Need advice for rail trip to Colorado

A number of years ago I used to live in Grand Junction and had a lot of opportunities for railfanning.  We were about three hours north of Durango and I spent a lot of time down there, riding the D & S to Silverton.  Always took our visiting guests down there.  At that time, the Cumbres and Toltec was not ready for operation, but in the years that followed we have ridden that line at least three times.  I wouldn't want to have to chose which is better; they both have their compelling attractions.

But, if you're interested in the history of the narrow gauge empires of Colorado there are many more places you should visit.  I actually drove all the way up to the west portal of the Alpine Tunnel, a few miles east of Gunnison.  Fabulous views, some restored artifacts and at the time I was able to enter the tunnel from the West end for a few feet. 

You should also visit Delores, where one of the Galloping Geese was restored and is occasionally brought to either Durango or Chama for special runs.  That entire right-of-way of the former Rio Grande Southern can be followed and a lot learned about mountain railroading. 

 Visiting all of these places depends on the amount of time you want to spend exploring the state and just what your interests are.  But as you head east, don't overlook the Royal Gorge Scenic line out of Pueblo.  Diesels, but really fabulous scenery.  Also, you must ride the Pike's Peak line, and also visit Cripple Creek and Victor.  Lot's of history here plus a lot of fun.  As you mentioned the Georgetown Loop is certainly worthy of a visit and as you near Denver, you must stop at the Colorado Railroad museum in Golden. 

Have a great time and let us know how you enjoyed the trip!

Paul Fischer

  The Colorado Railroad Museum is a must see !

 If you can't see all the tourist railroads in one trip it gives you a good excuse to come back !

   I would rent and return the a car at the same location.

 The Amtrak ride from Denver to Grand Junction is great .

 Rent a car in Grand Junction and drive to Durango.

1. Cumbres & Toltec www.cumbrestoltec.com is internationally known as the most hostorically acurate narrow gauge emperience.   I've ridden it many times. 

  Rio Grande Scenic Railroad http://rio-grande-scenic-railway.com/  based out of Alamosa is a good ride.  Use Alamosa as your base for riding both trains.

5. The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, CO  coloradorailroadmuseum.org  is worth the trip.  The Forney Transportation Museum   http://forneymuseum.org/   might be of interest.

6.  If you and your son would lilke to "play with toy trains" when you're around Denver, you are most welcome to call and come play in my Run Room.  See at slsprr.net .

Neil,

Great suggestions posted above. Also, see the comments relevant to Colorado that are to be found in the following string from a few weeks ago.

https://ogrforum.com/t...10#18605835777051110

Enjoy!

Bob

Are you kidding? As Susan stated. Cumbres & Toltec. I think it's the best tourist RR in America. It's not a six mile or ten mile run. It's all day including lunch half way to the end of line. Don't miss it. Don

Oh sorry, one more shot from your coach. Don

Check out the Forney Transportation Museum in Denver.  They have a Big Boy indoors.

http://forneymuseum.org/

Be sure to ride to Grand Junction! Enjoy the scenery. For details, go to www.visitgrandjunction.com

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Visit Alpine Tunnel, a revered site of the Denver, South Park & Pacific. Sign the guest book there. Make your name part of history! On the western approach, drive atop the Palisades down to Sherrod Loop. SPECTACULAR scenery! For details, go to pitkincolorado.com (no www.)

The Leadville, Colorado & Southern preserves another part of the Denver, South Park & Pacific. For details, go to leadville-train.com (no www.)

Visit the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum in the original Dolores depot. For details, go to gallopinggoose5.com (no www.)

Near the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden is the MillerCoors Brewery. Tours are offered most days.

The best tour of Colorado railroads and magnificent scenery is the Colorado Autumn by Rail Tour conducted by Rail Travel Adventures. It includes a chartered ride on a Rio Grande Southern "Galloping Goose," as well as tours in Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde National Parks. Dates are September 12-26, 2014. This company can easily arrange a trip on Amtrak to meet this tour and a flight back to Pittsburgh afterward. For details, go to www.railtraveladventures.com. Tell them that Pastor Philip Smith and his charming wife, Beverly, recommended this tour.

Neal:

I also think the Cumbres & Toltec may be the best historical railroad experience in the US.  It's certainly the best one we've ever ridden, and we've ridden a couple dozen.  We thought the first class tickets were worth the price, too.  Riding in side facing easy chairs at the tail end of the train made for excellent views of the engine and entire train on the many tight horseshoe curves.

This sounds like a great trip, have fun!

I always wanted to ride the Cumbres and Toltec; but I could never get out there in season.

I would recommend a cab ride through Royal Gorge on the Royal Gorge RR.

Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Santa Fe Depot
Located one block south of Hwy 50 & 3rd Street
Canon City, CO 81212

https://www.royalgorgeroute.co...XYhrgCFQui4Aod1AcAtQ

Before you turn the car in at Denver stop at Winter Park and take a look at the Western entrance to Moffat Tunnel.

Cumbres and Toltec! Upgrade to the parlor car. Not that far from Durango. You will not be disappointed. If you have time, all the other places mentioned were great too.

Have a great trip,

Bob

All the suggestions above are fantastic.

One thing...   check on the status of the current wild fires before making plans.   Some of those rail lines may be shutdown due to the fires currently in CO.

Neal:

Be sure to make reservations for the Durango & Silverton ahead of time.  I don’t know if you need reservations to ride any of the other tourist railroads out there but we had friends who tried to ride the D&S without reservations and they got turned away!

Go Bucs!  BTW, the Rockies play at Coors Field and that ballpark is right by the train station so you might plan your trip when the Buccos are playing there.

HTH,

Bill

I know its not a 'railway' per se....but....

In Manitou Springs is the Cog Incline Railway. Incredible views, interesting facts along the way, and a bit of "been there" when you get to the top of Pikes Peak.

http://cograilway.com/

I have been away from the forum for a few days, but appeciate all of the help and responses.  I am going to read through the entire thread for all of your suggestions.

Again, thanks to all who responded!