Latest News – March 25

All Aboard! Specials and Packages on the Rails

While most folks living in Leadville Today are wrapping up their Spring Break for 2017, thoughts and conversations often turn to the next vacation on the horizon. So if you’re already doing a little summer dreaming, or making plans for a summer/fall visit, or have friends/relatives planning a stop-over, check out these special train rides for the Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad‘s 2017 season. These special packages generally sell-out, so if you’re looking for something special, you’d better plan ahead and make reservation now.

The Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad track crew (file LCSR photo 2016) has their work cut out for them to clear the train tracks after a particularly snowy winter. No doubt, they’ll “Git  er Done!” by Opening Day: Saturday, May 27. All Aboard!

The Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad‘s (LCSR) will blow the whistle on its 29^th year in business on Saturday, May 27. And while that is still nine weeks away, Leadville Today is bringing you a jump on some of the great deals and special train rides going on this summer. So come along for the “All Aboard” for what’s happening on the Leadville train.

Daily train rides will begin over Memorial Day Weekend, with an afternoon ride leaving at 1 p.m. until June 16, when things kick into high gear with two-a-days, departures at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This year, there are more packages and special rides than ever. If you and your family/group are looking for some Rocky Mountain adventure, take your pick from the “Raft and Rail” or the “Rails and Zip Line Tour” package deals.

On the zipline combo, guests will enjoy a scenic train ride up through the San Isabel National Forest.

Then once at the end of the line, your group is taken up for Zip Line fun, traveling all the way down to base camp at Top of The Rockies Zip Line. This five-hour tour is perfect for adults and children, giving them an opportunity to see untouched wilderness. This package deal is available throughout the train season, for more information and to book your Zip/Train tour visit the Top of the Rockies website: HERE.  

The “most popular of the package deals” The Rails and Zipline 5-hour tour package returns for the 2017 season.

Or maybe you’re up for some white water adventure, with a half-day with Noah’s Ark Colorado Rafting; afterward kick back on a 2 ½ hour scenic train ride in the afternoon. The “Raft and Rail” packages run daily between May 27 and August 16.

If you’re looking to add to your train experience, choose from one of these special rides. The special Devil’s Tail BBQ Train will take place on July 8 and departs for a 2.5 hour evening ride, enjoying some award-winning BBQ along the way. Last year, this trip sold out quickly, so make reservations now.

Or consider the LCSR’s Stork Curve-Climax BBQ Special, scheduled for September 2. This is a one-of-a-kind, 3 ½ hour trip that go to the end of the line. Travel over the Arkansas River at its headwaters and see the beauty of the sunset as the train makes a 4:30 p.m. departure. 

Come and get it on the BBQ ride aboard the Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad! This season there are two BBQ trips on July 8 and September 2.

Of course, the 2017 season will also see the return of the train’s popular Wildflower and Photo Special rides. Join their experienced wildflower tour guides for a 20-minute hike through pine forests, aspen groves and open meadows. View a multitude of varieties of wildflowers at the water tower. Some flowers sighted include Indian Paintbrush, Lupine and wild strawberries. You may find anything from the “local” deer to a mushroom in a wet marsh. Remember hiking shoes, a water bottle and camera. The train ride will depart at 10 a.m. and arrive back at the depot at 1 p.m. This hike is for people of all capabilities and interests please. Wildflower Specials will be July 22, July 29 and August 5.

The Fall Photo Specials are offered three different weekends in September when the aspens are putting on a show all their own. Get that special shot framed by Colorado’s autumn beauty! This tour goes all the way, an additional mile and a half allowing you to see the full beauty of the Arkansas River Valley and will take 3 hours. Bring your camera and your jacket!

So plan ahead for your next vacation or summer visitors. It may be just what gets you through a snowy spring! For more information on any of these special packages check out the LCSR website.