All aboard for fall colors, Oktoberfest celebrations, and a trip into Colorado's splendor.
Colorado is the place to be in autumn. Colors, fall fests, and so much more keep us busy with seasonal fun. Why not add another way to enjoy our beautiful state this time of year by checking out these fun train excursions from across the state!
Oktoberfest Train, Royal Gorge Railroad
Willkommen An Bord Der Bier Train! Celebrate Oktoberfest with a twist and enjoy it in rolling, first-class fashion! The event pairs amazing entrees (slow roasted pork shank or blackened salmon anyone?) with locally brewed beer, including a very special Oktoberfest Bier. Add that to taking in the spectacular Royal Gorge scenery to the music stylings of the accordion. Prost!
Dates of Service: Daily, Sept. 8 – Oct. 21
Where: Royal Gorge Route, Santa Fe Depot, Canon City
More Info and Tickets
Georgetown Loop Railroad
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Denver, you can celebrate the mountain colors aboard this family-friendly line. This train’s daily trips between Georgetown and Silver Plume will give you loads of color during peak season. Check out the Oktoberfest Trains to mix Colorado color and craft beer tasting in October. If you are feeling adventurous, check out the Fall Colors Hike and Ride*. You will hike the trails and wagon roads that the miners did in the 1800s, see the old Silver Plume Cemetery, tour a mine, and pan for gold, in addition to the train trip.
Georgetown Loop Service: Several trips daily
Where: Devil’s Gate Depot and Silver Plume Depot
More Info and Tickets
Oktoberfest Train Service: Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28
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Fall Colors Hike and Ride Excursion Dates: Wednesdays/Thursdays, Sept. 13 – Oct. 5
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*Please note: The hike is recommended only for those that can hike downhill at an elevation of 9,000 feet for a distance of two miles over a period of approximately 4.5 hours. It is not suggested for children under the age of 10.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Enjoy the Rio Grande's former narrow-gauge lines in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico on this 64-mile trip. You’ll see incredible views the San Juan Mountains, passing over the 10,000+ foot Cumbres Pass and through the Toltec Gorge. The train takes to the rails through October, so from now until its last run, passengers can see the vibrant fall colors of this region. You can also book the Fall Colors Photo Freight charter, a special train that lets photographers catch the stunning scenery.
Dates of Service: Daily until Oct. 21
Where: Antonito, Colo. Depot
More Info and Tickets
Fall Colors Photo Freight Date: Sept. 29
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Courtesy of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This famous train operates throughout the fall season, giving you a chance to see the fall foliage during September and October. You can take any of the daily trains to catch miles and miles of golden aspens, red and orange oak brush, and so much more. In addition, the line offers Fall Photography Train Specials on Sept. 22-23. These trips allow photographers to de-train and take a picture of nature in all of its glory. If you book these trips, you can also take part in night shoots at the train station on Sept. 21-22. And don’t forget the Wine and Rails trip on Sept. 30!
D&SNGR Dates of Service: Daily
Where: Durango Depot
More Info and Tickets
Fall Photography Train Dates: Sept. 22 and 23
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Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
Operating in a section of the former Colorado & Southern's narrow-gauge lines, this ride offers breathtaking views, with each bend of track revealing a new, autumn scene to enjoy. The daily trips will provide plenty of color, but during September weekends, the railroad also hosts Fall Photo Weekend Trains that will let you capture the beauty of the Arkansas Valley.
Dates of Service: Daily until Oct. 7
Where: Leadville Depot
More Info and Tickets
Fall Photo Weekend Dates: September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30
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Courtesy of Rio Grande Scenic Railroad.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Fall Colors Explorer
Based in Alamosa, and using a section of the former Rio Grande railroad, this line invites guests aboard the Fall Colors Explorer throughout much of September and part of October. You can truly enjoy autumn in comfort and style with climate-controlled cars, dome service, and a lunch featuring the tastes of the season. What more could you ask for? Maybe a few photos ops, which the train also provides in the form of two staged stops along the route.
Fall Colors Explorer Dates: Sept. 12 – Oct. 13
Where: Alamosa and Ft. Garland Depots
More Info and Tickets
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
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