Bask in Rocky Mountain scenery and mining history aboard the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. This scenic rail line came to be in 1980 after combining portions of the former Denver, South Park & Pacific, and Colorado & Southern railways to create one memorable journey through Colorado's mining country. And the founders did just that. Today, the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad has been in operation for over 30 years, transporting passengers through spectacular landscapes on a 21-mile round-trip route.
Each trip begins at the depot in Leadville, built by the original operators in 1896. The region's sheer majesty becomes immediately apparent from Leadville as the train proceeds through the Arkansas River Valley and the San Isabel National Forest. Nearing the end of the line, the train approaches the Continental Divide and a still-active mining site. The train pauses its journey, allowing travelers a glimpse at old railroad equipment, including an original water tank and locomotive, before following the ridgeline back to Leadville.
Vintage diesel engines from the 1950s head the line for this memorable journey, and passengers have several seating options, including those in Coach and the Lounge cars. There is a concession stand on the car in which guests can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, chips, candy, and popcorn. Each trip is fully narrated, recounting stories of the mining industry, offering tales of the former rail lines that once traversed the landscape, and pointing out points of interest along the way. All of this combines with timeless scenery to create a journey that inspires on every level.
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From soaring peaks to deep gorges and iconic sites, including the Garden of the Gods, relish untamed Colorado on this remarkable rail vacation featuring six heritage trains. Delve into the Colorado Rockies' mining history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad and the Leadville Railroad, and skirt the San Juan Mountains on the Durango & Silverton...
