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Hear the shrill whistle signaling you're about to start your train journey as you traverse Colorado's breathtaking scenery on each day of this trip. Starting in Denver, you'll spot wildlife, stay in historic hotels and maybe even soak in a hot spring along the way.

Train Buff Bucket-List Getaway

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There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

How to Give Back to These Special Places

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The Forney Museum of Transportation is a one-of-a-kind collection of over 800 artifacts relating to historical transportation. It began 67 years ago with a single 1921 Kissel, but soon expanded to include vehicles of all kinds. Today it includes not just vehicles, but also buggies, motorcycles, steam locomotives, aircraft, carriages, rail equipment, fire apparatus, public transportation, sleighs, bicycles, toys &amp; diecast models, vintage apparel and much, much more!
Our collection highlights include Union Pacific 'Big Boy' Steam Locomotive #4005, Amelia Earhart's 1923 Kissel 'Gold Bug', Forney Locomotive, Colorado &amp; Southern Caboose, 1923 Hispano-Suiza, 1913-53 Indian Motocycle Collection, Denver &amp; Rio Grande Dining Car, Stutz Fire Engine, 1888 Denver Cable Car, 1923 Case Steam Tractor, 1817 Draisenne Bicycle, 500 Piece Matchbox Collection, and more!

Forney Museum of Transportation

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Soak in the views of the Rockies as you head west: Your next stop is the charming town of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/golden">Golden</a>.

Head West to Golden

The Old Capitol Grill &amp; Smokehouse offers up a full menu of smoked meats and classic American fare with some unique twists, in an historic setting.
Built in 1863, with additions in the mid-1860s, Colorado's territorial legislature met in this building and helped shape the territory into what would become the country's 38th state in 1876.

Old Capitol Grill & Smokehouse

Bringing Colorado railroad history to life year-round. Stroll the Museum's 15-acre railyard featuring more than 100 historic railcars. Also, tour exhibit galleries, a renowned library, roundhouse restoration facility and working turntable. Minutes from downtown Denver.  Train rides every Saturday,  daily throughout the summer. Events throughout the year. Check website for details.  <a href="http://www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org">www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org</a>

Colorado Railroad Museum

An authentic American West saloon and restaurant featuring some of Colorado's best live entertainment, inspiring indoor and outdoor seating environments and creative cuisine.

Buffalo Rose Saloon

Chug on over to Colpar's Hobby Town in nearby Lakewood to check out their selection of model trains.

Colpar's Hobby Town — Lakewood

Award-winning hotel overlooking Clear Creek and the Rocky Mountain Foothills, located in historic downtown Golden. This solar powered hotel features a business center, fitness center, complimentary high speed internet access, meeting and event space, complimentary parking and the Bridgewater Grill- the full service in-house restaurant. Guest room features include flat panel TVs with HD programming, microwaves, refrigerators, 5-star bedding, and plush robes. Pets are welcome.

The Golden Hotel, an Ascend Collection Member

The award-winning Bridgewater Grill, located in an elegant creekside setting and nestled within the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offers casual, comfortable and contemporary favorites.

Bridgewater Grill

Marvel at the architecture and people-watch as folks board their trains at this 100-year-old historic landmark in the heart of downtown Denver.

Explore Union Station, Denver's Railroad Transportation Hub

Drive about 45 minutes west until you reach the former silver-mining boomtown of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/georgetown">Georgetown</a>.

Drive to Georgetown

Mountain Mamas' Needful Things in Georgetown offers a full-service cafe, artisanal treats and gifts.

Mountain Mamas' Needful Things

Climb aboard one of Colorado's famous historic narrow gauge railroads. This engineering marvel takes you high over the Devil's Gate Bridge and winds you through a scenic Rocky Mountain pathway. Silver mine tours available in conjunction with train ride.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

After riding the Georgetown train, it's time to make the hour drive to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/leadville">Leadville</a> for dinner.

Head to Leadville

At Buchi, passion is the most important ingredient, and we hope to bring you a memorable Cuban Cafe experience with every bite (and sip).

Buchi Cafe Cubano Leadville

Go on an evening walk through Leadville and stop at some of the town's museums along the way.

Take a Stroll

With lodging, dining and shopping all under one roof, the Delaware Hotel is a one-of-a-kind property in Leadville, if not in Colorado. Perfect for small groups, intimate meetings, reunions, families.

The Historic Delaware Hotel

We are located in the green brick building in the center of downtown Leadville, just south of the traffic light. The shop is a warm place to relax, use the internet, meet up with old friends or make some new friends.

City on a Hill Coffee & Espresso

Experience the Rockies and enjoy panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley, San Isabel National Forest, and peaks Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. Hear tales of Leadville’s history, and enjoy cozy lounge cars. Specials: Fall Photo, Devil’s Tail BBQ and Holiday Express!

Leadville Railroad

You'll need to drive two hours south from Leadville to <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/alamosa">Alamosa</a> to enjoy your next activities.

Hop in the Car

Offers the finest in craft brews and fine food in an inviting atmosphere.

San Luis Valley Brewing

Museum tells the historical story of the Valley people from Native American, Spanish, Germans, Dutch, Japanese, Cowboys and Farmers to today's families. Included on the historical journey through time is a  outside mural depicting people &amp; events.

San Luis Valley Museum

The Rubi Slipper has classic American cuisine, and is open for lunch and dinner. Famous for their $1 Taco Tuesdays, they've extended that special to every day. Enjoy burgers, salads, chili, nachos, and buffalo wings at the Rubi Slipper.

Rubi Slipper

If you’ve ever wanted to see a castle built with beer cans and other scrap metal, here is your opportunity. Located a few miles north of the New Mexico border, Cano’s Castle is actually several structures that have been under construction since the 1980s.

