops in New Mexico. 

The train provides access to Colorado cities and historic sites like:

• Bent’s Old Fort

The Southwest Chief Amtrak train ride starts in Chicago and travels to Los Angeles and back.

When it comes to scenic train rides in Colorado, the state does not disappoint. From open-air cars to historic railways, there is something for everyone who likes trains in Colorado. 

Not only are the routes some of the most scenic, with panoramic views, but you may even have a chance to see some of the local wildlife, like bighorn sheep.

We hope this list of the best train rides in Colorado gives you an idea of where to plan your next trip!

You can also check out the Colorado Railroad Museum anytime you want to learn more about the state’s wild west and gold mining heritage.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

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• By jesse.sumrak

The  Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Ride  is one of my favorite scenic train rides in Colorado. As a Ouray resident, I’ve had the opportunity to ride this train in various seasons for fun, adventure, and even holiday tradition.

You hop on the train in Durango, and it takes you on a beautiful 3.5-hour ride through the San Juan Mountains to the mining town of Silverton. The train ride features:

• Rolling hills
• Views of epic mountains
• Steep cliffs (close enough to touch…but don’t touch!)
• Narrows canyons
• Raging rapids

You’ll have a 2-hour layover in Silverton to explore, shop, and eat before hopping on the train to reverse the route back to Durango. It’s an all-day train adventure that’ll give you some of the best views of the San Juan Mountains from the not-so-cushy seats of a train.

Really, they’re not super-duper comfortable.

You can choose an open-air train car or an enclosed car—during the summer, I highly recommend the open-air option. You get much better views of the surrounding scenery, and there’s a bit more room for kids to walk around and explore.

Other Durango and Silverton Train Rides

Now, that’s just the  traditional  Durango and Silverton train ride experience, but the railroad has a few other options to explore:

• Cascade Canyon Express:  Condense your journey to just 5 hours (instead of 9+) while still seeing jaw-dropping scenery, geological features, and epic high mountain curves.
• Cascade Canyon Winter Train:  Take a trip to Cascade Canyon and back in the middle of winter for an unforgettable snow-bound train experience.
• The Polar Express:  Listen to the story of the Polar Express while dancing chefs serve you hot chocolate. You’ll visit the North Pole, and Santa Claus even makes a surprise appearance on the train to give each child the “first gift of Christmas.”

Backpackers can also use the train in the summer to get prime access to the Chicago Basin hiking area. During warm summer months, entire cars will get off and on at this destination to go experience the remote Weminuche Wilderness and bag some of Colorado’s most epic 14’ers.

2. Georgetown Loop Railroad 

The  Georgetown Loop Railroad  is arguably the best train ride near Denver, Colorado. It’s less than an hour’s drive away from the Mile High City and just a skip off I-70 to park and embark.

You’ll hop on the train for a short 2-mile ride between the historic mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. Right from the get-go, the train takes you over a scenic bridge with thrilling vertical drops on both sides. This is the pinnacle of exposure on a bridge, and they help freeze the moment in time by completely stopping in the middle to allow for pictures. 

The train takes you over a handful of other bridges as it winds its way across the rocky canyon toward Silver Plume. Once you reach the end of your journey, you have the option to get off and explore some tourist attractions at Lebanon Silver Mine (you’ll pay for that  before  you get on the train). After the train gets sorted out, you’ll ride back to Georgetown to end your locomotive journey.

The Georgetown Loop Railroad is the perfect train ride for families because it’s not too long and not too short. You get just the right amount of time on the train without your kiddos getting bored or antsy—it’s a win-win for everyone.

3. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Train Ride

The  Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Train Ride  takes passengers on a 45-minute trip to see the rich history of the area’s gold mines. You’ll get to ride the 15-ton iron horse steam locomotive and see amazing views of Pikes Peak, Echo Valley, and historic gold mining camps. 

It’s a first-come, first-serve train ride, so you’ll need to get in line to earn yourself a spot. All the cars are open, and the train runs rain or shine—so prepare to get a little wet if the weather looks dicey.

The conductor narrates the entire journey, and these people are top-notch. They care about this area’s history, and they’ll share dozens of interesting facts you’ll  actually  want to hear. 

4. Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Despite its breathtaking views, the Royal Gorge is still a  Colorado hidden gem  (relatively). Seriously, ask a Colorado local if they’ve been to the Royal Gorge, and you’d be surprised by how few have visited (and how few know about it).

The Royal Gorge Railroad  takes you through the winding gorge and gives you a unique bottom-up view of the tall cliffs, the winding Arkansas River, and the Royal Gorge Bridge (one of the world’s tallest suspension bridges).

Unlike most of the train rides on this list, the Royal Gorge Railroad feels a bit more ritzy. They offer first-class seating and dining, and the train also features themed rides like  Murder Mystery Dinner Train ,  Mother’s Day Train,  and  Royal Afternoon Tea at the Mansion .

5. Colorado Amtrak

The  California Zephyr train  passes through the heart of Colorado, making a stop in Denver as it makes its way between the end destinations of Chicago and Emeryville, San Francisco. You get a taste of everything the Western United States has to offer on this long train ride:

• Snow-capped Sierra Nevadas
• Desert terrain
• Rocky Mountains
• Glenwood Canyon
• Winter Park
• Moffat Tunnel
• San Pablo Bay

The train serves over 30 train stations along the journey, but here are the notable stops in Colorado:

• Fort Morgan, CO (FMG)
• Denver, CO – Union Station (DEN)
• Fraser-Winter Park, CO (WIP)
• Granby, CO (GRA)
• Glenwood Springs, CO (GSC)
• Grand Junction, CO (GJT)

This is not a “historical” train ride. You’ll get cushy seats, sleeper cars, dining options, and observation cars for a comfortable traveling experience. 

6. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

The  Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad  takes riders on a 65-mile journey through Toltec Gorge and over the 10,000-foot Cumbres Pass—hence, the name. It’s a 6.5-hour ride with amazing views the entire way, and the train itself is a National Historic Landmark. 

The railroad describes itself as the “longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America.” You cross the state border with New Mexico 11 times as you zigzag through canyons, tunnels, and trestles. Right from the get-go, the train leaves the station and begins a steep 4% climb into the mountains.

You’ll see:

• Old mining camps
• 600-foot deep walls of Toltec Gorge
• 137-foot-tall Cascade Creek Trestle
• Chama Valley
• Tanglefoot Curve
• Rio de los Pinos

7. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad

The  Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad  takes you on a 2.5-hour train ride to the Continental Divide with amazing panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley and Leadville’s colorful mining past. 

Along the way, you’ll see Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive (Colorado’s 2 tallest mountains), Freemont Pass, and the thick trees of the San Isabel National Forest. Depending on the time of year, you’ll also see fields of vibrant wildflowers surrounding the train as it meanders through the hills and mountains.

8. Tiny Town and Railroad

Tiny Town and Railroad  is far from a  traditional  scenic Colorado train ride experience, but it’s something your children might appreciate even more. They’ll feel like giants in this children-sized town filled with replica buildings and a miniature train built for them.

It’s a 10-minute train ride that takes you around the unique park, and it’s powered by a real steam engine. The park is actually a decent size, with tons of shade-providing trees and over 100 tiny buildings. Oh, and the train ride is just $2 per ticket. This place is  not  a tourist rip-off—it’s a genuinely good time for kids and train enthusiasts.

9. Rockies to the Red Rocks

The  Rocky Mountaineer  train takes travelers for a colorful ride through western Colorado’s red rock territory. It stops in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Moab, UT, as it winds through canyons and happens upon vast desert expanses. 

Between Moab and Glenwood Springs, you’ll see incredible views of Mount Garfield and Ruby Canyon. Enjoy the springs for the rest of the evening before getting on the train for Day 2 between Glenwood Springs and Denver. This portion of the train ride crosses the Continental Divide with the 6.3-mile Moffat Tunnel. 

10. The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway  is the highest cog train in the world, taking riders from Manitou Springs all the way up to the top of Pikes Peak (at 14,115 feet). It’s a 3.5-hour roundtrip ride with magical views of the Rocky Mountains and never-ending views of the plains to the east.

Discover Katharine Lee Bates’s inspiration for writing the song “America the Beautiful.” When she arrived on top of Pikes Peak, she wrote, “All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse.”

It’s hard to disagree.

