Colorado has some of the most spectacular scenic train rides in the country, but the adventure doesn't have to end when the train pulls into the station. Many of the state's historic railroad towns are also wonderful places to explore by eBike, giving visitors a chance to experience Colorado's history and scenery from two completely different perspectives.
Imagine spending the morning riding a historic railroad through the mountains, enjoying lunch in a little downtown restaurant, and then hopping on an eBike to discover the surrounding area. It's a great way to spend a day, especially if you enjoy finding places that are a little off the beaten path.
And let's be honest, riding a train through the mountains is considerably more enjoyable when you're not the one shoveling coal.
Colorado's Railroad History Is Still Rolling
Railroads played an enormous role in Colorado's development. During the mining boom of the late 1800s, trains carried ore, supplies, workers, and passengers between remote mountain communities and the rest of the country. Towns grew around railroad depots, and routes were carved through rugged canyons and over mountain passes that seemed nearly impossible to cross.
Many of those railroad lines eventually disappeared, but several survived and now operate as scenic excursions. Today, visitors can experience a little of Colorado's railroad history while enjoying some remarkable scenery.
What makes these destinations especially interesting is everything waiting beyond the station. Historic downtowns, old mining districts, scenic trails, local restaurants, and beautiful mountain roads give travelers plenty of reasons to stick around after the train ride.
Seven Colorado Railroad Towns Worth Exploring
Leadville: Mining History at 10,000 Feet
Leadville is one of our favorite places to combine railroad history with an eBike adventure. The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad takes passengers through beautiful mountain scenery, with views of the surrounding high country and a glimpse into the area's railroad past.
Back in town, there's plenty more to discover. Leadville's historic downtown, colorful mining history, and surrounding East Side Mining District make it a fascinating place to explore.
An eBike is particularly helpful here. At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, Leadville has a way of reminding visitors that breathing is a privilege, not something to take for granted.
For those interested in the area's mining history, our guided eBike adventures offer an opportunity to explore historic sites and hear the stories behind them.
Georgetown: A Railroad Engineering Marvel
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of Colorado's best-known historic train experiences. Its winding route between Georgetown and Silver Plume includes an impressive high bridge that demonstrates just how creative railroad engineers had to be when building through the mountains.
After the train ride, Georgetown's historic downtown is worth exploring. The Victorian-era buildings, shops, and mountain setting make it a wonderful place to spend a few hours.
Visitors interested in cycling can also research established routes in the surrounding area, keeping in mind that the steep terrain and mountain roads require a little planning.
Durango and Silverton: A Colorado Classic
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of those experiences that belongs on just about every Colorado travel list. Following the Animas River through spectacular mountain scenery, the railroad offers a remarkable look at the landscape and history of southwestern Colorado.
Durango is an excellent place to spend additional time, with its historic downtown, river corridor, restaurants, and cycling opportunities. Silverton offers a completely different atmosphere, with old mining-era buildings and mountain scenery that make it feel like you've stepped back in time.
Whether you explore by bicycle or on foot, both communities deserve more than a quick look before heading home.
Cañon City: A Train Ride Through the Royal Gorge
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad offers a different kind of Colorado scenery. Instead of climbing through alpine forests, the train follows the Arkansas River deep into the dramatic Royal Gorge, where towering canyon walls provide the backdrop.
After the excursion, visitors can explore historic Cañon City, enjoy local restaurants, or discover the area's outdoor recreation opportunities.
With its relatively mild climate and variety of established cycling routes, the Cañon City area can be a good choice for visitors who enjoy exploring on two wheels.
Manitou Springs: From Mountain Summit to Mountain Town
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes passengers toward the summit of one of Colorado's most recognizable mountains. It's a memorable journey with expansive views and a fascinating history of mountain rail travel.
Once back in Manitou Springs, visitors can enjoy the town's historic streets, shops, restaurants, and local attractions. It's a great community to explore at a slower pace, especially after spending time at high elevation.
