Georgetown Loop Railroad: A Ride Through History

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Journey through history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a spectacular narrow-gauge railway in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

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Georgetown Loop Railroad

Experience a piece of Colorado's mining history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a narrow-gauge heritage railroad that climbs through the Rocky Mountains. This engineering marvel offers stunning views and a glimpse into the state's silver mining past.

A brief summary to Georgetown Loop Railroad

646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, Colorado, 80444, US
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 am
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Check the Georgetown Loop Railroad website for the most up-to-date schedule and special event information.
Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Dress in layers, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
Allow extra time for parking, especially at the Devil's Gate Depot, where parking is limited.
Enhance your experience by taking the Lebanon Silver Mine tour to learn more about the area's mining history.

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Getting There

Driving

The Georgetown Loop Railroad is accessible from I-70. To reach the Devil's Gate Depot in Georgetown, take Exit 228 and follow the signs. For the Silver Plume Depot, take Exit 226. Parking is available at both depots, but it can be limited, especially at Devil's Gate. Parking is free. From Denver, the drive is approximately 45 miles west on I-70.
Public Transport

While there isn't direct public transportation to the Georgetown Loop Railroad from Denver, you can take a tram to Federal Center Station, then a bus to Idaho Springs, and finally a taxi to the railroad. This journey takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes and costs between $73 and $91. Taxi fare from Idaho Springs to Georgetown Loop Railroad is approximately $60-$80.

Discover more about Georgetown Loop Railroad

The Georgetown Loop Railroad, located in the Rocky Mountains near Georgetown, Colorado, is a testament to the ingenuity of 19th-century railway engineering. Completed in 1884, this narrow-gauge railroad was designed to connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, which are two miles apart but separated by a steep, narrow canyon. The railroad climbs approximately 640 feet (195 m) between the two towns using 4.5 miles of track. The route includes sharp curves, switchbacks, and the iconic Devil's Gate High Bridge, a 95-foot (29 m) high trestle where the route loops back on itself. This design allowed trains to navigate the challenging terrain and access the rich silver mines of the area. Today, the Georgetown Loop Railroad operates as a heritage railroad, offering visitors a scenic journey through the mountains. Passengers can board the train at either the Silver Plume Depot or the Devil's Gate Depot in Georgetown. The train ride includes an optional walking tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine, where visitors can explore a mine tunnel bored in the 1870s. The journey provides a unique perspective on the history of mining in Colorado and the challenges faced by early railroad engineers.