While Pikes Peak is the star of the show, you’ll also get to experience dozens of other sights along your 9-mile trip to the top:

• Ruxton Creek
• Englemann Canyon
• Minnehaha Falls

Want to mix up your adventure? Hike up Pikes Peak and save your knees with a quick trip down on the Cog Railway. Oh, and enjoy a high-altitude doughnut at the summit for top-notch fuel.

11. Ridgway Railroad Museum & Train Ride

The  Ridgway Railroad Museum  features historic Colorado train equipment, and you can go out and view the cars at any time. However, you’ll need to wait until they’re open to look inside the cars and museum.

Come visit on a Saturday, and you can get a free ride on Motor No. 1 and Goose No. 4 as it rides around the few acres of property. You’ll get stellar views of the Cimarrons and Mt. Sneffels as you make loops around the train yard.

12. Winter Park Express Ski Train

The  Winter Park Express Ski Train  operates in partnership with Amtrak to take ski enthusiasts from Downtown Denver to the high-altitude slopes of Winter Park Resort. You can ride the train from mid-January to the end of March during peak ski season to avoid I-70 traffic and enjoy the no-stress adventure of train rides and skiing.

You could even take plane to train by flying into Denver International Airport and taking the A-Line to Union Station in Downtown Denver. It’s an expensive route to get to Winter Park, but the nature of public traveling feels almost European (almost).

13. Southwest Chief

The  Southwest Chief  is another Amtrak line that connects Chicago and Los Angeles with a few stops in Colorado’s southwest region:

• Lamar, CO (LMR)
• La Junta, CO (LAJ)
• Trinidad, CO (TRI)

These are seldom-visited Colorado towns with lots of natural beauty and adventure to offer. Visit Trinidad Lake for top-notch camping, hiking, boating, and fishing, or go on an epic hike up the Spanish Peaks.

14. [Bonus – Closed] Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad takes travelers on a beautiful route from Alamosa to La Veta in Southern Colorado. The steam and diesel trains provide amazing views of the San Luis Valley and a handful of crossings through historic train towns.

Unfortunately, the Rio Grand Scenic Railroad is closed for the time being as owners look for new buyers. 

Where Will Your Colorado Train Ride Take You?

Sometimes, a train ride is a train ride—you get to enjoy riding a classic locomotive vehicle while experiencing breathtaking views and fresh air. And other times, a train ride in Colorado is simply a convenient means to adventure.

Need an adventure idea to fuel your stoke? We’ve got just the thing. Explore all the  hidden gems that Colorado  has to offer by  subscribing to the Unknown Colorado newsletter . You’ll get weekly adventure ideas to take you off the beaten path and onto your next epic journey. 

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Travel | all aboard the rocky mountaineer — colorado’s new luxury train, ride the rails from the rockies to the red rock desert, in comfort.

A new rail journey in Colorado? Yes! While our state benefits from a number of great and scenic historic train rides and railway journeys, this is the first two-day, exclusive passenger train linking Denver to Moab. Not only is it a first for Colorado, it’s also a first for Rocky Mountaineer , the renowned Canadian luxury rail company, which debuted this trip late last summer. The “Rockies to the Red Rocks” route includes an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs.

Before embarking on my journey, I spent the night at one of my favorite boutique hotels in Denver, The Oxford Hotel , which is easy walking distance from Union Station. As a history buff, the legendary property ticked a number of boxes for me. Founded in 1891, The Oxford hearkens to the golden age of railroad expansion in Denver, when the city served as a hub to Colorado’s network of mountain and plains mining operations. I met other passengers for morning coffee near the lobby fireplace where we admired the charm of the 19th-century ambience.

Since 1990, the Rocky Mountaineer rail line has offered train journeys that explore some of the most beautiful spots in western Canada and the Canadian Rockies, including the Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper national park areas. When the company began scouting for a route in the United States, it discovered underutilized passenger rail tracks linking Denver to Moab.

Although Amtrak and other commercial rail lines use a portion of the tracks, Rocky Mountaineer opened up 20-plus miles of underutilized track winding through red rock canyons providing views never seen by passenger rail.

