State train ride guide
Train Rides Explorer lists 20 train rides in Colorado. Compare the practical details families need before planning a visit.
Cañon City & Royal Gorge Railroad LLC (DBA Royal Gorge Route Railroad) is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Cañon City, CO. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A scenic train ride through Colorado's spectacular Royal Gorge canyon. The 2-hour journey offers stunning views from vintage railcars with dome cars for panoramic vistas.
Colorado Railroad Museum is a toddler-friendly steam and museum train ride in Golden, CO. The ride lasts ~15–20 min train ride, museum 1-2 hr, costs ~$15–$20 for adults and ~$7–$10 (2-15) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Large outdoor railroad museum with operating Galloping Goose and steam train rides on weekends. Huge collection of historic locomotives. Model railroad exhibits. Very kid-friendly. Great value.
Como Roundhouse, Railroad Depot and Hotel Complex is a toddler-friendly museum ride in Como, CO. The ride lasts Museum visit, limited train ops, costs ~$5–$10 for adults and ~$3–$5 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad roundhouse. Museum and some special event train operations. Quiet destination, mostly for history buffs. Limited operating rides.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a toddler-friendly museum ride in Cripple Creek, CO. The ride lasts ~45 min, costs ~$25–$35 for adults and ~$15–$20 (3-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Narrow-gauge ride through old gold mining district. Open cars. Great views of historic mining area. Affordable and short enough for toddlers. Also offers gold panning. Very family-friendly.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Antonito (CO) / Chama (NM), CO. The ride lasts 5–6.5 hours (one direction), costs ~$100–$200 for adults and ~$70–$100 (2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
National Historic Landmark narrow-gauge railroad. Crosses state line between CO and NM. Highest and longest narrow-gauge in US. Stunning mountain scenery, tunnels, trestles. Open and enclosed cars. Also connects to Chama, NM side.
Denver Trolley is a toddler-friendly scenic and streetcar train ride in Denver (Confluence Park), CO. The ride lasts ~30 min, costs ~$4 for adults and ~$3 (under 12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Heritage streetcar operating along the South Platte River. Very short and inexpensive. Great for toddlers who love trains. Runs on restored Denver Tramway streetcar.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Company is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Durango, CO. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
An iconic narrow-gauge steam train through Colorado's San Juan Mountains. A National Historic Landmark offering some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in North America.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Durango, CO. The ride lasts 3.5–9 hours (varies by route), costs ~$100–$230 for adults and ~$55–$110 (2-11) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child, some restrictions).
Iconic narrow-gauge steam train through San Juan Mountains. National Historic Landmark. Multiple trip options: Silverton round trip (9 hr), Cascade Canyon (5 hr), winter Polar Express. Open and enclosed cars. Unbeatable scenery.
Englewood Farm & Train at Belleview Park is a toddler-friendly miniature ride in 1111 W Belleview Ave, Englewood, CO. The ride lasts ~7 min loop, costs $3 for adults and $3 for children, and children under two ride FREE (under 2).
Miniature train ride with attached petting farm ($3 each). Short, gentle ride through park with tunnel and bridge. Belleview Park also has creek for wading, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Very budget-friendly. Restrooms available.
Fort Collins Municipal Railway is a toddler-friendly scenic and streetcar train ride in Fort Collins, CO. The ride lasts ~30 min, costs ~$2–$3 for adults and ~$1–$2 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic trolley line operating on restored streetcar. Very affordable. Runs along Mountain Avenue. Fun for kids. Volunteer operated.
Fort Collins trolley is a toddler-friendly scenic and streetcar train ride in Fort Collins, CO. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A restored historic streetcar operating along Mountain Avenue in Fort Collins. Offers short, affordable rides through the city on vintage trolley cars. Volunteer-operated and family-friendly.
Georgetown Loop Railroad is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Georgetown, CO. The ride lasts 1 hour 15 min, costs ~$35–$85 for adults and ~$25–$65 (3-15) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Scenic narrow-gauge ride through Georgetown and Silver Plume. Features the famous High Bridge (loop). Historic steam trains. Awsome mountain views. Combine with Lebanon Mine tour. Family-friendly pricing.
Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Leadville, CO. The ride lasts 2.5 hours, costs ~$45–$75 for adults and ~$25–$45 (2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Scenic 2.5-hour ride through the Arkansas River Valley. Open-air and enclosed cars. Views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. Good value, moderate pricing. Whistle stop at Fremont Pass. Wildlife spotting.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway (Broudmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway) is a toddler-friendly scenic and unique train ride in Manitou Springs, CO. The ride lasts 3 hours round trip, costs ~$59–$69 for adults and ~$52–$59 (under 12) for children, and children under two ride Not recommended (infants restricted on some cars).
Worlds highest cog railway to 14,115 ft summit of Pikes Peak. Modern Swiss-built biodiesel trains. Stunning alpine scenery above treeline. Not ideal for toddlers due to altitude (can cause discomfort). Purchase tickets well in advance.
Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation is a toddler-friendly streetcar ride in Manitou Springs, CO. The ride lasts Self-guided/variable, costs Free–donation for adults and Free for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historical foundation, limited operating trolley/streetcar exhibits. Check ahead for operating days. Very small operation.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Alamosa / La Veta, CO. The ride lasts ~4 hours, costs ~$50–$100 for adults and ~$30–$60 (2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Operating over La Veta Pass. Usually features steam locomotive and dome cars. Currently in financial difficulty/receivership as of latest reports. Check current status before planning. Scenic mountain crossing.
Royal Gorge Route Railroad is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Cañon City, CO. The ride lasts 2 hours, costs ~$80–$150 for adults and ~$60–$85 (2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Runs through Royal Gorge on former D&RGW line. Dome cars, observation cars. Lunch/dinner trains available. Spectacular canyon views and the famous hanging bridge. Very popular family outing.
Ski Train (now operated by Amtrak as the Winter Park Express) is a toddler-friendly scenic and amtrak train ride in Denver, CO. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A seasonal Amtrak train from Denver Union Station to Winter Park ski resort. Operates weekends January through March, offering scenic mountain views without driving Interstate 70.
Tiny Town Railroad is a toddler-friendly miniature ride in Morrison, CO. The ride lasts ~10 min ride, costs ~$5 (park entry ~$5) for adults and ~$4 (park entry included) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Miniature village with operating miniature train ride. Perfect for toddlers. Tiny Town features small buildings and a train kids can ride. Very affordable and fun for young children.
Winter Park Express (Ski Train) is a toddler-friendly scenic and amtrak train ride in Denver (departs from Union Station), CO. The ride lasts 2 hours each way, costs ~$29–$75 (one way) for adults and ~$19–$59 (2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Operated by Amtrak. Scenic ride from Denver Union Station to Winter Park ski resort. Affordable compared to other scenic trains. Best for winter sports but also offers scenic views. Can be combined with Winter Park day trip.
Confirm current schedules, prices, and closures with each operator before traveling.