Love trains? All aboard! Enjoy the scenic and historic train rides in the Southwest. We have selected some great excursions for train fans and tourists. Some are short trips and others can turn into vacations for train lovers.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad – Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico
This railroad is located in southern Colorado near the New Mexico border. Built in 1880 and little changed since the Cumbres y Tolteca Scenic Railroad is the best and most spectacular example of the steam-era mountain railroad in North America. Its equipment, structures and vast landscape exist today as frozen in the first half of the 20th century. When the season begins, usually in May, trains run seven days a week until mid-October. All trains except the “Cinder Express” stop for lunch in Osier, Colorado, roughly the midpoint of the railroad, where a hot meal with a salad bar and homemade desserts is included.
The “Cinder Express” includes a box lunch. The railroad hosts some great special events during the season.
Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad
The historic mining town of Leadville, Colorado, has been hidden in a magnificent alpine valley at the base of the highest peak in the state. Time is right and you may be there for a wildflower hiking trip or include some white water rafting. (Not reviewed – Suggested by a reader).
Southern Santa Fe Railroad – Lamy and Santa Fe, New Mexico
Ride a freight train that runs through the high desert landscape on this 4-hour round trip from the historic depot in Santa Fe to Lamy, a sleepy little town 18 miles southeast of Santa Fe that remember the days of the wild west at the turn of the century! Special trips available on many holidays.
Cripple Creek y Victor Narrow Guage Railway – Cripple Creek, Colorado
This unique four-mile round trip includes an engaging and educational narrative about the rich history that only a dynamic city of gold could produce. It also stops at special points of interest, stunning photo spots, and the Echo Valley. All Cripple Creek locomotives are narrow gauge coal steam locomotives. Half the fun is watching them drink water and start the charcoal engines. The trips are short but pleasant.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Durango, Colorado
The D & SNGRR is located in Durango, Colorado, in the beautiful Four Corners region. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad traverses spectacular and impressive canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling in a coal and steam locomotive on the same tracks that the miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular train ride.
Grand Canyon Railroad – Williams, Arizona
A trip to the Grand Canyon is a fun, eco-friendly way to visit the Grand Canyon – no waiting at the gate, no driving and parking hassles, and when you’re tired after a long day, you’ll travel in style, enjoy live music, and tasty snacks and drinks as you watch the sun slide over the western prairie.
Green Canyon Railroad – Clarkdale, Arizona
The remote wilderness of Green Canyon, located west of Sedona and below Jerome, is famous for its towering red rock pinnacles and clean, green waters. The train passes through the Indian ruins, through a 680-foot man-made tunnel, on old-fashioned trestles and under a clear blue sky. In the winter you can see eagles. More than thirty bald and golden eagles winter in the canyon each year. Passengers enjoy this four-hour scenic train ride in first-class style aboard renovated passenger carriages and open-air observation carriages pulled by vintage locomotives.
Look for special seasonal trips, like a Christmas trip with Santa and a Fall Colors trip.
Austin Steam Train – Austin, Texas
Escape the 21st century and relax on a walk through the romantic past of the American railroad. Let the rivers and ranches of the Texas Hill Country, or the historic neighborhoods and lush parks of the heart of Austin, slide past your window as you, your family, and friends share the delights of an adventure on the downtown vintage commuter train. from Texas ! Choose from a variety of day trips.
Pike’s Peak Cog Railway
Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be at 14,000 feet? Well the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway will get you around very smoothly. Located just outside of Colorado Springs, this is a great trip up the mountain. The round trip takes three hours and ten minutes. This includes 30 to 40 minutes at the summit. They are closed most of the winter.
Virginia y Railee Railroad
Take a 35-minute excursion back to the Old West. Travel on the original Virginia and Truckee Railroad from Virginia City, through Tunnel 4 to Gold Hill, Nevada.
You can also take the V&T Railroad, known as the ‘Queen of Short Lines’, at the other end of the line. You’ll get wild west history, spectacular scenery, authentic steam engines, and a whole slice of memory-making with two lines to ride. It is something that children of all ages will love.