Our rail car host regaled us with entertaining and educational stories of Colorado history and geology that included a few wild tales. I learned about the origins of the taffy-colored rock that I admired. “The green rock layers you see were formed by peat bog when the area was a tropical jungle millions of years ago,” our host shared. And I was surprised by the origins of the creamy white stripes: “The white rock were actually sand dunes.”

Thoughts of Colorado as a steamy, tropical jungle took a while to sink in, and soon the train entered another realm of unimaginable beauty: Utah’s distinctive gateway to Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The cinematic experience was nonstop. I was thankful for the oversized windows that allow passengers to take in the moving picture show. Occasionally, like prairie dogs popping out of their burrows, my fellow passengers and I jumped up to snap photos or scurry to the open-air windows between cars to breathe the fresh air and marvel at the staggering views, from the peaks of the Continental Divide to red stone cliffs of Ruby Canyon.

Although I wasn’t compelled to leave the comfort of my leather, reclinable seat, I walked to the lounge car which features a clubby vibe, complete with cocktail-style table seating next to the windows. It’s a great place to chat with friends, family members and fellow passengers over complimentary wine, beer or cocktails and gaze at the ever-changing landscape. With my cellphone fully charged (thanks to plug-ins near my seat — nice touch), I was ready to test my photography skills, too.

As we passed Gore Canyon, our host reminded us to watch for wildlife. “The pronghorn is the second-fastest animal on Earth; the first is the cheetah.” Heads swiveled as we peered  out the expansive windows to see three of the fleet creatures race across a wide valley. They proved too fast to catch with my cellphone camera. But later on, I succeeded in snapping an image of a bald eagle perched on Ponderosa branches alongside the Colorado River.

From Denver to Glenwood Springs, the train averaged 30 mph, allowing ample opportunities to enjoy the luxuries of the SilverLeaf service. Meals were served at our assigned seats. Locally sourced foods inspired by the region were creatively prepared and presented on white linen cloths set on drop-down trays.

Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages were offered to passengers before the first course: a green salad tossed with Manchego cheese, cranberries and walnuts. The California Chardonnay was a luscious choice to go with my steamed Koho salmon on a bed of quinoa. Lemon bars and coffee with Baileys followed as we entered the Gore Range. Winding through Gore Canyon alongside the river (up to Class V rapids) was a thrill and a privilege, as there are no roads along some of this stretch.

Further along, the river calms into what our host dubbed “Moon River.” A few boaters were visible on the water. “We call it that because some boaters like to salute the passengers —  with their backside on full display,” our host said. Although we did not receive a “full moon salute,” one passenger joked, “Now that’s what I call a meal with a show!”

The train passed through the towering walls of Glenwood Canyon late in the afternoon. After checking into Glenwood Hot Springs Resort , I quickly made my way across the street to the “world’s largest mineral hot springs pool.” Any cares that remained melted away while soaking in the heated water. The earliest known people to “take to the waters” here were nomadic Utes seeking healing of an assortment of ailments. It was the perfect way to cap off a day filled with wonders as dusk began to darken the sky and the ambient glow of lamps illuminated the pool.

It already felt like I had been gone a week, we saw so much. I was relaxed, energized and looking forward to the next leg of my journey. Having completed the Rockies part of the trip, the morning signaled the start of the Red Rocks portion. Greeted with coffee from the crew upon our early morning departure, I was hungry, looking forward to the prickly pear pancakes.

The sun rose as we exited Glenwood Springs, as if the curtains was lifting to reveal another spectacularly cinematic day of train travel. Cameras were clicking nonstop. “I just can’t stop taking pictures,” one passenger said. An attendant walked by refilling coffee cups. “Beautiful, isn’t it? That’s what I like about this trip, you see something different each time,” she said smiling.

The sandstone buttes and mesa tops started coming into view. And then those fascinating, candy-colored stripes created over eons. As we approached the state line, our host said, “We are making history, this is the first passenger train route to Moab.” It was also my first trip to Moab, where I planned to visit the national parks before flying home. I couldn’t imagine a better way to get there than a journey through “Colorful Colorado” aboard the Rocky Mountaineer.

The “Rockies to Red Rocks” railway route is set to run April to mid-October in 2022. You can ride one way, or round-trip. Each direction includes a night in Glenwood Springs. Hotel stays and activities — and extended excursions to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas — can be added for a custom trip. rockymountaineer.com

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2 Day Denver to Moab by Rail

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Enjoy two days of extraordinary landscapes including vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos. This journey between Denver and Moab is filled with highlights best seen by train and includes an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs.

