A feat of engineering and a prime example of how even the best-laid plans must sometimes change, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is as impressive historically as it is scenic. This narrow-gauge line is located 45 miles outside of Denver and traverses the same route it followed more than 130 years ago. Beautifully maintained Shay steam engines lead the way between the depots, located in Georgetown - once known as the "Silver Queen of the Rockies" - and Silver Plume. Approximately 4 1/2 miles of track separate the destinations, and each one is bursting with natural beauty.
Since the vintage Shay engines hit the freshly constructed tracks over 30 years ago, the Georgetown Loop Railroad has reinstated itself as a key sightseeing attraction in the Colorado Rockies. Today, travelers can board the train at either of the stations and enjoy a 1 hour and 15-minute ride that showcases the Clear Creek Valley's unseen views. The train meanders past sheer canyons and snow-capped mountain peaks.
One train runs each day on the Georgetown Loop Railroad; however, during the summer months and when fall foliage is at its peak, two trains may run simultaneously. Passengers may choose from four departure times a day throughout the week and five times a day on the weekends. Most of the routes from May to October are operated by steam engines - locomotives that no longer run on coal but rather on wasted vegetable oil. The fleet's diesel engines are utilized for the late fall and winter expeditions.
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Journey through the untamed beauty of Colorado on this 8-day Rocky Mountain expedition. We discover expanses of landscape hidden from modern traffic aboard six scenic railways: Georgetown Loop Railroad Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Royal Gorge Route Railroad...
