I'm spending a couple months near Denver, Colorado this summer. One of the bucket list items is to do a mountain train ride. (We've already done Pike's Peak) I would like some suggestions on the best one to do. Some criteria:

1- Entertainment and food available would be preferable.

2- Not over 5-6 hours long

3- Is it worth paying extra for a particular type passenger car?

4- Is there a camp and ride deal with any of them?

I grew up in a railroad family so riding a train is secondary to the scenic route.

Thanks.

TXRVr,

I've been on the Durango to Silverton Train several times over the years and had an outstanding experience.  One time I took the "Club Car" which serves alcoholic drinks, etc., and one time simply the "Open Car."  Both are great, just depends how much money you want to spend.  The views are "unbelievable" and you'll certainly enjoy the experience.  Durango itself is worth traveling to as the town is "tourist" friendly, has many shops, and there's a number of great campsites in or near Durango, including the KOA which I've stayed at.

I've also been in the town of Chama, NM, which has an outstanding train ride which goes into Colorado as well.  Although I haven't taken the train, my father-in-law has taken it and says it's actually better than the Durango train trip (he's definitely much more of a train buff than I).  There are also a couple nice campgrounds in Chama, although I haven't stayed at them.

Both these trains are the old "Steam" locomotive type and add to the "old-time" experience of the "Old West."

Here are the links to both these sites and I believe you can't go wrong with either.  Have a great time!

 http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/

 http://www.durangotrain.com/

TXRVr,

We've taken the "Gorge" train-ride which is excellent also, but we actually liked the "rafting" trips you can take down the Arkansas which takes you under the Royal Gorge Bridge as well.  Definitely great on those "hot" days in Colorado since some of the raft trips allow you a quick dip in the slower parts of the river.

While I've not done the Gorge railroad, it does sound like it might be kind of what you are looking for.  Here is a website for that attraction:

http://www.royalgorgeroute.com/

In regards to the Durango/Silverton steam train trip, it can be done either as a full day excursion (up and back by train) or you can take the train up and a bus back to Durango.  We took it in 2009, and since I am something of a photographer, I wanted morning sun going up and the afternoon sun on the way back.  It was an excellent trip, but after the experience Jo said she would have preferred to bus back.

If you are interested in the Cumbre and Toltec railroad trip, be sure and check with their website.  Last year there was a fire on one of the bridges, and I'm not sure if it has been fixed.  As of May 26, an New Mexico news station said it wouldn't be ready by opening day of 2011.

At any rate, enjoy Colorado.  We haven't been able to go there since 2009 and I'm really getting a serious urge for the mountains.

Terry

Thank you all for the info. Looks like there are several good ideas. I'll start checking them out.

Bill> I've been to Cripple Creek. It is indeed a bucket list item.

Jake62> Rafting was originally on our list until I found out that a wet suit is recommended at this time of year because of the snow melted cold water. I didn't want to turn into an ice cube.

Since making the original post a month ago, we have decided to do the Royal Gorge train ride and rafting on the Arkansas since both will be day trips from the Colorado Springs campground where we will stay. It's also very convenience for all kinds of tourist "stuff." 

Now if someone will be so kind as to make some recommendations on the rafting, it would truly be appreciated.  We have a 6 and 11 year old who will be doing the rafting with us. I want it to be fun, but keep it age related. Perhaps no more than level 3 rapids?

Thanks.

Rick,

You will want to be sure and check with the rafting companies.  One that I checked online, had the Royal Gorge route with a possible minimum age of 12.  But, they also have other areas for rafting, so you would want to check with them.  Here is one website:

http://www.royalgorgerafting.net/index.html

Some reviews, apparently for the above rafting company:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33340-d643388-Reviews-Royal_Gorge_Rafting-Canon_City_Colorado.html

Others in the Canon City area:

http://www.americanadventure.com/royalgorge

http://raftmasters.com/royal-gorge-rafting-trips/

http://www.lostpaddlerafting.com/

This one has a "Raft and Rail" package that seems to have both the Gorge railroad ride and a "family" 1/2 day rafting.  (The "family" refers to the class of rapids, I think.)  Definitely might be worth checking out:

http://www.raftecho.com/royalgorge-arkansasriver

This link seems to refer to several rafting excursion companies:

http://rafting.allaboutrivers.com/Colorado_river_rafting/Arkansas_River_rafting/Royal_Gorge_river_rafting-run39.html

Have fun.  We'll be in that area in a time frame from late August to early October, depending on an outcome at our son's job.  (Possible new position.)

Terry

Hi Fred;  It looks like you have moved out of the Gunnison Area.  If you were in a National Forest Service Campground, how did you like it? Were the roads and sites big enough?  Most have very little as far as facilities and my concern would be the roads in and out.  Our unit is about the same as yours.  Thanks Bob in Oklahoma. 

TxRVr,

We've used the Arkansas River Tours for about 10 years. They're terrific! I believe their minimum age to do the gorge is 12-years old since the "Gorge" can contain class IV rapids, depending on the time of year. However, their "Big Horn Sheep" raft trip is more for novices. Also, at this time of the year, the river is not running as fast as in the early part of the summer in May and June so you may want to check to the tour company.

Check out their "package" deals as well if you want to ride the Gorge train, etc.

Here's their link:
http://www.arkansasrivertours.com/

-- Edited by Jake62 on Monday 25th of July 2011 05:22:53 AM

PD CFK wrote:

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When we were in Colorado Springs last April visiting my son, we stayed at an Foothills of the Rockies RV park. Any suggestions for other parks to go to in the area?
Also, we did the Cumbres and Toltec a few years ago and enjoyed it. Beautiful scenery. Have fun! Pat/Charlie

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One that seems to be popular is roughly half way between Colorado Springs and Canon City.  It is called Mountaindale RV Park and a number of folks on the forums that I frequent say it is a good park.  We will be staying there for a week sometime between late August and early October.  Check out their website at:

http://www.mountaindalecampground.com/

Terry

EDIT:  Had to fix the link.

I just wanted to post an update.   We did both the Gorge and Arkansas rafting trips, the train ride, and a couple other adventures. We arrived in Colorado Springs with the intention of spending three days, but we were having so much fun and there was so much more to do that we extended to 7 days. Now I'm broke. Thanks so much for all of your suggestions.

Glad you enjoyed it, but too bad you are now broke.  I was going to suggest a couple of places in Canon City.

We had plans to go to Mountaindale late this month, but our youngest son, aged 39, is wanting to go and he just got a different job with his company.  So, instead of late August, it looks like we'll go somewhere in mid-October.

One advantage to that is that it won't be a case of leaving the heat, enjoying the cool of Colorado, and then returning to the heat of Oklahoma.  Just hoping that Mother Nature doesn't decide to snow us in.

There is so much to see in Colorado that you couldn't fit it in if you were there for a month.  And, that's just talking about the natural features, not the human made ones.

Terry