Denver @lemmy.world minorsecond @lemm.ee 1 yr. ago

Looking for a nice mountain train ride

My wife and I moved to the area a few years ago but still haven't gone on one of these. It looks like there are a ton of them, so I'm wondering if you folks know of any good ones?

11 comments

The California Zephyr is a great way to get into the mountains from Union Station. Truly beautiful route, probably Amtrak's best IMO. More of a conventional train than a mountain train, but still a great route.

I remember the Royal Gorge is also a beautiful ride, though I haven't been for many years.

Apart from that, I hear great things about Durango - Silverton and plan to hit that someday. Durango has a lot of train stuff going on, might be worth considering.
Most/all of them are nice. Really close is the Colorado Railroad Museum, which had short (15 minute) rides behind a steam train. Georgetown Loop is a bit longer and very nice. Royal Gorge had nice dinner trains

If you are looking for longer rides, Amtrak to Glenwood, Durango/Silverton and Cumbres/Toltec are all stunning.
- Georgetown loop is awesome. Also thought there was one in the Leadville area.
  
  I think there is, but haven't been there myself.
  
  I just did the Leadville one. It was pretty cool and nice views but to be completely honest, it was about an hour too long (imo). Also, I have a feeling the other mountain trains might be similar but the seating was uncomfortable. Just food for thought.
- Royal Gorge
  
  Does that one go up into the mountains? My inlaws are wanting to ride that one next week but we're over budget this month.
  
  It goes through this canyon:
  
  It's not high up in the mountains, but it's definitely "mountain-y"
Royal gorge was sweet, we did the murder mystery car and won the game (not that hard but we're the only table to answer correctly)! Pretty good food too. Id probably try and do an open top car next time.

Georgetown loop was super short, like that's it?

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