The train to winter
Day trips
CAÑON CITY, COLORADO
Royal Gorge Route Railroad. This two-hour round-trip ride
from Cañon City to Parkdale, Colorado, and back ventures
through Royal Gorge, passing 1,000 feet below the world's highest
suspension bridge. Where the river canyon narrows to 30 feet, the
train skims the rapids on a suspended track. Weekends only through
mid-May, then daily through Oct; $27, $17 ages 3-12, Sat dinner
train $80, Sun lunch train $60.
www.royalgorgeroute.com
or (888) 724-5748.
DENVER
Winter Park Ski Train. A Denver tradition for nearly 65
years, this train ― the largest passenger train in the United
States ― delivers up to 750 passengers per trip to the base
of the Winter Park ski area. Highlights include views of Boulder's
craggy Flatirons and a trip through the 6 1/4-mile Moffat Tunnel.
Fri-Sun; from $45.
www.skitrain.com or (303)
296-4754.
DURANGO, COLORADO
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Originally
constructed for hauling valuable ore, this route along the Animas
River became a tourist attraction as soon as the first train rolled
down the tracks in 1882. Today it's the only railway that operates
steam locomotives through the winter, scheduling five-hour trips
into San Juan National Forest to stop for hot cocoa and cider in
Cascade Canyon. Wed-Sat through Mar 9, daily Mar 10-May 7; $45, $22
ages 5-11;
www.durangotrain.com or
(970) 247-2733.
Longer excursions
BAY AREA TO RENO
Amtrak's California Zephyr. The route of this popular train
offers great Sierra Nevada scenery in both directions, but perhaps
the best view comes as you crest the mountains near Donner Pass to
see icy Donner Lake cupped in a snowy bowl below. One daily
departure from Emeryville and from Reno; $136 round trip.
www.amtrak.com or (800)
872-7245. Key Holidays offers a
Reno Snow Train package on a privately chartered Amtrak
train that includes some meals and entertainment. Departs Tue and
returns Thu; from $169 round trip without accommodations.
www.keyholidays.com or
(800) 783-0783.
SEATTLE TO GLACIER
Amtrak's Empire Builder. From Seattle, the train crosses the
Cascades before continuing east to Spokane. From here you enter
some of the West's most spectacular scenery as the train crosses
northern Idaho and then skirts the southern boundary of Glacier
National Park. Along the route, Whitefish and West Glacier Park
make good destinations. Daily departures; from $304 round trip.
www.amtrak.com or (800)
872-7245.
