Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad in Colorado!!

I have discovered in my older age (the ripe old decade of my 20’s) that I really enjoying riding trains!!  I’ve been on a few trains in my lifetime, and so far the Georgetown Loop railroad has been the best train I’ve ever been on!

That being said I haven’t been on the trains in Durango, Leadville, Alamosa, Antonito…Ok, so maybe my proclamation is a little premature, but I feel confident in saying this train is definitely Top 3 material!!

I was pretty hesitant to make a post about this because the only pictures I have are from my iPhone.  Phone pictures just don’t compare to a Nikon!!! However, I was really excited about this train, and I really wanted to make a post about it – so here we are.  I’m planning on riding this train again two times this year…once for the fall colors in September and once in December for the Christmas events! I can’t wait!

Georgetown is a tiny but really beautiful mountain town a little west of Denver.  There’s a lot of history here and a cute downtown, but besides the train and Mine Tours – not much else.  You could manage to spend a day here, but I wouldn’t say spending the night is necessary unless you are also wanting to check out Idaho Springs, which is 15-20 minutes away.  We made a day trip here from Colorado Springs, had breakfast, rode the train and were still back to Colorado Springs by about 1:30.  It was a lovely way to spend my day off!

We got into town early enough to enjoy breakfast at The Happy Cooker in the downtown area.  We really didn’t get great service, but the food was good and the atmosphere was great (we sat outdoors on the patio surrounded by mountains with perfect weather), so I would recommend this place, and would return here myself!

Directions: from Denver – Head west on I-70W. Georgetown is about 45 miles from Denver and lies on 1-70 just past Idaho Springs

Cost: Price will vary depending on events, inclusion of mine tours, and what car you ride in. The daily train ride in Coach is $26.95 as of  this year. This price will fluctuate if you ride in the parlour car and if you include a Mine Tour.

Special events such as Fall Colors Hike and Ride, Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Fest and Santa Events will cost more as well.

Tips:

• For the most up to date information please visit the official website.
• There are several different options to choose when looking at riding the trains, including Mine Tours.  Click the link above to check out all the different options you have!!
• There are lots of different seasonal events, and I’m really looking forward to hitting some of them up at the end of the year!! Once again check the website out in the above link for a complete list of what they have going on!!
• You can buy your tickets in advance online.  I recommend doing this to ensure you don’t drive here for nothing!
• Tickets are sold for departures from Devil’s Gate and Silver Plume.  Devil’s Gate is the depot in Georgetown and Silver Plume is a little further west on I-70.  Either way you will stop at both depot’s, as one is the starting point and the other is the midway/turnaround point.
• The whole ride lasts about 45 minutes
• We had a great time in the coach section, but I would recommend getting there early so you can snag a seat in the covered coach cars.  They are still open to the outside, but our little ones were starting to get a little too much sun without the covering!!
• That being said, make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat in case you end up in the uncovered car!!
• Try to sit toward the middle of the train! The engine will switch sides in the middle of the ride, so if you are sitting all the way at one end you will eventually be right next to the very loud engine!!
• See some of the historic sites in Georgetown before heading home!!
• There are two depots that you can choose from when buying tickets.  The Devil’s Gate depot is the one in Georgetown.  I recommend taking this one because it also allows you to explore the town easier when you’re done!
• If you choose Silver Plume it’s just a little further west on I-70.

The infamous Trestle…

I suggest sitting on the right side so you can get this awesome view!!

The train weaves around this river several times on your trip…so beautiful!!

My little Colorado Magpie fell asleep in the middle of the ride lol!!!

The Silver Plume station marks the halfway point of your trip. The engine switches ends here to pull you back to the Devils Gate depot! People embark and disembark, so it you aren’t happy with your seating now is the time to change it!! We ended up changing into a covered coach car.

Here’s a view of the covered coach… definitely was nice to get out of the sun!

Returning to Devil’s Gate!!

Managed to get a pic of us and our kiddos!!

All in all the Georgetown train is a very enjoyable way to pass a day!  I definitely recommend doing it with or without kids, because the scenery is beautiful!!

Don’t forget to let me know what you think by leaving a comment!!

Until next time!!