Colorado’s Tourist Trains for the Geologist

Stopped in Silverton, this train was a “double header.” That means that it had to pull so many cars that it needed two steam engines.

PHOTOS & STORY BY SUE EYRE

As the Cumbres and Toltec train enters the Phantom Curve, the tracks are visible in the flat area in the middle on the left side of the photo.

Most of Colorado’s tourist trains today were originally constructed in the late 1800s to serve the state’s lucrative mining operations. They are all scenic and provide an enjoyable day’s outing. If you are a weekend rockhound, a professional geologist or something in between, a few of those excursions need to move up on your bucket list. So, get your rock hammer, collection bag, camera and travel piggy bank ready to ride the rails of the Colorado.

CUMBRES & TOLTEC GEOLOGY TRAIN

The Cumbres & Toltec Railroad offers Geology Trains twice a year in June and September. Participants pay for whatever class of car they choose as their permanent seat, but they are free to roam to the outdoor platform cars as they wish. Everyone joining this excursion receives a geology booklet prepared especially for the trip. Another special feature of this excursion includes several guest geologists who roam the train to provide commentary and answer questions.

Be sure to bring your camera and collection bag because this train stops several times along the route to point out geological features and even lets the passengers disembark to walk through the Toltec Tunnel, collect specimens and watch this gorgeous train emerge on the other side.