Georgetown Loop Railroad - Georgetown, Colorado

Georgetown Loop Railroad - Georgetown, Colorado

Have you ever heard of Devil’s Gate Bridge in Colorado?  Devil’s Gate Bridge spans 100 feet over Clear Creek and is 300 feet across. The bridge is just part of the trip on the Georgetown Loop Railroad.  A narrow gauge railway that will be an experience you will remember for years. 

The bridge was built in 1877 when the fold rush (1858-1859) was coming to an end and the Union Pacific decided it needed to extend the Georgetown line to more prosperous mining towns beyond Georgetown.  The steep grade in the canyons of the Rocky Mountains made for quite a challenge.

The trip on the train will wind you through a scenic Rocky Mountain pathway.  There are silver mine tours available in conjunction with the train ride.

Just think of what it must have been like for those brave souls that first crossed the bridge in the train, the height, the narrow gauge combined with the views had to have them both frightened and thrilled.

When the bridge was done it became one of the largest tourist attractions in the area.  Not only did it supply the mining towns beyond Georgetown with the necessary supplies to continue working but it took the "looky-loos" that wanted to have the experience of the ride on a most memorable trip.

Today the roundtrip ride is approximately 7 miles and takes about an our and 15 minutes.  They suggest you allow an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes for your tour of the Lebanon Silver mine, if you are going to take it.

The train makes one stop in the valley between Georgetown and Silver Plum at the Lebanon Mine.  You can take a guided walking tour for an additional cost.  No one is allowed off the train except for the mine tour.

When the train was first put into service it ruan between Denver and up to Clear Creek Canyon, through Idaho Springs and terminated just a bit past Silver Plume.

The narrow gauge trace, only 3 ft wide between the rails, was used because it was more economical , smaller in size and better suited to mountainous terrain and narrow canyons.  Standard gauge traces are spaced at 4 ft 8 1/2 inches apart.

The top speed for the train is about 12 miles an hour, although the locomotive is capable of going faster.

If you choose to take the mine tour it consists of a three-quarter mile guided walking tour.  The only way to take the tour is to go there on the train.

The mine tour is great for the whole family.  It’s fun, mysterious and educational along with the fact that everyone gets to wear a hard hat.

The temperature in the mine stays a pretty consistent 44 degrees F. so be sure to bring a jacket.

Directions: In Georgetown, turn right at visitor center intersection. Follow signage and road to Loop Dr., veering right to Devil’s Gate Station. In Silver Plume, just south of I-70, parking on Frontage Road. Silver Plume Depot can be seen from highway.

Address: Georgetown Loop Railroad, Georgetown, CO 80444

Toll Free: 888-456-6777