The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad has ceased operations and is seeking new ownership. The information provided below pertains to the train rides in the past.
Enjoy Colorado’s only mountaintop concert and train venue aboard the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. The heritage railway begins in Alamosa and journeys through La Veta Pass along historic railway tracks that date back to the 1870s.
If you’re looking for a way to appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Southern Rockies, a trip on the Rio Grande railroad is highly recommended. Along the way, you’ll hear exciting stories about Colorado’s mining and railroad background from experienced narrators. Don’t forget to take in the sights of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains!
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Train Excursions
Experience the joy of riding the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, which offers a variety of cars ranging from open-air to first-class dome cars. The train excursions are a full-day event that starts from the Alamosa Depot at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. First-class passengers can enjoy a delicious bunch. In contrast, snacks and beverages are available for all passengers.
La Veta Pass Train
The most popular train ride is the La Veta Pass Train Tour. Set out on a day trip to enjoy an authentic Colorado experience on the tracks. The train ride begins at the Alamosa depot, goes over the Fir Summit, and stops at the quaint town of La Veta, Colorado. Passenger can stretch their legs here for about an hour before the train returns to Alamosa.
Special Event Trains
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad offers special events trains along with scenic train rides. These include the fall colors explorer train, wine trains, summer concert trains, Oktoberfest, and Halloween trains.
Fall Foliage Express
Soak in Colorado’s Fall Foliage aboard the Rio Grande Historic Railroad. The stunningly beautiful fall months in Colorado call for a special train. Enjoy the rich golden tone of aspen leaves against the green pines of the mountainside, rugged rocks, and the open blue skies, making for theatrical scenery and running from early September to early October.
Mountain Rails Concert Trains
Held yearly through summer months, concerts are held at a site in La Veta Pass. Guest travel to the Rio Grande Historic Railroad event, combining a fun train ride with live musical performances. The concerts are held at a meadow amphitheater where the natural acoustics of the countryside make it a memorable experience.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Wine Train
Experience an evening of wine, history, music, and scenery aboard the Colorado Wine Train. On select weekends, an exclusive train runs between Alamosa and the Mystic San Luis Valley on a 2-hour long journey, where you get to experience seating in a dome or dining car and traditional white linen rail dining service.
Rio Grande Scenic Railroad History
In the late 1800s, Alamosa was a hub for narrow-gauge railroading. Today, the town continues to serve as a hub for the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad as it departs from the original depot in the city’s heart, precisely from where trains of earlier times ferried ore, lumber, cattle products, sheep, and mining products.
Getting There
Alamosa, Colorado, is situated 230 miles southwest of Denver. Travel time by car is just under four hours.
I purchased a journal at an antique store years ago . It’s the auditor ( at least in this journal ) from 1901 to 1917 . Auditor Murphy….. ER Murphy. His own personal diary of everything he did, not only about the company, but his life. It’s an amazing diary, journal, of him being auditor. In some of the pages that I look at, say confidential. He is talking to our no Jeffrey president.
In this journal, I have so many things that relate to the railroad, if you want to know more. Period email me at