Colorado lands four spots on USA Today’s list of the country’s best train rides
Scenic train rides make the journey just as spectacular as the destination, as they offer stunning scenery and memorable rides.
USA Today recently published its list of the top ten scenic train rides in the U.S., and the rides offer plenty of “beautiful landscapes and unique regional charm.” Four Colorado train rides made the list.
USA Today 10Best is a readers’ choice awards program that highlights the best in the country’s destinations, food and drink, hotels, and things to do. An expert panel selects their top choices and readers vote to determine the ten winners.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad took first place. According to USA Today, the train runs for 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado, and is one of the most “authentic steam-operated railroads in existence.” The train passes through the stunning San Juan Mountains and Conejos Valley.
Secondly, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ranked second on the list. This historic railroad once took silver and gold between Durango and Silverton. Today, visitors can enjoy the nine-hour round-trip through some amazing Colorado scenery and even stop to explore the historic mining town of Silverton.
The third Colorado train to make the rankings is The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which took fifth place. This is the world’s highest cog railroad, as it reaches a height of 14,115 feet. The ride is nine miles and goes to the top of Pikes Peak, running along Ruxton Creek and through Deer Park.
The last Colorado train ride that made the list is the Georgetown Loop Railroad. The historic train route was completed in 1884, and now operates a mix of diesel-electric and steam engines from Georgetown to Silver Plume, according to USA Today. The round-trip takes 75 minutes, and passengers can enjoy the ride in box cars with bench seating that is open in the summer or enclosed parlor cars during the holidays. Riders can also choose to add on a silver mine guided walking tour during the summer that will take them into Leavenworth Mountain to see what work was like in a 19th-century mine.
Check out the full rankings here.





