I think Jimmy knew by the end of our ride on Georgetown’s Historic Loop Railroad he’d finally redeemed himself. He certainly pulled out all the stops when it came to the accommodations.
Colorado's historic rails goes to great heights to please their customers.
Jimmy purchased tickets for the First Class Parlor Car. We never travel First Class. Lunch was included. I was shocked! I also knew what he was up to.
This is Jimmy high on trains. He's pretty proud of himself for snagging these seats.
Ever since the debacle surrounding our trip to Illinois’ Railroad Museum this past summer, Jimmy knew he was riding the caboose when it came to my enthusiasm for his favorite mode of transportation, trains. Suffice it to say the heat and humidity that summer day was off the charts. Jimmy was off his rocker suggesting any sort of outdoor activity. He knew it after the fact. I knew it when he railroaded me into an outdoor activity despite my reservations. The
'I-told-you-so’ has been hovering between us ever since.
Jimmy wisely avoided the open coach section of Georgetown’s Loop Railroad.
'I-told-you-so’ has been hovering between us ever since.
Jimmy wisely avoided the open coach section of Georgetown’s Loop Railroad.
Jimmy made a very wise choice not purchasing the open coach seating.
Colorado’s summer temperatures can soar but the low humidity usually keeps outdoor activity manageable. The First Class Parlor Car, the Silver Queen, covered all the bases for Jimmy's home run.
I was Queen for the Day on Georgetown's Loop Railroad.
Silver was the driving force behind this particular portion of railroad track the second half of the 19th century. History makes it one of the most significant designs of its time.
The gold mines that had originally drawn prospectors west had been tapped. Many boom towns, including Georgetown, Colorado went bust. When word spread of massive silver discoveries in Leadville, 45 miles southwest of Georgetown, the race was on to breathe life into this once thriving community via rail transportation.
The gold mines that had originally drawn prospectors west had been tapped. Many boom towns, including Georgetown, Colorado went bust. When word spread of massive silver discoveries in Leadville, 45 miles southwest of Georgetown, the race was on to breathe life into this once thriving community via rail transportation.
I looked for Miss Kitty and Doc Holiday, but somebody told me they were long gone.
The Union Pacific Railroad had their work cut out for them. Just outside Georgetown, the Clear Creek Valley in the Front Range of Colorado's Rocky Mountains rises almost 640 feet in under two miles suggesting a grade of 6 percent, too much for locomotives. Determined to find a way through Devil’s Gate, the narrowest portion of the pass leading out of Clear Creek Valley, Union Pacific railroad engineer Jacob Blickensderfer devised a simple yet stunning plan to reduce the grade.
Two hairpin turns looping dramatically over itself above Clear Creek reduced the grade to 3 ½
Two hairpin turns looping dramatically over itself above Clear Creek reduced the grade to 3 ½
Jimmy, don't even think about throwing mama from the train.
percent. With the construction of the high bridge above Clear Creek three years later, the first train chugged along the circuitous route in March, 1884.
Really, I did not use the miniature train set in our basement to capture this image.
It crossed the creek two more times and climbed through a 30 degree horseshoe curve called the Big Fill before continuing on to Leadville via Silver Plume.
We stepped right back into the 19th century when we stopped at Silver Plume station.
Our 60 minute ride along these historic tracks took us as far as Silver Plume and back. And while lunch was essentially a packaged deal,
Not exactly the lunch Jimmy expected in First Class, I guess.
I appreciated the effort (and extra change) my guy had put into making this particular train experience something to write home/blog about.
I think it’s safe to say, should we decide on a trip on the Orient Express, murder will no longer be the first thing on my mind.
I think it’s safe to say, should we decide on a trip on the Orient Express, murder will no longer be the first thing on my mind.
Jimmy seems quite proud of himself. I knew he had it in him!
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The Bottom Line on the Georgetown Loop Railroad:
Verdict: Kids, train enthusiasts and supportive spouses will truly love riding the rails into the past on this historic railroad. All the engines (steam and diesel) as well as the passenger cars are authentic pieces donated from railroads across the country.
How to Get There: From Denver take Interstate 70 west to exit 228. Follow signs to Historic District.
Ideal for: The entire family. Kids especially love the popular holiday trains that run from Halloween through Christmas. The Beer and Brats as well as the Wine and Hors d'oeuvres runs are great dates for the over 21 crowd.
Insider Tips: Check times and purchase tickets online if possible via their website. Jimmy
waited 15 minutes in a long line to purchase tickets while I wandered off to take pictures. I thought we might have to wait an hour for the next train. I'd like to believe that Jimmy purchased our First Class Coach tickets as a special treat, but they may have been the only seats left. I didn't ask. He didn't tell. If you’re truly the enthusiast, plan on at least two hours at this federally designated Nationally Historic Railroad Park, three if you’re interested in touring the abandoned silver mine on site.
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