Georgetown Loop Railroad: What To Know Before You Ride It
You step out of the car in Georgetown. The air is thin and cool. Pine scent drifts down from the slopes. Clear Creek rushes over rocks somewhere below you. Then you hear it. A steam whistle echoes off the canyon walls. A black steam locomotive on the Georgetown Loop Railroad puffs white clouds near Devil’s Gate station. Kids press against the fence to watch.
You climb aboard an open-air car. The bell clangs. The train lurches forward and starts to climb. Within minutes, you are rolling across a tall steel trestle, nearly 100 feet above the creek. Below is the very track you rode moments ago.
The valley opens up. Old mine tailings streak the mountainsides in orange and gray. You came for a train ride. You find yourself riding through a chapter of the Old West.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a narrow-gauge heritage steam train running between Georgetown and Silver Plume, Colorado, about 45 miles west of Denver off I-70.
- Its signature feature is the Devil’s Gate High Bridge, a trestle where the track loops over itself to gain elevation.
- The round trip takes about 75 minutes, and an optional Lebanon Silver Mine tour adds roughly an hour to the outing.
- Regular trains run from spring through early fall, with themed holiday trains later in the year.
- Book ahead for summer weekends and fall color season, and dress in layers for altitudes above 8,500 feet.
Table of contents
History of the Georgetown Loop Railroad
The Georgetown Loop Railroad was built in 1884 to solve an engineering puzzle created by Colorado’s silver boom. The historic mining towns, Georgetown and Silver Plume, sit only about two miles apart, but Silver Plume is roughly 600 feet higher. A straight line of track would have been far too steep for a locomotive.
Engineer Robert Blickensderfer designed a winding route that stretched the distance to about four and a half miles. The track curves, switches back, and crosses over itself on the Devil’s Gate High Bridge. This turned an impossible grade into a manageable one. The finished line quickly became a tourist attraction in its own right. This is considered an engineering marvel.
Key moments on the timeline
- 1860s and 1870s: Silver strikes turn Georgetown into the “Silver Queen of the Rockies.”
- 1884: The Colorado Central Railroad completes the Loop and the High Bridge.
- 1893: The silver market crashes, and mining traffic begins a long decline.
- 1939: The line is abandoned, and the High Bridge is dismantled for scrap.
- 1966: The Georgetown-Silver Plume area is named a National Historic Landmark District.
- 1984: A rebuilt High Bridge opens on the Loop’s 100th anniversary, restoring the full route.
Today, the railroad is owned by History Colorado, the state’s historical society, which preserves the line and the surrounding mining district as a living museum.
Touring the Lebanon Silver Mine
The Lebanon Silver Mine tour is an add-on experience that takes you inside a real 1870s silver mine located partway along the Loop. You must buy it with your train ticket, since the train is the only way to reach the mine site. Check the website, as we did not have the opportunity to do so when we went.
How the mine tour works
- Get off at Lebanon Mine station. The train stops midway on the route and drops off my tour guests here.
- Walk up to the mine. A short, uphill gravel path leads to the historic mine buildings.
- Gear up. Guides hand out hard hats before you enter the tunnel.
- Head underground. You walk several hundred feet into the mountain along the original tunnel, following the veins miners worked by hand and candlelight.
- Explore the surface buildings. Restored structures show where miners changed clothes, sharpened tools, and kept records.
- Catch a later train. A following train picks you up to finish your journey.
What to know before you go underground
The temperature inside the mine stays in the mid-40s Fahrenheit all year, so bring a jacket even in July. The walk includes uneven ground and some inclines, making the tour unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Plan on the mine tour adding about an hour to your visit.
Fare and Excursion Options
Georgetown Loop Railroad fares vary by seating class, age, and whether you add the mine tour. Prices change by season and special event, so confirm the current rates when booking. The table below outlines the main choices and what each one offers.
| Option | What You Get |
| Open-air coach | Bench seating with unobstructed views and fresh mountain air; the most popular and budget-friendly choice |
| Enclosed coach | Covered seating with windows, good for cool, windy, or rainy days |
| Parlor car (first class) | Upgraded seating in a restored vintage car with more comfort and a quieter atmosphere |
| Lebanon Silver Mine add-on | Guided walking tour inside the historic mine, added to any train ticket |
| Children’s fares | Discounted tickets for kids, with the youngest riders often riding free on a lap |
| Themed excursions | Seasonal trains such as fall color runs and holiday light trains are priced separately |
Choosing the right seat
Open-air cars deliver the best photos of the High Bridge and the valley. Enclosed coaches suit families with small children or visitors sensitive to cold. Parlor seating appeals to couples and anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Schedule and Operating Season
The Georgetown Loop Railroad runs its regular excursions from late spring through early fall, with the busiest service in summer. Exact dates and departure times shift each year, so check the official calendar before you finalize plans.