Available in SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus Service, this Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with natural marvels best seen by train. Enjoy premium craft cocktails, an elevated food experience, an outdoor viewing platform and a featured lounge car with additional space and a dedicated mixologist.

Rocky Mountaineer: Rockies to the Red Rocks Train

2024 denver to moab train schedule.

Departures on Sundays and Wednesdays

2025 Denver to Moab Train Schedule

Route Itinerary & Map

• Day 1: Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Glenwood Springs - overnight in Glenwood Springs
• Day 2: Rocky Mountaineer from Glenwood Springs to Moab

What's Included

• 2-day Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf or SilverLeaf Plus Service
• 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch onboard train
• 1 nights hotel accommodation
• Rail station transfers in Glenwood Springs (if required)
• Gratuities/tip for onboard train staff
• Transfer from the train to a central location in Moab

Not Included

• Transportation in Denver
• Transportation out of Moab
• Accommodations in Denver or Moab
• Transfers to/from your independently booked hotel in Denver or Moab
• Meals, other than onboard the Rocky Mountaineer
• Gratuities/tip for hotel and transfer staff

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 - rocky mountaineer from denver to glenwood springs.

Please make your way from your independently booked hotel to Denver Union Station on the morning of departure.

For information on arriving into Denver and Denver hotels visit Planning Your Trip to Denver

From Union Station, you will be greeted by a Rocky Mountaineer host and a motorcoach transfer will be provided to bring you to the Rocky Mountaineer departure location.

Depart Denver on the Rocky Mountaineer and travel towards your destination for the evening: Glenwood Springs. As you climb out of Denver and into the Colorado Rockies, you’ll pass through a series of tunnels including the Moffat Tunnel. Cross the Continental Divide as you take in the spectacular views of rugged canyons and the Colorado River before arriving at the resort town of Glenwood Springs.

If time permits this evening, the recommended activity is a visit the Glenwood Hot Springs , which is the largest hot springs pool in the world!

Overnight in a Glenwood Springs hotel.

For Arrival and Departure times, visit Rocky Mountaineer Schedule

Day 2 - Rocky Mountaineer from Glenwood Springs to Moab

Depart Glenwood Springs in the morning and travel onboard the Rocky Mountaineer for day two of your train journey to Moab. Cross the Colorado-Utah border with stunning mountain views in the background. Red sandstone landscapes emerge as you approach Moab, the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

Upon drop off at a central location in Moab, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore. The recommended activity for this afternoon is a tour to Canyonlands National Park which can be booked through the Moab Adventure Center .

Alternatively, renting a car is a great way to see Moab at your own pace. For information on car rentals or departing out of Moab, visit Planning Your Trip to Moab

Overnight at your independently booked Moab accommodations.

2025 Denver to Moab Train Pricing

Denver to moab rail price.

• Upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus $600

Prices are per person and are subject to an additional sales tax. Children are subject to standard pricing. Prices are an estimate and may vary slightly from departure to departure. Please contact us for an exact quote and availability.

The SilverLeaf Plus Upgrade Includes all of the benefits of SilverLeaf Service, plus exclusive access to the lounge car. Featuring signature cocktails, the lounge car offers additional space indoors to relax and soak in the scenery as it passes you by, as well as a small outdoor viewing area. Also, enjoy an elevated dining experience with an additional course during select meals, and premium alcoholic beverages.

4 Day Getaway – Denver to Moab Train Tour

Denver to Moab Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour with one night in Glenwood Springs and two nights in Moab (4 Days)

Available with SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus Train Service From $2286 per person in 2025

6 Day Classic – Denver to Moab Train Tour

Denver to Moab Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour with two nights Denver, one night in Glenwood Springs, and two nights in Moab (6 Days)

Available with SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus Train Service From $2677 per person in 2025

7 Day Excursion – Denver to Salt Lake City Train Tour

Denver to Moab Rocky Mountaineer Train Tour with two nights in Denver, one night in Glenwood Springs, two nights in Moab, and one night in Salt Lake City (7 Days)

Available with SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus Train Service From $3232 per person in 2025

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7 Epic Colorado Trains That Will Take You to Beautiful Mountains, Sparkling Rivers, and Golden Groves

It's time to try a new, old-fashioned route to mountain adventure.

