Georgetown Loop Railroad, South Central Colorado Travel Guide

The Georgetown Loop Railroad, completed in 1884, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of 19th-century railway engineering. Conceived to link the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, which are just two miles apart but separated by a daunting 600-foot elevation difference, the railroad was a vital transportation artery during the Colorado silver boom.The railway's route is a marvel in itself, stretching 4.5 miles with a series of loops, horseshoe curves, and switchbacks to navigate the steep mountain terrain. The highlight is the Devil's Gate High Bridge, which loops 100 feet over itself. This design allowed trains to manage a challenging 4% grade, making it possible to transport ore, supplies, and passengers between the two towns.As mining declined in the early 20th century, the Georgetown Loop faced dwindling use, and the line was dismantled in 1939. However, the growing tourism industry in Colorado spurred restoration efforts in the 1970s, and the Georgetown Loop was successfully rebuilt, reopening to the public in 1984. Today, the Georgetown Loop Railroad is a popular heritage railway, offering scenic journeys through the mountains and optional mine tours, providing a captivating glimpse into Colorado's rich mining history. Visitors can experience the thrill of riding vintage locomotives, explore historic mine sites, and immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.