Typical seasonal pattern:
- Spring: Limited weekend service begins as the weather warms.
- Summer: Daily departures run throughout the day, offering the most flexibility.
- Fall: Trains continue into early October, timed to catch golden aspens on the hillsides.
- Winter holidays: Special evening trains run to a lighted holiday display in Silver Plume.
Trip timing at a glance:
- Round trip without the mine tour: about 75 minutes
- Round trip with the mine tour: about two and a half hours
- Suggested arrival: 30 to 45 minutes before departure
You can board at either end of the line. Devil’s Gate station sits near Georgetown, while the Silver Plume Depot anchors the upper end. Many riders start at Devil’s Gate for easier parking and access to Georgetown’s restaurants.
Things to Do Nearby
Georgetown and Silver Plume reward travelers who stay beyond the train ride. These spots sit within a short drive of the railroad.
Georgetown Historic District: Victorian storefronts line the walkable streets of downtown. The Hotel de Paris Museum and the Hamill House show how wealthy residents lived during the silver era.
Georgetown Lake: This reservoir at the edge of town offers fishing, picnicking, and a paved walking path with mountain views.
Bighorn sheep viewing: A wildlife viewing area near Georgetown Lake offers a good chance of spotting Colorado’s state animal on the cliffs above.
Guanella Pass Scenic Byway: This winding road climbs south from Georgetown to over 11,000 feet, passing alpine lakes and trailheads, including the popular route up Mount Bierstadt.
Silver Plume: The tiny town at the top of the line has preserved buildings, a quiet main street, and a slower pace than its neighbor.
Idaho Springs: Roughly 15 minutes east, this town offers hot springs soaks, the Argo Mill tour, and a lively main street with breweries and casual dining.
Loveland Pass and Loveland Ski Area: A short drive west takes you over the Continental Divide in summer or onto the slopes in winter.
Georgetown Christmas Market: Held on weekends in December, this traditional market fills downtown with crafts, carolers, and holiday food.
Planning Your Visit
A good Georgetown Loop trip comes down to timing, clothing, and altitude awareness. Use this checklist to prepare.
Before you leave home
- Reserve tickets online, especially for summer weekends and fall color dates.
- Check the forecast for both Georgetown and Silver Plume, since mountain weather can change quickly.
- Leave extra time for I-70 traffic, which backs up on weekend mornings and afternoons.
What to bring
- Layers, including a warm jacket for open-air cars and the mine
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, because UV exposure is stronger at high elevation
- A refillable water bottle
- Closed-toe shoes with good grip for the mine path
- A camera with a fully charged battery
Health and comfort at altitude
Georgetown sits above 8,500 feet. Visitors coming from sea level may feel short of breath or get headaches. Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your trip. Go easy on alcohol, and take the mine walk at a relaxed pace.
Accessibility
The railroad offers some accessible boarding and seating options, but you should call ahead to arrange assistance. The Lebanon Silver Mine tour is not accessible due to its walking path and terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Georgetown Loop Railroad ride?
The standard round trip lasts about 75 minutes. Adding the Lebanon Silver Mine tour extends the total outing to roughly 2.5 hours.
Is the Georgetown Loop Railroad worth it?
Yes, especially for families, history fans, and photographers. The High Bridge crossing and the mine tour offer experiences you cannot find on most scenic trains in Colorado.
Does the train use real steam locomotives?
The railroad runs historic steam locomotives on many trips. A diesel engine may be substituted during high wildfire danger or for mechanical reasons.
How far is Georgetown from Denver?
Georgetown is about 45 miles west of Denver along I-70. The drive usually takes under an hour without traffic.
Can you ride one way?
Most passengers ride the full round trip. Since the line connects two towns, it is designed as an out-and-back excursion that returns you to your starting station.
What is the best time of year to ride?
Late September is a favorite because the aspens turn gold along the route. Summer offers the widest schedule and warmest weather.
Are kids allowed on the mine tour?
Children are welcome on the mine tour with an adult. Guides keep the pace family-friendly, though very young kids may need to be carried on parts of the path.
Whistle Fading Down Clear Creek
The train eases back into Devil’s Gate station. Brakes hiss. Steam curls up past the windows and drifts toward the pines.
You step down onto the platform. Your cheeks are cold from the wind. Your shoes still carry a little dust from the mine. Somewhere in your camera roll, the High Bridge arches over the creek in a dozen different frames.
Behind you, the locomotive sighs and settles. The crew starts preparing for the next run. Another group gathers at the fence, pointing and waiting.
You walk toward the car slowly. The creek keeps rushing. The mountains hold their old silver secrets. As you pull onto the road, one last whistle rolls down the valley, and you already know you will hear it again.
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