Leadville Railroad Guide: Leadville Colorado & Southern Train Schedule, Tickets and Holiday Express

The Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad, now marketed as the Leadville Railroad, runs narrated round-trip scenic rides of about 2 to 2.5 hours from its red brick depot at 326 E. 7th St. in Leadville. It runs daily from Memorial Day weekend through September and weekly from October through April. 2026 fares are $60 for adults and $40 for children 4–12 in coach, and $90 in the heated lounge car. For winter 2026–27, the Holiday Express begins November 14, 2026, and tickets are already on sale.

Quick answer: Leadville railroad key facts

• Depot: 326 E. 7th St., Leadville. Free parking on site, with a north lot across 8th Street for RVs and buses.
• Season: daily trips Memorial Day weekend through September; weekly rides October through April.
• Length: round trips of about 2 to 2.5 hours, narrated for half the trip.
• 2026 fares: coach adult $60, coach child (4–12) $40, lounge car $90. Military discount available; no senior discount.
• Holiday Express: starts November 14, 2026; reservations needed; dogs not allowed (service animals only).
• Summer 2027 tickets: the railroad says they will be available in late September 2026.

What is the route, and what will you see?

The railroad runs on the old "Highline." The Denver, South Park and Pacific completed the line in 1884 as a narrow-gauge railroad, 151 miles from Denver, crossing the Continental Divide twice before reaching Leadville. The railroad says its track is the last remaining section of that original line. In December 1987, local business couple Ken and Stephanie Olsen bought the Highline from the Burlington Northern once it was no longer needed for freight. The deal included two GP9 diesel-electric locomotives, cars, the roundhouse and more than 14 miles of track. Scenic excursions began in 1988.

Today's trip leaves town and climbs through the San Isabel National Forest, with views across the Upper Arkansas River Valley to Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, Colorado's two tallest peaks. The railroad says you ride to nearly 11,000 feet. On fall trips, the train makes a short stop at a historic steam-engine water tower, the French Gulch tower shown in the photo above. You can step off to explore a bit of the forest, take a group photo, and read about the history of the Climax Molybdenum mine. For more of Leadville's mining history on foot, see our guide to the Mineral Belt Trail. Crews also let passengers peek into the locomotive cab and walk through a vintage caboose. A conductor narrates Leadville's mining-boom history, the Tabors and railroading along the way.

Tickets, seating and what's heated

The railroad offers several seating choices:

• Coach (general seating): first come, first served from May to early October. It includes open-air cars, roofed cars without windows, and enclosed cars. There are about 150 enclosed seats and 150 open-air seats, and the general seating area is not heated. The railroad notes it has snowed in May, June, September and October.
• Lounge car: fully enclosed and heated, with table seating for 2 (Fir) or 4 (Spruce). Seats are assigned by staff, and an attendant serves the drinks and snacks you buy. Parties may be seated with other guests.
• Engine and caboose seats: available on summer and fall tours for an extra charge. Call ahead to reserve.

Reservations aren't required for regular May–August trips unless you want the lounge car, caboose or engine. The railroad asks for online reservations for September trips and for every Holiday Express ride. It says trips typically don't sell out except in September and during the Holiday Express.

The Holiday Express and winter rides

From November 14, 2026, the train becomes a holiday ride. Holiday Express seats are in the enclosed, heated lounge cars and are sold individually. New this season, the heated 1007 coach car also carries passengers, with seats assigned by staff and no table service. Riders can step into the open-air car for photos with the snow globe, and each trip features a visit from Mrs. Claus, one of Santa's elves or Santa himself. The railroad also runs Winter Express rides, a quieter snowy ride in the heated cars. For what else is open that time of year, see our guide to winter at Twin Lakes.

A few winter rules:

• Dogs are not allowed on Holiday or Winter Express trips. Only service animals may ride.
• It can be well below freezing outside the heated cars, so bring hats, gloves and warm coats.
• Wheelchair users should note it in the reservation; for holiday and winter rides, accessible seating is in the lounge cars and is limited.

Special trains through the year

The railroad runs seasonal specials. In 2026 these included the Devil's Tail BBQ dinner train, a buffet ride at sunset that the railroad says sells out quickly; three-hour wildflower tours with a guided 30-minute tundra walk; and October rides featuring seasonal beer. The railroad said 2027 wildflower tour dates would be announced in September 2026, so check its special events page for the new schedule.

Tips for riding the Leadville railroad

1. Arrive 30 minutes early to collect tickets at will call. Unclaimed tickets may be forfeited 15 minutes before departure.
2. Dress in layers for 10,000-plus feet in any season, and bring a blanket for open cars in fall.
3. Bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks if you like. Outside alcohol isn't allowed, but the concession car sells drinks, including alcohol for adults.
4. There are five restrooms on board, including one accessible restroom. The boarding ramp works for wheelchairs and walkers, but the railroad notes it doesn't meet ADA standards; ask for early boarding help.
5. Dogs can ride in coach during spring, summer and fall. On fall trips they cost $15 each, with a limit of 15 dogs per trip, and a signed waiver is required.
6. Tickets are nonrefundable, including for weather, and changes cost $6 per ticket. The train runs in rain or snow unless conditions become unsafe.

Getting there from Twin Lakes

From Twin Lakes, drive north on U.S. 24 to Leadville, roughly 20–30 minutes in good conditions, and turn onto 7th Street for the depot. In winter, check COtrip before you go. Pair the ride with lunch downtown — see our guide to Leadville restaurants for groups — and our Leadville downtown and Tabor Opera House guide. In fall, time a ride for the aspens with our Twin Lakes and Independence Pass fall colors guide. For more ideas, see things to do in Twin Lakes and Leadville.

Where to stay for a Leadville train trip

The Big Mack in Twin Lakes sleeps 12 across four bedrooms, which makes it easy to bring grandparents, kids and cousins for a Holiday Express trip or a fall-colors ride. Come back to a fireplace, a hot tub and a full kitchen for a family dinner, with parking for several cars and the lake right across the road.

Check your dates and book direct.