Winter train rides

Which Colorado trains run in winter 2026-27?

Six: the Durango & Silverton to Cascade Canyon, the Winter Park Express ski train, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the Royal Gorge Route, the Leadville Winter Express and the Georgetown Loop's holiday trains.

Amtrak's California Zephyr runs through the snow too, daily through Denver, Fraser-Winter Park and Glenwood Springs. What does stop: the Durango & Silverton does not go to Silverton in winter, and the Cumbres & Toltec's regular season has ended until 2027.

Our pick for a first winter ride? The Royal Gorge Route. It is short, it runs daily from the Santa Fe Depot, and you ride in heated cars between turns on the open-air car.

Is the Durango & Silverton Cascade Canyon Winter Train running after the flooding?

It is set to. After flooding on the Animas River in October 2026, the railroad says it is on track to resume the Polar Express and Cascade Canyon trains on 20 November 2026.

The winter train runs 26 miles each way from the Durango Depot to Cascade Canyon, on select dates from 20 November 2026 to 30 April 2027. There are gaps, in early to mid January, parts of February and some of April, so check the railroad's calendar for your day. The coaches are heated, and the 60-minute layover at Cascade Canyon has a fireside area for lunch or a walk by the river.

Boxed lunches must be ordered at least a day ahead, at checkout or by phone, and a concession car runs on every train. Fares include the 8% Historic Preservation Fee; children under 4 ride free on a lap. The Durango & Silverton guide covers the summer Silverton trip.

When does the Winter Park Express start, and how much is it?

In December 2026, Thursday to Sunday, from Denver Union Station to Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Resort lists fares from $19 for 2026-27.

The train leaves Denver at about 7:00 am and starts back from the resort at 4:35 pm, roughly 2.5 hours each way. It stops just west of the Moffat Tunnel, at the back of West Portal near the lifts, and lockers are in the West Portal basement. Skis and snowboards ride free as carry-on.

Tickets are sold on amtrak.com, and the resort says they typically go on sale in November. The exact 2026-27 dates appear when they do. Book the dates you want as soon as they open. The service typically runs into March or April.

Does the Pikes Peak Cog Railway run in winter?

Yes. The Cog runs year-round on a condensed fall and winter schedule, but severe weather or snow can stop trains short of the 14,115-foot summit.

The railway's own line on the season: “Winter is the clearest time of year as the low humidity and snowfall decrease dust in the air.” The trains are heated. The summit can be 30 to 40 degrees colder than Manitou Springs, so dress for it, and drink plenty of water. There are no weather refunds if the train reaches the summit.

Online reserved tickets start at $67 for adults, and changes are free more than 7 days out. Times shift with the season, so check the times for your date on the Cog's ticket page. Rather not drive in snow? The private Cog Railway tour picks you up in the Denver area in a Suburban, with blankets for the train. Crystal (Feb 2026), in winter: “the mountains were beautiful and Patrick our tour guide was the best!” More in our Cog Railway guide.

Does the Royal Gorge Route run in winter?

Yes, all year. The 12:30 PM train runs daily, and the 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM trains run daily with some exceptions, each about 1 hour 50 minutes through the gorge.

Every ticket includes the open-air car, standing room only, which in winter means short, bright stints between warm seats. Coach starts at $109, Deluxe at $129 and the Vista Dome at $139 on non-peak trips; meals and drinks are extra. The Santa Express runs alongside it until 30 December.

Booking through our Royal Gorge Route listing gives you free cancellation up to 24 hours before, useful when a winter storm is in the forecast. Dennis (Sep 2026): “Beautiful scenery, gorgeous day for open car ride. Food and drinks were great”. The Royal Gorge Route guide covers the classes and the dining.

The Royal Gorge in winter: about 110 minutes beside the Arkansas River, granite walls over 1,000 feet above, and the open-air car.

★ 4.6 · 110 minutes · from $148

Explore the Royal Gorge Route Railroad → Tour details

What about the Leadville Winter Express and the California Zephyr?

Leadville's Winter Express starts on 14 January 2027, a 2-hour round trip from 10,152 feet. The California Zephyr runs daily all winter through Fraser-Winter Park and Glenwood Springs.

Leadville runs weekly rides from October to April, behind a historic diesel through the San Isabel National Forest above the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Book on the Leadville Railroad's site. It is the highest start of any train here, so take the first afternoon easy.

The Zephyr is the long view. Its Sightseer Lounge looks out on Gore, Byers and Glenwood Canyons, and Amtrak gives travelers 65 and over 10% off most rail fares. Timetables and fares are on amtrak.com. For how it compares with the luxury trains, read our Rocky Mountaineer alternatives guide; for December's Santa trains, our holiday trains post.

Frequently asked questions