12 Colorado Train Rides That Show Off The Rockies’ Best Fall Views
Fall in Colorado transforms the Rocky Mountains into a golden masterpiece that would make even Midas jealous.
While hiking trails get crowded with leaf-peepers wielding cameras, smart travelers hop aboard one of the state’s scenic railways for front-row seats to nature’s grandest show.
These train rides offer comfortable viewing platforms where you can sip hot cocoa while watching aspens shimmer like coins tossed across mountainsides.
1. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Crossing the Colorado-New Mexico border at over 10,000 feet elevation, this authentic narrow-gauge railway tackles one of America’s highest railroad passes.
The 64-mile journey winds through remote wilderness where golden aspens carpet entire mountainsides, creating views that photographers dream about capturing.
Your adventure includes crossing dramatic wooden trestles and stopping for lunch at the historic Osier station.
The route operates from late May through October, with peak fall colors typically arriving in mid to late September when the high country transforms into a golden wonderland.
2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Steam billows dramatically as this vintage locomotive chugs through the San Juan Mountains, following the rushing Animas River through canyons painted gold by autumn aspens.
The round-trip to Silverton takes about 9.25 hours, including a roughly two-hour layover in town, with coal smoke and whistle calls echoing off canyon walls.
September and October bring the most spectacular color displays, when entire hillsides glow like molten amber. Book your seats early because this popular route fills up faster than a mining claim during the gold rush.
3. Georgetown Loop Railroad
Engineering marvel meets natural beauty on this short but spectacular ride featuring the famous Devil’s Gate High Bridge.
The train performs an impressive loop-the-loop maneuver while climbing between the Victorian towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, offering passengers incredible canyon views.
Fall brings peak aspen color to Clear Creek Canyon, creating a golden backdrop for the dramatic spiral bridge crossing.
The railroad operates special Fall Colors Train weekends in September, making this compact journey perfect for families wanting maximum scenery in minimum time.
4. Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
Starting from America’s highest incorporated city at 10,152 feet, this railway climbs even higher into the Arkansas River Valley, surrounded by Colorado’s tallest peaks.
Mount Elbert and Mount Massive tower majestically above golden hillsides that seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
The 2.5-hour round trip operates vintage coaches that provide panoramic windows perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Weekend departures run multiple times daily during peak fall season, with afternoon rides offering especially warm lighting that makes the aspen groves practically glow against the mountain backdrop.
5. Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Carved by the Arkansas River over millions of years, the Royal Gorge creates a dramatic, thousand-foot-deep granite canyon that frames this unforgettable rail journey.
While the towering rock walls remain impressive year-round, fall adds splashes of golden cottonwoods along the riverbank.
Multiple daily departures allow flexible scheduling, with dinner trains offering the most luxurious viewing experience through oversized windows.
The route runs directly beneath the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, providing unique upward views of one of the world’s highest suspension bridges while cottonwood trees create golden ribbons along the water.
6. Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway
Climbing from 6,571 feet to 14,115 feet in just 8.9 miles, this remarkable cog railway showcases multiple ecosystems in a single journey. Fall passengers witness golden aspens at lower elevations, gradually giving way to alpine tundra and snow-capped summit views.
The Swiss-made trains operate year-round with heated passenger cars and large windows designed for sightseeing.
September offers the perfect combination of warm weather, clear skies, and peak aspen color in the foothills, while the summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies stretching to the horizon.
7. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
Historic gold mining country comes alive during this four-mile heritage journey past authentic mine headframes and tailings piles scattered across mountainsides ablaze with fall color.
The narrow-gauge train follows the same routes once used to transport ore and miners during the region’s boom years.
Operating on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations, this budget-friendly option provides an authentic Old West atmosphere.
The season runs through early October when aspen groves create golden halos around weathered mining structures, perfectly capturing the romance and ruggedness of Colorado’s colorful past in the historic Cripple Creek district.
8. Rocky Mountaineer Rockies to Red Rocks
Luxury meets wilderness on this premium glass-domed train experience connecting Denver to Moab through some of the West’s most spectacular scenery.
The route traverses the famous Moffat Tunnel, winds through Middle Park’s expansive meadows, and follows the Colorado River through Gore and Glenwood Canyons.
Fall departures showcase riverside cottonwoods and aspen groves from climate-controlled dome cars with panoramic windows.
The two-day journey includes overnight accommodations and gourmet meals, making this the ultimate splurge for travelers wanting five-star comfort while experiencing Colorado’s golden autumn transformation from the rails.
9. Amtrak California Zephyr
Considered one of America’s most scenic train routes, the California Zephyr provides an affordable way to experience Colorado’s high country during peak fall color season.
The daily service travels through the Moffat Tunnel under the Continental Divide before following the Colorado River through multiple dramatic canyons.
The Sightseer Lounge car features floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for photography and relaxation while watching golden aspens and cottonwoods scroll past.
Budget-conscious travelers can book coach seats or splurge on sleeping compartments, with the Denver to Glenwood Springs segment offering the most concentrated fall color viewing opportunities.
10. Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 5
Step aboard a piece of railroad history with this rare motorized railcar that once served remote Colorado mining communities during the Great Depression.
Special fall excursions are scheduled on select dates (varies by year and venue), sometimes sharing segments of the same dramatic right-of-way used by the Durango & Silverton.
The restored Goose provides excellent photography platforms while navigating narrow ledges carved into canyon walls, surrounded by aspens that turn the mountainsides into sheets of shimmering gold during peak color season.
11. Colorado Railroad Museum Train Rides
Located in Golden at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, this living museum offers short but sweet train rides aboard vintage equipment while surrounded by Colorado’s Front Range foothills.
The family-friendly excursions operate on select October Saturdays when nearby cottonwood trees display their autumn gold.
Children especially love the authentic steam locomotives and vintage passenger cars, while adults appreciate the reasonable prices and convenient Denver-area location.
The museum’s collection includes over 100 historic railroad vehicles, making the brief ride just part of a full day exploring Colorado’s rich railroad heritage against a backdrop of turning leaves.
12. Fort Collins Municipal Railway Birney Trolley
Experience early 1900s urban transportation aboard this charming open-air streetcar that runs along tree-lined Mountain Avenue between Old Town Fort Collins and City Park.
The historic Birney trolley provides a gentle, nostalgic ride perfect for families with young children or anyone seeking a relaxed pace.
Operating weekends and holidays from noon to 5 PM through September, the trolley showcases the city’s mature tree canopy as it transforms into autumn colors.
The short route offers frequent stops for exploring downtown shops and restaurants, making this an ideal way to combine sightseeing with practical transportation during Fort Collins’ pleasant fall weather.