Georgetown Loop Railroad and the Best Mountain Towns Near Denver
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is about an hour from Denver and makes for an absolutely epic day trip.
If your group wants a scenic day that doesn't involve a hike, a hangover, or a sprint through a theme park, this one's for you. It's a historic train ride Colorado that families, history nerds, and "let's just see something cool, okay?" friend groups all end up loving.
And better yet, the railroad sits in the middle of some of the best small towns near Denver. Here's how to build a full mountain town day around it.
Why the Georgetown Loop Railroad Is Worth the Drive
The story starts in the silver boom. In the 1870s and 80s, miners were pulling silver out of the hills around Silver Plume, and the railroad had a problem: Georgetown and Silver Plume are only about two miles apart, but Silver Plume sits several hundred feet higher up the valley. That's too steep for a train to climb in a straight line.
The fix was a clever bit of engineering.
Instead of going straight, the track stretches out to about 4.5 miles, curves, and loops back over itself on the Devil's Gate High Bridge, gaining roughly 640 ft along the way. It's a gorgeous bit of historic problem solving! And, even cooler, you get to ride it.
The railroad ran freight for decades, then went quiet when the mines dried up. After years of work to rebuild the line, it reopened to the public in 1984 as a tourist railroad, and it's been welcoming riders ever since.
What the Ride Is Actually Like
The round trip takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. You can board at the Devil's Gate depot near Georgetown or at the Silver Plume depot, depending on the day and the schedule.
Here's what to look forward to:
The High Bridge. The star of the show. You'll be about 95 ft up, crossing a bridge that the train itself passed under a few minutes earlier. (This is the moment everyone grabs their phones!)
Clear Creek valley views. Think pine, rock, and a creek running below, with the whole valley opening up as you climb.
Steam and diesel. The railroad runs both. Depending on the day, you might get the full steam-locomotive experience, so check the schedule if that matters to your group.
Narrow gauge charm. The cars are smaller and cozier than a standard train, which makes the whole thing feel like stepping into an old photograph.
When to Go
The Georgetown Loop runs on a seasonal schedule, and each season has a different personality:
Spring: Family-friendly specials like the Bunny Train around Easter.
Summer: The busiest stretch, with regular daily runs and mine tours.
Fall: Aspen season. The high country turns gold, and the loop is one of Colorado's best fall color train rides. Fall colors rides typically run through about mid-October, and peak color at elevation often arrives earlier, so don't wait too long.
Winter holidays: Seasonal holiday trains, including a Victorian themed celebration.
Schedules shift from year to year, so check the official Georgetown Loop Railroad calendar before you lock in a date.
Your Georgetown, Colorado Day Trip: Beyond the Train
The train is the headliner, but the towns are the full show. Georgetown and Silver Plume are part of a federally designated historic district, and they're made for wandering.
Georgetown
Georgetown was founded in 1859 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. It wasn't a rough and tumble mining camp. It was the commerce and entertainment hub for miners in the surrounding hills, which is why it earned the nickname "Silver Queen of the Rockies." That's why the downtown is full of Victorian architecture you can actually walk through.
History lovers can pop into spots like the Hotel de Paris, a historic 1875 frontier hotel and fine dining establishment turned Victorian-era museum, and the Hamill House Museum, and everyone else can just enjoy a quiet main street with mountains on all sides. It's small (about a thousand residents), and that contributes toward its unique charm.
Silver Plume
Meanwhile, Silver Plume is even smaller. It feels like the town that time forgot, but in the best way. The Silver Plume depot is right near I-70, which makes it an easy place to start or finish the train ride. Stop by the George Rowe Museum if you want a deeper look at the town's mining history.
More of the Best Small Towns Near Denver
If your group has the energy for more, two nearby towns round out a perfect mountain town day.
Idaho Springs
About half an hour from Denver, Idaho Springs is the easy add on. Colorado's first substantial gold find happened here in 1859, and Miner Street still has that old mining town feel with colorful storefronts, a couple of brewpubs, and a cidery.
It's also a good spot to stretch your legs before or after the train. If your group likes soaking, the town is known for its hot springs, too.
Empire
Tiny Empire sits right on the Clear Creek County corridor and works well as a quiet stop. It's also home to the PAW Trail (Partners for Access to the Woods), a trail designed to be wheelchair and walker accessible, which makes it a great nature stop for groups with mixed mobility.
