We recently enjoyed a beautiful field trip up to the Georgetown Loop. I may have enjoyed it a bit more than my son because I grew up around old trains. My dad constructed a room-size model railroad and I loved spending time down in our basement watching his trains go around and around the room. This field trip brought tears to my eyes as I missed my dad.
Originally I purchased tickets online for the Silver Plume location. It took us awhile to make the drive down 470 & up 70 into the mountains. 65 miles. But the fall color on display from the aspen trees made the drive totally worth it. When we were 10 minutes from departure we found out our train had already left the station. We totally missed the “all aboard”. I actually booked tickets for 10:25 NOT 10:45.
This was a great real-life experience to share with my son that parents make mistakes too! And to always check your tickets!
Thankfully, our ticket gal – dressed in full 1800’s attire – got us on the train 2 miles down the road at Georgetown because the train just goes back and forth between the two stations.
Upon getting our new tickets in Georgetown, we boarded the packed train. The ride from Georgetown to Silver Plume was quiet. However, the ride back the conductor unloaded all the history of the mining town, trains, tracks, and reconstruction of the rail cars. I was hanging on every word – it was very interesting!
Of course – the fall color was just beautiful.
The tickets are definitely pricey, and we heard they used to offer Groupons. We paid full price and I don’t regret it a bit. But I doubt we’d ever go again. Even though they do offer fun seasonal rides for Halloween and Christmas. The mine had closed the day before, but we wouldn’t have stopped for that part of the experience. Check dates before you book! There is a strict non-refundable policy.
Georgetown Loop Tips:
be sure to use the bathroom before you board – there isn’t one on the train.
bring a bottle of water – the gift shop was packed and we were parched.
make sure your phone is charged – I took photos the entire ride.
if you’re parking at Silver Plume arrive early, the parking is across the street & up the hill.
Georgetown parking lot is very close!