When snowflakes start to fly, Colorado’s already stunning landscapes somehow become even more beautiful. One of the best ways to take in the winter views? While gazing out the window of a train, gliding across the tracks like a skier schussing across the snow.
Imagine this: As the chilly scenery passes by outside, you’re tucked inside a warm, cozy railcar—likely, with a hot cocoa or an adult beverage in hand. If this sounds like an idyllic way to spend the day, book a seat on one of these Colorado winter trains.
Winter Park Express
Ski traffic can be downright brutal. So, why not ditch your car and try taking a relaxing train journey instead?
On the next powder day, treat yourself to a ride on the Winter Park Express, aka the “ski train.” Offered by Amtrak and Winter Park Resort, this scenic journey takes away all of the stress of driving to the slopes. After you stow your skis and boots, all that’s left to do is kick back and take in the views. Rather than gripping your steering wheel and swearing at traffic, you can play cards, snack, read a book, take a nap or just look out the window at the snow-dusted Rockies.
The two-hour journey starts at Denver Union Station, which recently underwent an $11 million makeover. (Make life easy on yourself and book a room at the newly renovated Crawford hotel for the night before your departure.)
After the train chugs out of Denver, it climbs west into the mountains, cutting through the Continental Divide via the 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel. Once the train pulls into the station near Winter Park, it’s just a short walk to the slopes. You can ride there and back the same day, or extend your trip and spend even more time exploring Winter Park’s 3,081 acres of terrain.
The Winter Park Express runs from January to March. winterparkresort.com
Cascade Canyon Winter Train
Travel back in time to 1882, the year the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad first started rolling down the tracks through the San Juan Mountains, with a ride on the Cascade Canyon Winter Train. Maybe you’ve taken the train between Durango and Silverton before during the summer, but it’s a completely different—and equally as magical—experience in the winter.
Inside your plush train car, you’ll stay nice and cozy as the chilly world passes by outside—sort of like a reverse snow globe. After departing the Durango Depot, the train follows the Animas River into the mountains, providing incredible views of the San Juan National Forest. At the halfway point, you’ll stop for an hour-long layover to snap photos of the snow-dusted evergreens, take a walk in the fresh air or enjoy a fireside boxed lunch.
At the end of the 5.25-hour roundtrip journey, scope out the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Museum, which offers 12,000 square feet of artifacts, equipment and gear connected to the history of railroading.
The Cascade Canyon Winter Train is offered from November through May. During the holidays, you can also book The Polar Express Train ride. durangotrain.com
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
The seasons vary wildly at 14,115 feet above sea level, the elevation at the Pikes Peak summit. And, since the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway operates year-round, you have a chance to experience them all—from colorful wildflowers in the spring to golden-yellow aspens in the fall.
Winter is a particularly stunning time to ride the newly refreshed railway, which dates back to 1891. Because snowfall helps decrease the amount of dust and the humidity tends to be low, the air is super clear, meaning you’ll be able to see for miles.
As the train makes its way along the nine-mile route, you’ll be riding the highest cog railroad in the world. When you reach the top, head inside the brand new summit visitor center to snag one of the famous Pikes Peak donuts and check out the exhibits. The entire round trip journey takes about 3.5 hours from start to finish. cograilway.com
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Carved by the Arkansas River over millions of years, the Royal Gorge is a jaw-dropping geological feature right in our own backyard. The 1,200-foot-deep canyon is impressive to see from above, while standing on the Royal Gorge Bridge, but it’s also a sight to behold from below, while riding the rails on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
The train meanders alongside the river, with the towering canyon walls rising up on either side. For the best views, book a seat in one of the Vista Dome cars, which have large, curved windows and direct access to open-air cars. As you sit in a comfy booth, you can order breakfast or lunch dishes like biscuits and gravy or a basil chicken panini.
During the holidays, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad also offers a Santa Express Train—which is the perfect festive excuse for getting the whole family together. royalgorgeroute.com
Grand Canyon Railway
Measuring 18 miles wide and 277 miles long, the Grand Canyon is a truly impressive geological wonder. Winter can be a particularly good time to visit, since it means smaller crowds, milder temps and more affordable accommodations.
Sure, you could just drive to the South Rim—but taking the train is a more unique way to admire the dazzling reddish-orange landscape while also learning about the Grand Canyon’s history. This historic railway, which dates back to 1901, features talented musicians and actors who bring the Old West to life with songs, legends and scenes.
The train departs from Williams, Arizona, then heads north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. After a little more than two hours, you’ll disembark around lunch time at the Grand Canyon Depot, which was built in 1910 and is one of the oldest wooden train depots still standing in America. You’ll have more than three hours to explore the historically preserved buildings of the Grand Canyon Village, then it’s back on the train for the return journey. Extend your trip by booking into the recently renovated Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. thetrain.com
