tourist railroads in Colorado—pick two

[willem]

I'm aware of the Royal Gorge, Durango and Silverton, and Cumbres and Toltec tourist railroads, and seek recommendations. Due to my poor planning, it would take a major upheaval to see more than two. I should have asked for advice earlier.

Feel free to mention other railroads, but I'm looking for a recommendation for two of them. Which do you think are the best uses of time and money?

 

[Bob Dylan]

If I could just do one I'd do the Cumbres and Toltec. If two, then the Silverton and Durango train would be second..

Disclaimer: I haven't done the Royal Gorge train but riding the Tram to the top of Pikes Peak is a worthwhile trip for sure!

 

[Ronbo]

There is also the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

 

[bretton88]

Definitely Cumbres, royal gorge is a waste of money, the Rio Grande Railway is really good too.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

You really can't beat Durango & Silverton and the Cumbres & Toltec... both of them offer fantastic scenery, operate only steam locomotives, and operate steam locomotives that are historic to the line.

Durango & Silverton

pros - you can ride the entire line round trip in a day. (Cumbres you can either ride half the trip round trip, or the whole trip and bus back).

the coaches are original to the line (Cumbres coaches are not original.. but offer larger windows so better viewing)

the Durango and Silverton has never ceased operating passenger trains... those locomotive have been pulling those coaches on that track since 1881!

Cons - Durango & Silverton is operated as a for profit tourist railroad. It has way more of a commercial feel to it.

Really you can't go wrong with doing either / both.... nothing in the world like the old Denver Rio Grande Western!

Here are the others in Colorado... all offer something unique -

Royal Gorge Scenic

Cripple Creek & Victor

Rio Grande Scenic

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Colorado Railroad Museum (more of a museum than a ride, but they do offer short steam train rides on select weekends)

Georgetown Loop

 

[willem]

Thanks for recommendations, and especially to crescent-zephyr for the list of other railways.