If you are a train enthusiast, then boy oh boy will you find some of the best day trips in Colorado… locomotives included! More than just an Amtrak day trip, there are so many awesome and exciting railroads that offer up fun day trips with interesting themes. If you want a dining train, we’ve got it, if you’re a history buff, no worries, the Centennial State has got your back. Ready to begin your locomotive adventures through Colorado? Then hop aboard one of these trains for a superb train trip near me in Colorado.

1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, USA
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Facebook
No matter the time of year, you are sure to find something to love about the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which features either exciting and/or romantic train trips in Colorado.
2. Georgetown Loop Railroad
Georgetown Loop Railroad, 646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO 80444, USA
Georgetown Loop Railroad Facebook
Since 1884, the Georgetown Loop Railroad has been a beloved Colorado tradition, transporting passengers of all ages through some of the state's most colorful and scenic countryside. It is an extraordinary train trip near me in Colorado.
3. Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, 500 Terrace Ave, Chama, NM 87520, USA
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Facebook
Named a USA Today "10 Best ‘Reader’s Choice’ Award" winner ("Best Train Ride in America"), the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad boasts a comfortable parlor, coach, and gondola cars that fall into anyone's budget for a day trip in Colorado.
4. Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
520 E Carr Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad Facebook
One of the most affordable train rides in Colorado is that of the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad; an unforgettable 45-minute train trip in Colorado around the gorgeous and historic gold mining area.
5. Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Facebook
Editor's note: Unfortunately, this site is permanently closed. 

From the spring through the fall, Rio Grande entices travelers with gorgeous day-long excursions that offer riders the opportunity to "discover history, mining tales, wildlife sightings, geology and did we mention bears?" Cool, right? Schedule your Memorial Day trip today!
6. Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Royal Gorge Route Railroad, S 3rd St, Cañon City, CO 81212, USA
Royal Gorge Route Railroad Facebook
Imagine seeing Colorado's most iconic suspension bridge aboard the fabulous Royal Gorge Route Railroad, which features special events like a Spring Fling, Murder Mystery nights, and even a family-favorite Santa Express train! It is truly one of the best train trips near me in Colorado
7. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
Leadville Railroad, 326 E 7th St, Leadville, CO 80461, USA
Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad Facebook
The Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad offers several unique special trains like the BBQ Dinner Train or the Top of the Rockies Zipline and Ride excursion. Turn your day trip in Colorado into something truly special!

If you are a train lover, these are truly some of the best day trips in Colorado that you can venture out on. A train adventure is such an awesome way to see the natural beauty of the state and revel in the elegance of locomotive travel, even if you are just doing an Amtrak day trip. Are there any train trips in Colorado that we missed on this list? Tell us in the comments!

If you’d rather be in the driver’s seat for your day trip in Colorado, check out these awesome road trips in Colorado.

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Best Day Trips In Colorado

Sara Dager | April 27, 2022

What are some fun things to do in Colorado?

Aside from train trips, there are a ton of fun things to do in Colorado.

  • Nature lovers can visit the Paint Mines Interpretive Park to see stunningly colored rock formations.
  • Maybe you're an architecture buff? Then you'll want to check out Bishops Castle, a massive self-built castle named the best castle in Colorado.
  • Art enthusiasts can make the pilgrimage to Rainbow Falls, a heavily graffitied waterfall that is relatively unknown.
  • Or if you're just looking to relax, maybe take a soak in Desert Reef Hot Springs, a naturally-fed hot spring. Although underrated, this is the perfect place to chill out.

 

What are the best free things to do in Colorado?

There are so many fun and interesting free things to do in Colorado.

  • You can explore the Celestial Seasonings tea factory on a free tour and enjoy some scrumptious samples.
  • Or if beer is more up your alley than tea, there are a few Colorado breweries that offer free tours as well.
  • There are also some free street festivals to enjoy and some special locations in Denver, such as the zoo, that are free on certain days.
  • Of course, the biggest and possibly best free thing to do in Colorado is mother nature herself. You can explore various parks, see stunning rock formations, and even feel the mist off some gorgeous waterfalls. And none of it will cost you a dime!

 

Are there any covered bridges in Colorado?

There are over 20 individual covered bridges in Colorado just waiting to be discovered by you!

  • Bridges range from incredibly rustic with peaked roofs for ultimate pastoral charm to the more modern metal types that feel near futuristic.

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