Ride this historic loop railroad from Georgetown or Silver Plume, CO. You’ll travel 3.1 miles, up 640 feet, around 2 loops and across 4 bridges, including the impressive Devil’s Gate High Bridge. The Georgetown Loop Railroad was built in 1884 and was one of Colorado’s first tourist attractions. It has since been reengineered and reconstructed, but you’ll get the same historic feel of over 100 years ago.
Completed in 1884, this spectacular stretch of three-foot narrow gauge railroad was considered an engineering marvel for its time. The thriving mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume lie two miles apart in a steep, narrow mountain canyon. To connect them, the railroad’s builders designed a “corkscrew” route that traveled twice the distance, slowly gaining more than 600 feet in elevation. It included horseshoe curves, grades of up to 4%, and four bridges across Clear Creek, including the massive Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Today, the Georgetown Loop Railroad brings Colorado history to life in a fun adventure that will thrill the entire family!
Location: Idaho Springs, CO VIEW MAP
Activities: Train Rides
Duration: 1/4 Day
Difficulty: Level 1
Minimum Age: 0 years old
The beauty of the rugged Rocky Mountains surrounds you as our old-time steam locomotive or one of the powerful diesel locomotives winds up the Clear Creek canyon. There are restrooms at both stations and at the mine. There is a gift store at both stations that offers novelties, as well as light snacks and drinks.