This Epic Train Ride Near Denver Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

The mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume boomed in the mid-to-late 1800s, but there was one problem – it was difficult to get the millions of dollars worth of silver and gold out of the narrow canyon.

Luckily, financier Jay Gould and his Pacific Union Railroad laid track to Georgetown in 1877. In 1879, a loop from Georgetown to Silver Plume was built. It was a true feat of engineering at the time – crossing four bridges and gradually gaining 600 feet in elevation. After decades of service, the loop was abandoned and dismantled in 1938.

After extensive renovations that spanned decades, passengers can ride the Georgetown Loop on a steam engine-powered train today. You’ll want to check out this epic train ride near Denver.

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

The first passengers took a ride on a partial section of the loop in 1975. By 1987 the full Georgetown Loop was open, along with many amenities, including new passenger platforms, restrooms, hiking trails, and interpretive displays and exhibits.

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

You'll take a trip through some of Colorado's most gorgeous scenery. Traverse 3.1 miles, gain 640 feet in elevation and cross four bridges, including the Devil's Gate High Bridge.

Advertisement

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

The coach cars are open in the summer, and enclosed and heated in the winter. They offer bench seating and are the less expensive way to experience the Georgetown Loop. Adults pay $25.95; children pay $18.95 for the one hour and fifteen minute trip.

The parlor cars are more luxurious and offer table and chair seating. These cars are fully enclosed and passengers receive water or soft drinks and light snacks. Beer and wine may be purchased in the parlor cars, too. The fare for parlor car passengers is $34.95 for adults and $26.95 for children.

Advertisement

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

This Shay type locomotive was built in 1923, and is one of the largest of its type ever built. After many years in service for the West Side Lumber Company in California, it was shipped to the Midwest Central Railroad in Iowa. In 2012, it began its service for the Georgetown Loop Railroad, where it operates beautifully.

Related Stories

This Tour Through An Old Gold Mine Near Denver Will Take You Back In Time

There's Something Incredibly Unique About This Train Station In Denver

Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Near Denver For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

The railroad offers two silver mine tours. The Lebanon Silver Mine tour takes place about halfway along the route, and guides visitors 500 feet into the mine. It's cold inside (about 44 degree Fahrenheit), so you'll want to bring a jacket. Plan on an additional hour and fifteen minutes; the tour is not handicapped or stroller accessible.

The Everett Silver Mine Tour teaches guests about the history and techniques of mining. It includes lunch and panning for gold. Both mining tours are recommended for passengers ages five and up.

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

Dinner trains are special events for adults over the age of 21. Offerings change from time to time, but currently include a Wine and Cheese Train, Beer and Brat Train, Bourbon, or Scotch Train.

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

Santa Trains run November 19th through January 1st.

Georgetown Loop Railroad/Facebook

Hop aboard the train from one of two depots:

For the Silver Plume Depot, take I-70 to exit 226. Free parking is located along the service road.

For the Devil's Gate Station, take I-70 to exit 228. Take a right at the Visitor's Center and follow Loop Drive to the free parking lot.

Doesn’t this trip look like a great way to see some of Colorado’s scenic beauty? For more information, and to reserve your tickets, visit the Georgetown Loop Railroad’s website. If you’re looking for more adventure in the Denver area, check off some of the items on our Ultimate Bucket List!