Laura Beausire is a Colorado-based writer with three decades of experience covering travel, art, design, and outdoor adventure. She has a master’s degree in art history and a background working in galleries and teaching design history. When she’s not on a hiking trail, Laura contributes to Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, Shondaland, Hemispheres, Fodor’s, Mountain Living, and many other publications.

Next time you think about climbing a mountain, why not relax and let a train do all the work? Scenic railways up and down Colorado whisk travelers over craggy peaks, past sparkling rivers, and through golden aspen groves. From chugging steam trains to modern luxury carriages, these rail lines offer short jaunts and multiday adventures through the Rockies and beyond.

You never know what surprises you might find in the high-altitude wilderness, so keep an eye out for wildlife and pack a sweater in case the snow begins to fly.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Rail transport was essential to Colorado's early mining industry, and in 1882, this line connected the mines of Silverton with the smelters of Durango. Today's train rolls along that same 45-mile stretch of gorgeous scenery beside the Animas River, with vintage steam and diesel locomotives leading a variety of excursions throughout the year. Adventure packages — including zip lining, rafting, and Jeep tours — are available, along with special stops to access the Weminuche Wilderness and San Juan National Forest.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Built in 1880 and relaunched in 1998, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad travels between 1,000-foot rock walls while the Arkansas River rapids churn below. At its narrowest, Royal Gorge pinches down to 30 feet, so a suspended iron railway bridge hugs the north wall. The train runs all year, with historic locomotives and passenger carriages offering a range of 22-mile round-trip excursions from Cañon City's Santa Fe Depot. On board, the 403 Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner made from Colorado-sourced ingredients.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

This historic rail line was established in 1880 to serve silver mines in the San Juan Mountains, and it follows a jagged route that crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times. Pulled by a steam locomotive, the train runs 64-mile excursions between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, climbing over 10,015-foot Cumbres Pass, through Toltec Gorge, and along the 137-foot-high Cascade Trestle. Express, half-day, and full-day trips (with lunch) are available, as are special Fourth of July, wildflower, geology, brunch, and dinner trains.

Leadville Railroad

Perched at 10,152 feet above sea level, Leadville is a former mining boom town in a spectacular natural setting. Passengers (and their well-behaved dogs) can board the Leadville Railroad for a 2.5-hour round-trip journey on a rail line dating to 1884. The train chugs toward the Continental Divide, through the San Isabel National Forest and Arkansas River Valley, offering views of Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, Colorado's two tallest mountains, along the way. Wildflower and fall foliage trains are dazzling, and other excursions include barbecue, zip line, and rafting packages.

The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Fresh from a three-year, $100 million renovation, the world's highest cog railroad (and the country's highest railroad) welcomes travelers on a nine-mile climb from Manitou Springs to the top of Pikes Peak. The cog railway has been running since 1891, and the scenery is still awe-inspiring. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep, elk, and yellow-bellied marmots on your way to the new, LEED Silver-certified Summit Visitor Center, situated at 14,115 feet above sea level. This is the place to taste Pikes Peak's famously fluffy high-altitude donuts.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Completed in 1884 and rebuilt in time for its 1984 centenary, the Georgetown Loop Railroad takes travelers on a 4.5-mile round-trip ride between the historic mountain towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. Pulled by vintage steam and diesel electric locomotives, the trains rumble over four bridges, around hairpin turns, and through the forest, with Clear Creek splashing below. Excursions can also be combined with a tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine, where you can try your luck at gold panning.

Rocky Mountaineer

Named the World's Leading Luxury Train at the 2021 World Travel Awards, the Rocky Mountaineer built its stellar reputation in Canada. Now, it's come stateside, with a two-day Rockies to the Red Rocks itinerary linking Denver and Moab, including an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs. The train's glass-dome coaches offer a smooth ride — through the Moffat Tunnel, past Winter Park's ski lifts, and along the banks of the Colorado River as it flows through ranchland, wine country, and into the red canyon wilderness.