Cano's Castle

Welcome to the Steam Train Hotel! Our hotel is located in Antonito, Colorado, part of the San Luis Valley, in the heart of Historic Conejos County.  Surrounded by the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, we boast an average of 350 days of clear skies a year!

Steam Train Hotel

A favorite for breakfast burritos, as well as other Mexican specialties.

Dutch Mill Restaurant

Be prepared for a full-day ride on the Cumbres &amp; Toltec. The railroad has, twice, been voted "the best train ride in America" by readers of the USA Today. Also, it has been featured in films including "Indiana Jones and the Lost Crusade" and "Hostiles."

The Best Train Ride in America

All Aboard the Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad for a Train Ride of a Lifetime! 
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/4-reasons-cumbres-toltec-scenic-railroad-must-visit">Read 4 Reasons the Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad is a Must-Visit</a><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/4-reasons-cumbres-toltec-scenic-railroad-must-visit"> </a>

The Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&amp;TSRR) is the highest, longest, and most authentic steam-operated railroad in America. The railroad was awarded National Historic Landmark Designation in 2012 and is owned jointly by the states of Colorado and New Mexico.
Climb aboard the historic narrow-gauge railroad which operates in the scenic landscapes of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas, and vintage steam locomotives, the railroad offers an immersive journey back in time to the late 19th century, when railroading played a crucial role in connecting remote regions. Stretching 64 miles of rugged terrain, the Cumbres &amp; Toltec Scenic Railroad provides guests with a unique opportunity to experience the Old West while traversing through deep canyons, across high trestles, and alongside rivers.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Your journey on the scenic train includes a stop at Osier Station, the midway point, for a hot lunch.

Midway Lunch

Next up: <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/pagosa-springs">Pagosa Springs</a>, known for its hot springs, sunshine and small-town vibes.

Make Your Way to Pagosa Springs

Alley House Grille is the premier dining destination in Pagosa Springs offering an elegant but casual atmosphere featuring Global/Colorado style fusion cuisine.

Alley House Grille

After your soak in the hot springs, stay the night at one of the 79 rooms and suites at The Springs Resort.

Stay the Night

Relax and renew at The Springs Resort - hot springs capital of Colorado, with 25 natural geothermal soaking pools, located downtown Pagosa Springs. The Springs Resort is the perfect escape to soak your worries away. Offering a 79 room boutique hotel you are able to choose your perfect room from a standard king to a luxurious 2 bedroom suite.
Overnight guests of the hotel receive 24-hour access to our 25 soaking pools although day passes are available. Our soaking pools are fed by the ancient waters from the World's Deepest Geothermal Hot Spring. Discover your perfect pool with temperatures ranging from 87–114°F. You are sure to leave with a sense of renewal and rejuvenation, especially after a visit to our spa where we offer massages and facials.

There is a public entrance for non-hotel guests that may purchase daily and annual soaking passes. Please come ready to soak, but shower, towel and robe rentals are also available. *Swimming attire mandatory.

<a href="https://www.pagosahotsprings.com/?utm_source=CTO&amp;utm_medium=website">Book your stay now!</a>

The Springs Resort

Sunday specials, giant burgers, mountains of pancakes and much more.

Cafe Colorado

Your last stop is the town of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/durango">Durango</a>, founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.

Drive to Durango

Experience the adventure of traveling by a historic steam-powered or diesel locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Wind through spectacular and breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million-acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable journey.

Please note: The Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is open and is running year-round.

<a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/cascade-canyon-winter-train#.X5cRi1NKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The Cascade Canyon Winter Train</a> and <a href="https://www.durangotrain.com/events/polar-express%E2%84%A2-train-ride#.X5cRxlNKi3I/?utm_source=colorado_com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=sponsoredarticle">The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride</a> begin running mid-November. 

<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-railroad-train-colorado-backcountry-packages">Read more about adventures on the Durango Train.</a>

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum

The Eureka Station is a Cornish Tavern operating on Notorious Blair Street in Silverton, Colorado. Our talented team brings a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to offer delicious and new fresh food to the Silverton Community and guests.

The Eureka Station

Get back on the <a href="https://www.durangotrain.com">Durango &amp; Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad</a> for more adventures.

Ride the Rails

Steamworks Brewing Co. offers much more than just award-winning craft beer. Our "gastropub" fare includes regional meats and sustainable seafood. Healthy salads, delicious pizzas and spicy Southwestern-style dishes provide something for everyone.

Steamworks Brewing Co.

Promoting downtown Durango, from the North Main District to historic downtown.

Downtown Durango

THE OFFICE SPIRITORIUM, with its lavish and comfortable décor, can't really be called a bar, saloon, tavern, or lounge but a delightful office away from the office. We are proud to feature one of the best Happy Hours in town. Wine and Beer, Craft Cocktails, and appetizer selection.
DIAMOND BELLE SALOON plays host to the world's finest ragtime entertainers, while costumed dance hall girls and bartenders transport you back to the turn of the last century. Western author Louis L'Amour said the honky-tonk music helped 'set the mood' for his novels of the Old West. The Belle serves a wide variety of delicious lunch, happy hour, and dinner foods, and nightly live entertainment performed by local musicians.
MAHOGANY GRILLE is arguably one of the most unique steak and seafood restaurants in the west. We offer the ambiance of the Victorian Old West as we serve you an array of local traditional favorites and modern small plates. View our fine dining and wine menus at <a href="https://strater.com">www.strater.com</a>.
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/experience-strater-hotel-durango">Experience the Strater Hotel &gt;&gt;</a>
<a href="https://www.colorado.com/visit-durango-channel">Learn more about all there is to see and do in Durango &gt;&gt;</a>