Georgetown Loop Scenic Train Ride

By Abby McAllister
I may have mentioned before that I fancy myself a “collector” of scenic train rides.  There are groups all over the country who have restored old trains and are using old, decommissioned tracks to take people into some beautiful places.  I wrote about our annual Fall favorite here, but wanted to share another great scenic train ride from my “collection” with you today.  Colorado, with its long history of mining, has a lot of really great scenic trains (many scenic trains use track once laid down for transporting ore from mines).  The ride I want to share with you today covers amazing territory and has some cool additional features. 

Generally my kids aren't into gawking at scenery but they couldn't help themselves when we rode on the Georgetown Loop.  Looping between Georgetown and Silver Plume, this historic marvel covers territory often considered too steep for trains.  In 1884 when the engineers finished this narrow gauge railroad, it included a “corkscrew” route that climbed grades of up to 4%, horseshoe curves and 4 bridges-one named “Devil’s Gate High Bridge.”  It was a true marvel of its time.  Today all those same features make for a scenic and exciting ride. 
Georgetown, Train, Train Ride, Scenic, Historic, image, Kids
There are many fun curves and exciting trestles on this ride!
Although the rocking motion of the train did put my 2 year old to sleep, the rest of us really enjoyed experiencing a beautiful part of the Colorado Rockies.  The next time we visit Colorado I plan to add another scenic train to my “collection,” I just can’t decide if it will be the breath-taking Pike’s Peak Cog train or the luxurious Royal Gorge train (yes, mama can get behind luxury as well as roughing it!).  


When you go:
Here is a link to where you can purchase tickets and find directions.  As is normal for many of the scenic train routes, rides sell out, often ahead of time, and advance purchase of tickets is advised.