The Ride
It's hard to imagine a more dramatic start to any train ride. The "Georgetown Loop" refers to the loop of track that allows the train to climb in elevation, very quickly by actually looping over itself (if the train were long enough, the engineer could look down from the trestle and see his own train directly beneath him). The ride from Georgetown starts by backing up under the bridge, which allows the passengers to view the bridge and allows the engineer a running start for the impressive grade of the loop as the train begins it's ascent to the "Devils Gate Bridge." Before long your on top of the bridge admiring the view of Clear Creek Valley and looking down from the 95 ft. tall trestle.
It's hard to imagine a more dramatic start to any train ride. The "Georgetown Loop" refers to the loop of track that allows the train to climb in elevation, very quickly by actually looping over itself (if the train were long enough, the engineer could look down from the trestle and see his own train directly beneath him). The ride from Georgetown starts by backing up under the bridge, which allows the passengers to view the bridge and allows the engineer a running start for the impressive grade of the loop as the train begins it's ascent to the "Devils Gate Bridge." Before long your on top of the bridge admiring the view of Clear Creek Valley and looking down from the 95 ft. tall trestle.
The railroad continues to climb impressive grades as it passes abandoned mines on it's way to Silver Plume Colorado. The train will stop at one of the mines, allowing passengers to disembark and take an optional walking tour inside one of the old Silver mines. Hearing the Steam Locomotive work is a real treat. The entire line is a little over 3 miles long, and in that 3 miles the railroad climbs 640 feet. Arriving in Silver Plume, passengers have a short layover where they can explore the station area and take pictures. The locomotive will not turn, however the steam locomotives will usually take on water from the water tank as the locomotive is serviced, allowing for a great photo opportunity. The railroad locomotive shop is also located here, and while it is not open for tours, you may be able to see inside from a distance during your layover. After the locomotive runs around the train, there will be an all aboard call before the scheduled departure for the return to Georgetown. The Ride travels over 3.1 Miles of Track and lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes Roundtrip. |
The Equipment
Georgetown Loop Railroad has a variety of equipment. The train typically consists of open air cars with bench seating and Parlor Cars that are fully enclosed and provide table seating. When I travel I like to ride in the open air car closest to the engine when departing Georgetown. This way I'm behind the locomotive when the train is working upgrade, (it's noisy, but I'm a Steam Fan!). Oh yes about the locomotives, Georgetown Loop currently has one operational Steam Locomotive, so make sure to check the schedule for when Steam operates, and call or e-mail in advance of your trip to make sure it is still scheduled to operate.
Georgetown Loop Railroad has a variety of equipment. The train typically consists of open air cars with bench seating and Parlor Cars that are fully enclosed and provide table seating. When I travel I like to ride in the open air car closest to the engine when departing Georgetown. This way I'm behind the locomotive when the train is working upgrade, (it's noisy, but I'm a Steam Fan!). Oh yes about the locomotives, Georgetown Loop currently has one operational Steam Locomotive, so make sure to check the schedule for when Steam operates, and call or e-mail in advance of your trip to make sure it is still scheduled to operate.
The Steam Locomotive
Shay #9 built by Lima in 1923. Weighs 80 Tons. The Chase The Georgetown Loop Railroad is pretty much impossible to chase. However the best photo op.'s are from the Devils Gate Depot in Georgetown when the train departs. The Devils Gate Bridge is visible from the station and parking lot, and before beginning it's climb the tracks parallel Clear Creek allowing for some great shots. This is also a great place to get video and audio as the steam locomotive will be working upgrade upon departing. Other Railroad Attractions Colorado Railroad Museum - An impressive collection of equipment is on display and steam train rides are available on select operating days. Located just outside Denver in Golden Colorado. Approximately 45 minutes from Georgetown. www.ColoradoRailroadMuseum.org Royal Gorge Railroad - An extremely scenic diesel powered excursion through the Royal Gorge departs from Canon City, Colorado. Approximately 3 hours from Georgetown. www.RoyalGorgeRoute.com Other Area Attractions Georgetown Colorado is located approximately 2 hours from the Rocky Mountain National Park, which is highly recommended. Photos from My Visit to Georgetown Loop - |