These scenic train rides through Colorado are among the nation’s best: USA Today
DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado has seemingly endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, from hiking or skiing to boating and rafting.
Sometimes, though, the best way to see Colorado’s incredible landscapes is from the seat of a train as it whisks you through the mountains or along river gorges. Readers of USA Today agreed, and even recently dubbed several Colorado railroads some of the best scenic train rides in the country in their 10Best rankings.
Here’s a look at how Colorado’s train rides fell in the list, including which one took the top spot.
No. 8: Georgetown Loop Railroad
Georgetown Loop Railroad train makes its way along narrow tracks outside of Georgetown, October 07, 2016. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The closest scenic train ride to Denver on the list, the Georgetown Loop Railroad took the No. 8 spot. Visitors can take the 75-minute ride between Georgetown and Silver Plume, traveling on a historic line first built in the 19th century.
No. 7: The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A train of the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is approaching the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Friday, July 29, 2022. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Don’t just travel through the mountains, go to the top of one on this ride coming in at No. 7.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a nine-mile route that travels to the top of Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs and is the highest cog railroad in the world.
No. 3: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Steam Train, in autumn and fresh snow, from Chama, New Mexico to Antonito, Colorado. (Photo by: Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The 3rd best scenic train ride takes riders through the San Juan Mountains along the Colorado-New Mexico border.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a moving national historic landmark that travels 64 miles from Antonito, Colorado to Chama, New Mexico.
No. 1: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad departs Silverton, CO, on October 11, 2016. (Photo by Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Taking the top spot on the list is one of the most iconic things to do in Colorado. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a nine-hour journey between the two towns, and riders stop in the historic town of Silverton to explore its mining past.
10 best scenic train rides
Here’s a look at the full list of the 10 best train rides across the country, from Pennsylvania to California.
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