Most Scenic Winter Train Rides Across The Rocky Mountains
Winter transforms the Rocky Mountains into a magical wonderland of snow-capped peaks and pristine valleys. Experiencing this beauty from the comfort of a train is something everyone should try at least once.
I’ve rounded up the most breathtaking winter rail journeys that showcase the Rockies in all their frozen glory, from historic narrow-gauge railways to modern panoramic adventures.
1. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Steam billows against the crisp mountain air as this historic train chugs through Colorado’s snow-laden canyons. Dating back to 1882, this journey takes you along the Animas River through remote wilderness inaccessible by road.
The vintage coal-fired locomotives pull you through towering pine forests and past dramatic cliffs dusted with winter’s finest powder. I love watching the steam create ethereal patterns against the brilliant blue Colorado sky.
Bundle up for the open gondola cars – they offer the best photography opportunities despite the chill!
2. Winter Park Express
Gliding from Denver straight to the slopes, this train eliminates the stress of winter driving and delivers pure mountain joy instead. The route climbs nearly 4,000 feet through 29 tunnels including the famous Moffat Tunnel beneath the Continental Divide.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the unfolding winter drama outside. Watch for wildlife like elk and moose against the snowy backdrop as you sip hot chocolate in comfort.
Skiers and snowboarders particularly love this service – you’ll arrive steps from the lifts without touching a car steering wheel!
3. Georgetown Loop Railroad
Crossing the Devil’s Gate High Bridge feels like floating on air, suspended 95 feet above the creek below. This engineering marvel from the 1880s still impresses today, especially when frosted with glistening snow.
The narrow-gauge train winds around impossibly tight mountain curves between Georgetown and Silver Plume. During winter excursions, the historic mining towns look like they’ve been plucked straight from Victorian Christmas cards.
Hot mulled cider served onboard perfectly complements the spectacular views of Clear Creek Canyon. The Santa trains in December add extra magic for families!
4. Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Carved by the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge offers a dramatic winter spectacle with 1,000-foot canyon walls rising on both sides of the tracks. The train follows a route once hotly contested by rival railroad companies in the 1870s.
Massive ice formations cling to the sheer rock faces in winter, creating natural sculptures that change throughout the season. I recommend the glass-topped observation car for the most immersive experience of this incredible landscape.
Their special winter dining experiences feature locally-sourced cuisine served as you glide through this natural wonder.
5. Rocky Mountaineer First Passage to the West
Glass-domed coaches transform winter mountain viewing into a luxurious experience on this breathtaking journey between Denver and Moab. Champagne breakfasts and gourmet lunches arrive at your seat while outside, the Rockies display their winter grandeur.
The train slows at particularly scenic spots, allowing everyone perfect photo opportunities of frozen waterfalls and snow-dusted red rock formations. Wildlife sightings are common – bighorn sheep often gather near the tracks during winter months.
Overnight stops in Glenwood Springs let you soak in natural hot springs after your day of scenic railroading.
6. Amtrak California Zephyr
Crossing the Continental Divide in winter aboard this legendary route reveals the Rockies at their most magnificent. The train climbs through 29 tunnels and numerous mountain passes between Denver and Salt Lake City.
Fraser Canyon transforms into a winter paradise as you climb toward the Moffat Tunnel. The observation lounge car provides panoramic views of frozen Glenwood Canyon – a highlight that highway travelers miss entirely.
Conversations with fellow passengers from around the world add warmth to the journey. Many are making bucket-list crossings of America, with the winter Rockies portion being the crown jewel.
7. Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad
North America’s highest standard-gauge railroad offers winter excursions that literally take your breath away at 10,000 feet elevation. The mountain panoramas stretch for miles across the Arkansas River Valley toward some of Colorado’s tallest peaks.
Frosted pine forests and abandoned mining camps tell stories of frontier life while you stay cozy in heated coaches. The conductor shares tales of mining booms, busts, and the hardy souls who braved these mountains year-round.
Keep your camera ready for the stunning views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive – Colorado’s two highest mountains look particularly majestic dressed in winter white!
8. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Winter Train
Steam meets snow in perfect harmony on America’s longest and highest narrow-gauge route. Special winter runs showcase the remote borderlands between Colorado and New Mexico in their most pristine state.
The train battles mountain grades of up to 4% while passengers marvel at Toltec Gorge from warm coaches. Watching the locomotive’s plume of steam against the brilliant blue winter sky creates perfect photo opportunities around every curve.
Volunteer docents bring the railroad’s 140-year history alive with stories of building this engineering marvel through some of America’s most challenging terrain.
9. Great Western Railway Snow Train
Vintage rail cars from the 1920s carry passengers through Colorado’s northern Front Range on special winter excursions. The contrast between golden winter prairie grasses and snow-covered mountain backdrops creates stunning natural compositions.
Local historians share stories of sugar beet farming, cattle ranching, and railroad development that shaped this region. I especially enjoy the restored parlor cars with their polished wood interiors and brass fixtures that transport you to railroading’s golden age.
Unlike mountain routes, this prairie-to-foothills journey offers expansive views where you can watch weather systems move across the landscape.
10. Grand Canyon Railway Winter Wonderland
Majestic ponderosa pine forests blanketed in snow line this historic route from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim. The train’s century-old tradition continues through winter months when the canyon receives its most dramatic lighting and occasional snow dustings.
Old West entertainers roam the cars, sharing songs and stories as the landscape transforms outside your window. The final approach reveals one of earth’s most spectacular sights – the Grand Canyon rimmed with snow.
Heated coaches from different eras offer various experiences, from luxury dome cars to historic Pullman cars with their distinctive character.
11. Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Winter Express
Crossing La Veta Pass at 9,400 feet provides some of Colorado’s most remote winter vistas in the southern Rockies. The Spanish Peaks, called “Breasts of the Earth” by indigenous peoples, stand sentinel over this pristine landscape.
Herds of elk often gather near the tracks, their dark forms dramatic against the white snow. The historic depot in Alamosa serves as the starting point for this journey through landscapes few roads reach.
Winter photography enthusiasts particularly value this route for its combination of mountain backdrops, wildlife opportunities, and the classic silhouette of the train against snow-filled meadows.
12. Heber Valley Railroad North Pole Express
Utah’s Wasatch Mountains create a perfect backdrop for this magical winter journey along the shores of Deer Creek Reservoir. The vintage steam locomotive’s whistle echoes across the frozen landscape as you travel through a winter paradise.
Children’s eyes grow wide as the train approaches the “North Pole” during holiday season runs. Regular winter excursions showcase the mountain scenery and often include wildlife sightings – bald eagles winter in this area.
The route follows part of the original Denver & Rio Grande line, preserving railroad heritage while introducing new generations to the joy of train travel.