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I toured first-class cars on the Rocky Mountaineer train, where tickets cost $2,269 and come with a luxe bar that's off-limits to other passengers

• I rode the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world's most opulent trains, from Colorado to Utah.
• Like many luxury experiences, there are upgrades. In 2024, first-class tickets cost an extra $570.
• I toured the first-class experience, which had flowing signature cocktails and an extra tour guide. 

In May 2022, I rode the Rocky Mountaineer — one of the world's most luxurious trains. The Canadian train company operates four routes, and I was on its US route heading to Moab, Utah, from Denver.

As I booked the two-day train trip , I had the choice between two classes: SilverLeaf and SilverLeaf Plus.

At the time, a SilverLeaf ticket on my route cost $1,465 for a solo traveler and included meals, alcohol, a seat in a train car with glass-dome windows, and a hotel room for an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. In 2024, the SilverLeaf ticket cost $1,699. 

Train riders could upgrade to SilverLeaf Plus, akin to first class , for about $550 more. In 2024, SilverLeaf Plus tickets sell for $2,269 and grant travelers access to a dedicated lounge car, elevated dinner service, and a hotel room in the heart of downtown Glenwood Springs.

Take a look at what the elevated experience is like. 

As a thrifty traveler, I purchased a standard SilverLeaf ticket. But on the first day of the two-day trip, Rocky Mountaineer's manager, Zach Lucas, gave me a tour of the entire train, allowing me to peek inside the first-class car.

Together, Lucas and I walked from my standard SilverLeaf train car to the front of the train, where a few train cars were dedicated to SilverLeaf Plus.

As I stepped inside the train car, I didn't spot many differences between the SilverLeaf Plus and the SilverLeaf passenger cars.

Instead, the seats and space looked practically identical to the car I had spent the last few hours riding in.

I did notice, however, that the SilverLeaf Plus passengers had an extra train host who served meals and functioned as the passengers' personal tour guide throughout the two days. My car had just one.

The first-class passengers also had an elevated dinner service, which I didn't see or taste firsthand. According to Lucas and the first-class passengers I spoke with, their meals were served with local wine pairings. While I drank wine with my dinner, it wasn't matched to my specific entrée.

Behind the passenger car were exclusive lounge cars. Each one had a bar, and the first one I saw had a warm, midcentury modern theme.

Behind it was a second lounge car, which had modern furnishings and leather seats along its two sides. Lucas said the cars were designed as a "conversation space" where first-class passengers could roam freely throughout the entire ride.

The lounge cars were welcoming and spacious environments. In one, a piano was placed in the corner with board games stacked on top.

At the front of both lounge cars was a bar and bartender, who served signature cocktails that standard-class passengers didn't receive.

At my standard seat, I didn't have a dedicated bar or bartender. Instead, my train host pushed a beverage cart and poured glasses of wine, beer, and well-drinks.

If I sat in first class, I could've ordered something more elaborate. I would have chosen a Manhattan, a martini, or another drink made with upgraded ingredients I spotted in the first-class car, like the bowl of oranges for zesting, a bottle of bitters, simple syrup, and cherries.

While the lounge cars seemed like an ideal environment to chat with other riders, I noticed that they lacked the Rocky Mountaineer's iconic glass-dome windows. My favorite of the ride were these large windows that framed Utah's sandstone deserts and Colorado's towering mountain range.

If I had been sitting in first class, I wasn't sure I'd want to give up those dramatic windows for the more limited views from inside the lounge car.

The largest difference between first class and standard passengers didn't happen until I got off the train.

The Rocky Mountaineer's US route makes an overnight stop in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. At the time, first-class passengers slept at a nicer hotel just a few feet away from the train station.

I, on the other hand, along with other SilverLeaf passengers, had the option of a six-minute walk or a short bus ride to another Glenwood Springs hotel.

Both were three-star hotels, but after speaking to SilverLeaf Plus passengers who stayed at the closer hotel, it seemed like their rooms were a bit nicer with modern, hardwood floors and easier access to the mountain town.

A nicer hotel and a lounge bar car serving gin gimlets instead of gin and tonics would've been nice, but I felt like the experience in SilverLeaf was luxurious enough. However, had I wanted to splurge on the ultimate indulgent train ride, I'd pick first class any day.

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