For cyclists, the surrounding area offers riding opportunities, although the steep terrain and busy roads mean choosing an appropriate route is important.
Cripple Creek: Gold Rush Stories and Mountain Scenery
Cripple Creek's railroad history is closely tied to Colorado's gold rush. The Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad gives visitors a glimpse into the area's mining past while traveling through scenic mountain country.
The nearby communities of Cripple Creek and Victor are filled with historic buildings, mining landmarks, and stories from an era when people arrived hoping to make their fortunes.
Exploring the towns on foot is an easy way to appreciate their history, while cyclists can investigate designated routes and roads suitable for their abilities.
Antonito: The Scenic Route Really Is the Point
In southern Colorado, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers one of the state's most memorable historic train journeys. Departing from Antonito, the railroad travels through remote mountain scenery toward Chama, New Mexico, crossing dramatic landscapes along the way.
The surrounding San Luis Valley is also worth exploring. Its wide-open spaces, historic communities, and distinctive scenery offer a completely different side of Colorado.
This is the kind of destination where slowing down is part of the appeal. Pack a camera, leave room in your schedule, and enjoy the journey.
Why Trains and eBikes Make a Great Combination
One of the best things about pairing a train ride with an eBike adventure is the opportunity to experience a destination at different speeds.
From the train, you get to relax and enjoy the scenery while traveling along historic routes. On an eBike, you can explore the surrounding community, stop for photographs, visit local businesses, and discover places you might otherwise miss.
Electric assistance also makes riding more approachable in Colorado's mountain towns, where elevation and hills can turn an innocent-looking afternoon ride into an unexpected workout.
Of course, you don't need to bring a bike onto the train to enjoy both experiences. In many cases, the easiest approach is to book a scenic train excursion and arrange a separate bike ride or guided tour nearby.
It's worth checking railroad schedules, bicycle policies, and local trail rules before making plans.
Don't Overlook Colorado's Old Railroad Grades
Not every great railroad adventure requires a train that's still running.
Some of Colorado's former railroad corridors have become interesting places to explore on foot or by bicycle. These historic routes can offer a fascinating look at how trains once traveled through difficult mountain terrain.
One of our favorites is the Midland Tunnels near Buena Vista, where the former Colorado Midland Railway route passes through tunnels carved directly into the rock.
Today, visitors can experience portions of this historic corridor while enjoying views of the Arkansas River Valley and surrounding mountains.
Our guided Midland Tunnels eBike adventure combines the scenery with stories about the railroad and the people who helped build it. It's a fun way to experience Colorado's railroad history without having to worry about catching a train.
Make a Weekend Out of It
If you're planning a Colorado railroad road trip, consider spending a little extra time in each town rather than rushing from one train excursion to the next.
Enjoy the train ride, explore the historic downtown, find a local restaurant, and take time to discover the surrounding landscape. Some destinations are ideal for cycling, while others are better explored on foot.
The key is to leave enough time for the unexpected stops. Sometimes a small museum, an interesting historic building, or a conversation with a local turns out to be the best part of the trip.
And if you happen to discover a really good bakery along the way, that's simply responsible travel planning.
Start Your Adventure in Leadville or Buena Vista
At The eBike Shop of Colorado, we love finding ways to connect outdoor adventure with the stories that make Colorado's communities interesting.
Our guided eBike experiences in Leadville and Buena Vista take visitors beyond the usual sightseeing stops to explore historic mining areas, former railroad routes, and some of the region's beautiful scenery.
Whether you're planning a trip around Colorado's scenic railroads or simply looking for something different to do during your mountain vacation, there's a lot to discover once you get away from the station.
Colorado's trains are a wonderful way to experience the past, but the towns and trails surrounding them are just as much a part of the adventure.
So ride the train, explore the town, and take the scenic route whenever possible. After all, you're on vacation. What's the rush?
Discover our guided eBike adventures at www.coloradoebikeshop.com.
