While planners are generally destination-focused, there’s certainly something to be said about the journey. Since the birth of mass transportation, humans have been no strangers to travel. And before we had motorcoaches to take groups on new and exciting journeys, we had trains.
Emblematic of our nation’s early industrious spirit and our perennial desire to connect with new places, railroads have long been a key part of United States history. Traversing miles of plains, deserts, mountains, and woodlands, journeys aboard Western trains are especially magnificent.
Long-distance travel has, of course, evolved to be much quicker via airplane over the last several decades—but, in saving that travel time, what has been lost? The views from above can certainly be spectacular, but do they truly compare to the sights your group will see as their train crosses over a plunging gorge, ascends one of America’s most iconic mountains, or travels alongside a racing river?
Although trains are slower than airplanes, they create an experience that can’t be matched. They bring passengers to otherwise-unreachable heights, over impossible terrain, and through untouched natural havens. And that’s only the beginning. From world-class dining to enthusiastic narration, scenic railways offer a robust experience that seamlessly combines travel with education and entertainment.
So, where to start? Look no further than Colorado, which boasts several group-friendly railways. In Manitou Springs, just outside Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway awaits. Standing out against an unforgettable backdrop with bright red exteriors, the Cog brings groups to a staggering elevation of 14,115 feet as it ascends the summit of Pikes Peak.
“We’re the highest cog railway in North America,” says Luise Kreilaus, sales manager for The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. “I feel like that’s already a selling point in and of itself. It’s just such a unique experience. You have 360-degree views of everything, and on the clear days—and Colorado has so many clear days, by the way—you can see all the way to Kansas.”
The Cog, which operates year-round, reopened after a three-year renovation in 2021. According to Kreilaus, each of the railway’s Switzerland-imported trains can hold a maximum of 260 passengers. Starting at 25 tourgoers, everything is discounted for groups. After every 25th ticket purchase, the 26th is free.
“We love motorcoaches at the Cog,” Kreilaus adds. “We personalize the entire experience. We print out little plackets with the group name on there. We put it on the seats. We pick up the group from the motorcoach. We bring them on the train. Sometimes the dispatcher welcomes them through our little speaker. Sometimes the conductor says something about it as well. I really love that. We also have little gift bags we place on the seats before the groups get on that they can open and enjoy things like local chocolate or local chips.”
Your group’s journey aboard the Cog, which will total about three hours round trip, will cover 9 miles of mountain terrain. Pike National Forest, Ruxton Creek, Diamond Rock, Englemann Canyon, the remains of Halfway House Hotel, stacked boulder formations, and even a waterfall comprise the many sights your group will enjoy.
“Sometimes you can see animals, like moose or maybe a bear, so that’s really cool,” Kreilaus says. “Our conductor also narrates the entire train ride up, during which he or she points out things like waterfalls or animals, or they’ll make little jokes along the way, too.”
Atop the mountain, groups are given time to explore the Summit Visitor Center, where they will find dining and retail options, an outdoor dining terrace, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, water refill stations (it’s vital to stay hydrated if you’re not used to the elevation!), and informational exhibits. The facility is ADA accessible and makes a perfect backdrop for all your group photos.
Credit: The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway
With routes in Canada and the U.S., the Rocky Mountaineer takes tourgoers on luxury journeys through some of the most beautiful places in North America: the Canadian and American Rockies. On trips ranging from one to 14 nights, the Rocky Mountaineer’s four rail routes bring passengers to Canadian destinations like Vancouver, British Columbia, and Jasper, Banff, Calgary, Edmonton, and Lake Louise, Alberta, and to U.S. destinations in Denver, Colorado; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Salt Lake City and Moab, Utah.
Aboard a Rocky Mountaineer excursion, guests are treated to incredible views, superb service, regionally inspired cuisine, and spacious, glass-domed coaches. By day, travel along the rail and learn about the sights you see from the Mountaineer’s engaging attendants. By night, settle at a hotel before departing again in the morning. Rocky Mountaineer will work with tour planners to coordinate an experience that best suits each group.
Also in Colorado is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Experience Gold Age splendor aboard this National Historic Landmark, presented as it was in 1882. Trips aboard the railroad range from five-hour, round-trip journeys through the Rocky Mountains of Southwest Colorado to slightly shorter excursions to the mining town of Silverton, where guests can eat and shop in a historic downtown. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers options for groups to charter a train car (or the whole train), host a reception or gathering at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, or even enjoy a catered dinner at Cascade Canyon, a riverside pavilion.
Traversing 64 miles between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad brings groups on a journey over the 10,015-foot-high Cumbres Pass. Established in 1880 as part of the Rio Grande’s narrow gauge San Juan Extension, the railroad was designated as a National Historic Landmark Destination in 2012. Some scenic highlights your group might spot during their trip include the remnants of the historic Lobato sheep ranch, Tanglefoot Curve, the 600-foot-deep Toltec Gorge, Phantom Curve, and the Rocky Mountains. In the old townsite of Osier, Colorado, the train stops for lunch before crossing the 137-foot-tall Cascade Creek Trestle.
The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers a group program with special pricing during the summer months for groups of 20 or more. Groups might also charter a coach, caboose, or the entire train. Excursion options range in duration from about an hour to 10 hours.
For something a little shorter, considering bringing your group to the small mountain town of Georgetown, Colorado, where the Georgetown Loop Railroad awaits. The railroad offers an array of themed rides and events that include “Autumnfest Express,” “Pumpkin Fest Train,”
“Sasquatch Adventure,” and “Wild West Days.” Rides last about an hour and 15 minutes during the main season and about 55 minutes from mid-October through early January.
Credit: Adobe/Kravka
While Colorado is certainly a top-notch option when it comes to scenic railway travel, it’s not the only place to go for unforgettable expeditions. Look next to the Golden State. Based out of Napa, California, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a collection of 14 curated experiences year-round. The smaller of the operator’s two trains features one experience daily—the “6-hour Legacy Experience.” The Main Train, on the other hand, hosts the other 13 tour options. These experiences are hosted in different train cars and share either a three-hour lunch or 2 1/2-hour dinner schedule. And your tourgoers will of course get to enjoy the region’s fine wine offerings.
Farther north, the Denali Star, operated by Alaska Railroad, departs each day in the summer from Anchorage and makes a 12-hour journey to Fairbanks. A sister train in Fairbanks makes the journey in reverse. Along the way, the Denali Star stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. Tourgoers are treated to the breathtaking Alaskan backcountry and wildlife. On clear days, they’ll even be treated to views of Denali, the tallest peak in North America.
Back in warmer climates, the vintage Grand Canyon Railway departs daily from Williams, Arizona, and travels to Grand Canyon National Park. Groups will be treated to Western musicians and cowboy characters along the way before settling for the evening at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, located just off of historic Route 66. The Grand Canyon Railway offers a variety of rates and discounts for groups of at least 20 people or per 10 paid rooms.
Wherever your group chooses to roam, classic adventure abounds in the American West. Ditch your everyday drive and experience life along the rails. Even if it’s a trip lasting only a few hours, the journey far outweighs the destination along these timeless trails.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Rocky Mountaineer; Credit: Rocky Mountaineer
