This Lesser-known 26-mile Train Ride Goes Through Some of Colorado’s Most Stunning Sites

The Colorado Springs region is a haven for train enthusiasts. While the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway may be popular for its sky-high ride to the 14,115-foot-tall Pikes Peak and Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad transports visitors back to mining days on a steam engine, one of the most underrated rail experiences might be the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.

Located in Canon City, about an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs or two hours from Denver, the historic railway dates back to 1879. It was restored in 1998 and turned into a tourism experience, giving visitors a taste of elevated life on the rails of the 19th century. 

The train departs from the Santa Fe Depot and traces the Arkansas River on a 24-mile round-trip journey through granite cliffs, some of which stretch more than 1,000 feet above the tracks.

With a variety of ways to experience rails, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers coach, deluxe, and vista dome seating, with daily departures up to four times a day in peak season, at 9 a.m, 12:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Food from the on-board 403 Grill’s menu is available for all passengers. For a more upscale experience, the railroad also offers first-class lunch and dinner service, both with multi-course meals served during the ride. 

Train enthusiasts can also book the Ride with the Engineer, getting an inside look at the journey from the Engineer cab for about 12 miles of the trip. Those up for a bit of on-board capers may enjoy the Murder Mystery Dinner Train on select Saturday nights this summer.

Seasonal events are also offered, from Mother’s Day to Oktoberfest. But the busiest time of the year is around the holidays when the Santa Express Train whisks guests of all ages away into a winter wonderland of holiday magic, led by a hand-painted locomotive, with 5,000 hours of craftsmanship going into the festive design. 

To learn more, visit royalgorgeroute.com.