Georgetown Loop Railroad
Just 45 minutes from Denver, the charming mountain town of Georgetown was founded in 1859 and once served as a major silver mining hub. Today, it’s historic Georgetown Loop Railroad, built in the late 1800s, still operates, offering scenic rides between Georgetown and the nearby town of Silver Plume. A ride on this iconic railroad is a must-do for both Coloradans and visitors alike!
The Georgetown Loop Railroad now offers a variety of themed excursions throughout the year, including Oktoberfest, Holiday Lighted Forest, and Fall Colors, to name a few. Ticket prices range from $20 to $40, depending on age, ticket type, and event.
For an even more immersive experience, you can upgrade your ticket to include gold panning and a tour of the nearby Lebanon Mine. While the train ride alone is a memorable experience, I highly recommend adding the mine tour. This 500-foot journey into the historic Lebanon silver mine, which dates back to the 1870s, gives you a fascinating glimpse into Georgetown’s mining past. Your knowledgeable guide will highlight rich veins of silver and share captivating stories of the region’s mining history (including some ghost stories)!
After your excursion, I would recommend spending some time wandering through Georgetown, exploring the shops and grabbing a bite to eat! Before heading back to Denver, be sure to drive through the nearby town of Silver Plume, and check out the old “jail” and then grab a cocktail at the iconic Bread Bar.
FAQs (directly from the website):
How long is the train ride? The train ride by itself is about 1 hour and 15 minutes during the main season and about 55 minutes from mid-October through early January. The train ride and mine tour together (offered April through September) is a 2 ½ hour experience.
Is the Silver Plume location different than the Georgetown Location? Yes, we offer two depot locations, one in Georgetown and one in Silver Plume. The Silver Plume Station is only open from late May through mid-October. The Loop connects the two towns so whichever station you board from, you will ride the Loop to the opposite, then return back to your original station. The stations are 2 miles apart on Interstate -70. The Devil’s Gate station is located in Georgetown; the Silver Plume Depot is one exit west of Georgetown off of I-70. The train ride is exactly the same from either departure point.
Can you take the mine tour without the train? Can you ride one way or disembark and take a later train? No, you cannot take the mine tour without a train ride. The only access to the mine is by train and only passengers with mine tickets may disembark there. We are sorry, there is no provision for riding one way or taking a later train.
Does the train run if it is raining? Can I get a refund if it rains? We run rain or shine, so please bring a light jacket. If you decide to not ride the train due to weather you can transfer or cancel for a $4 per ticket fee prior to departure. Please note we do not issue refunds for weather related issues after you have boarded the train.
Do you have additional questions? Visit the Georgetown Loop Railroad FAQ page to learn more. :)
Travel Tips:
Be sure to monitor the weather on the day of your excursion. Colorado weather is famously unpredictable, and it would be wise to pack layers. Even on a sunny summer or fall day, I would recommend wearing tennis shoes, a jacket or sweatshirt, and a hat to protect you on the sunny train ride.
While there are restaurants in the surrounding towns of Silver Plume and Georgetown, food is not typically served on the Georgetown Loop Trains. Each of the “depots” that you stop at will have snacks and soft drinks for purchase, but I would recommend eating a full meal prior to your excursion!