Where to Eat: Lunch Spots Near the Loop
A scenic day always goes better with a good lunch. Here are some local spots to consider. We'd double-check hours and seasonal schedules before you go, since mountain-town restaurants love to change things up.
In Georgetown
The Historic Happy Cooker: A long-time breakfast and lunch favorite right downtown.
Scooter's Smokehouse & Grill: Barbecue for groups that want something hearty.
Cooper's on the Creek: An American bar-and-grill spot with a relaxed mountain feel.
511 Rose: Another downtown option for a sit-down meal.
Georgetown Coffee and Tea: Good for a pre-train warm-up or an afternoon pick-me-up.
In Idaho Springs
Beau Jo's: The Colorado pizza classic, and a crowd-pleaser for families.
Main Street Restaurant: A hometown diner with breakfast all day. Perfect for a big group that wants comfort food.
Clear Creek Cidery & Eatery: Colorado ciders and a creative menu if your crew wants something different.
Smokin' Yards BBQ: Barbecue with a patio next to the creek.
Tommyknocker Brewery: A Colorado craft beer stop for the grown-ups in the group.
Planning Tips for Your Group
A few things that make the day smoother:
Book train tickets ahead. Fall color season and summer weekends can fill up.
Build in buffer time. I-70 mountain traffic can wreck a tight schedule, especially on summer Fridays and busy weekends. Pad your day so nobody's watching the clock instead of the view.
Dress in layers. Mountain weather changes fast, and the mine stays cool all year.
Know the family basics. There are no restrooms on the train, but you'll find them at both stations and at the mine. Strollers and car seats aren't allowed on the train, and pets aren't either.
Skip the driving stress. A day like this is better when nobody has to be the designated driver. Everyone can take in the views, enjoy lunch, and arrive and leave together. If you're building a bigger group day, a party bus rental can take care of the I-70 part while you focus on the fun parts.
Accessibility: What to Know Before You Go
Everyone should get to enjoy a day like this, so here's the scoop:
The coach cars on the train are wheelchair accessible. Let the reservation agent know ahead of time so they can plan for you.
Parlor cars have limited wheelchair seating, and the historic Waldorf and Tahoe cars don't have wheelchair access.
The mine tours aren't accessible by wheelchair, but the train ride itself is a great option, and the towns have plenty to enjoy.
The PAW Trail in Empire is a good nature stop for groups with mixed mobility.
Our ADA accessible buses are built so everyone in your group can celebrate together, so if you're planning a group day, tell us what you need and we'll plan around it.
FAQs
How long is the Georgetown Loop Railroad ride?
The train ride takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. Adding the mine tour brings the total to roughly two and a half hours.
How far is Georgetown from Denver?
Georgetown is about 45 to 50 miles west of Denver off I-70. Exit 228 takes you to Georgetown, and Exit 226 takes you to Silver Plume. Give yourself extra time on busy weekends.
When does the Georgetown Loop Railroad run?
The railroad runs on a seasonal schedule, with the main season generally running late spring through fall, plus spring and holiday specials. Check the official calendar for current dates before you plan your trip.
Is the Georgetown Loop good for kids?
Yes. It's a great fit for families, though kids under 5 can't go into the mine. Strollers and car seats aren't allowed on the train, so plan to carry little ones.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The coach cars are wheelchair accessible, and parlor cars have limited seating. The mine tours aren't accessible by wheelchair. Contact the railroad ahead of time so they can plan for your group.
Do I need to book in advance?
It's smart to, especially during fall color season and summer weekends.
What else is there to do in Georgetown?
Walk the historic downtown, visit the Hotel de Paris or Hamill House, and head over to Silver Plume for the George Rowe Museum.
Ready for a Mountain Town Day?
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is one of those rare Colorado experiences that feels both old and brand new at the same time. Ride the bridge, walk the mine, grab lunch in a town that's been feeding hungry people since the silver boom, and spend the rest of the day wandering.
If you're after another Colorado adventure that's a little wilder, check out our post on Great Sand Dunes National Park, a very different kind of day trip.
Plan your mountain town day and let us handle the I-70 part. Tell us your group, your date, and your must see stops, and we'll help you build the day!
