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The Georgetown Loop Railroad Tour
No one combines an authentic Wild West train ride, an actual working silver mine tour and a scenic drive to the top of the world quite like Alpenglow Adventures Train Tours!
Add a delicious picnic lunch by the shores of a high alpine lake plus a visit to Colorado’s top winery’s tasting room and you've got more fun in a single day than most folks find in a whole week!
…Oh, and did we mention free ice cream cones for the whole family?
Our most popular summertime adventure is the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad tour. From early May through mid-October, we feature daily excursions to the “Silver Queen of the Rockies,”… Georgetown, CO. This railroad traces its heritage all the way back to the booming silver rush days of the 1880’s, when tons of rich minerals were freighted down the tracks through Clear Creek Canyon to the smelters of Denver.
Just getting to the Silver Plume train station is a unique adventure as the limo van journey features a brief intermission high atop Loveland Pass at 11,990 feet above sea level. The splendor of the Continental Divide is on full display as we present a photographic opportunity for all of you shutterbugs that bankrupts the English language with its raw beauty.
Upon arrival at the 1890's-era Silver Plume narrow-gauge train station, our drivers present each Alpenglow Adventures passenger with a complimentary water bottle and lip balm prior to boarding. Then choose between the open rail cars for taking the best photos or the roofed cars for maximum comfort and get ready for fun!
With three blasts from the steam whistle, your journey begins. Ride in comfort and style as the powerful turn-of-the-century locomotive chugs through lush forests of blue spruce and lodgepole pine. And keep your camera ready as the railroad crosses the thunderous waters of Clear Creek eight times!
Then, explore an actual 1880’s silver mine, escorted by a seasoned and knowledgeable tour guide. This expedition will amaze you with the visual history of deep-rock mining and the early frontier lifestyle. If you’re eagle-eyed, you might even find a silver nugget or two, still nestled in the landscape.
After the hour-long silver mine tour, re-board the train and experience the awesome views from the High Bridge as the train completes a 360º loop above Georgetown. This is the only railroad in the entire world that makes a complete loop upon itself in the open air to gain altitude! In so doing, you are suspended 100 feet above the valley floor with the echoes of the train whistle bouncing off the mountain walls. Hold on to your hats!
When the “iron horse” returns you to the Silver Plume train station, its time for the next big adventure--- Lunch! But not just any noon-time meal! No, we take you around the backside of Leavenworth Mountain, passing stunning waterfalls and ancient mining ruins along the way up to 10,000 feet!
Perched above the pristine shoreline at Clear Lake, we spread an all-you-can-eat picnic lunch in the warm Rocky Mountain sunshine. In today's complex world of multi-tasking and bun-on-the-run fast food lunches... ask yourself, "When was the last time I truly relaxed at a fabulous outdoor picnic setting with friends and family?" Alpenglow Adventures reconnects to that memorable time in your life when the noon-time pace was a little less hectic and the fine art of picnicking was a one of life's secret treasures!
Then enjoy a relaxing stroll down to the rushing waters at the inlet of Clear Lake as your guide prepares the motorcoach for the return journey to civilization. On this deep woods scenic drive, we often have a chance to see Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Redtail Fox, Elk, Marmot and Mountain Goats. So don’t forget to bring your video camera and be ready to capture some once-in-a-lifetime footage.
Upon our return to the city of Georgetown, we feature a leisurely stroll through the fascinating old-time curio shops in the historic downtown district. How does 60% discounts on exquisite Native American jewelry and free ice cream cones sound? Better yet, how ‘bout finishing with a visit to the Canyon Wind Winery for free samples of Colorado’s best vintages. The flavor and quality will entrance you! And while the adults are enjoying some "home grown liquid magic," our guides perform some up-close magic tricks for the kids... complete with prizes, prizes, prizes for all!
This 8-hour excursion is the truly the epitome of Colorado summer fun! And in 2012, we will be offering weekend tour packages all the way through the end of December!
Perhaps, you’re up for the train ride but don’t have the full day to spend. Then ask about our G-Loop Train Ride Only tour. You still get the Loveland Pass photo op, the round-trip railroad adventure, the self-guided Georgetown stroll and the winery visit – all in a compact 5-hour setting. This option is available in morning, noon-time and afternoon timeframes and just like the full-day tour, we begin and end the journey right at your front door in Summit or Eagle County.
Call Alpenglow Adventures at (970) 468-7777 and sign-up for the best slice of Wild West intrigue available. You simply can’t pack more family fun into one daytime extravaganza than the Georgetown Loop Railroad tour!
2012 Individual Prices for the Georgetown Loop Railroad Tour
This tour takes approximately 4 1/2 to 5 hours from all Summit County pick-up locations and return:
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Adults
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$109.50
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Children (14 yrs. and younger)
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$79.50
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Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult)
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FREE
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Group Rates are valid for private groups with five or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:
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Adults
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$99.50
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Children (14 yrs. and younger)
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$74.50
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Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult)
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FREE
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2012 Individual Prices for the Georgetown Loop Deluxe Tour
(which includes all of the features and activities of the Georgetown Loop Railroad Tour, plus a delicious all-you-can-eat picnic lunch and a silver mine tour)
This tour takes approximately 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours from all Summit County pick-up locations and return:
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Adults
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$139.50
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Children (14 yrs. and younger)
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$99.50
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Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult)
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FREE
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Group Rates are valid for private groups with five or more paid fares booking directly with Alpenglow Adventures Tours at (970) 468-7777. Valid ONLY with reservations made at least 24 hours in advance of tour:
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Adults
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$119.50
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Children (14 yrs. and younger)
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$89.50
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Infants (under 2 yrs. with adult)
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FREE
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All prices quoted refer to all public and private customer pick-up locations in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, Dillon, Keystone and Silverthorne). For door-to-door service in Eagle County (Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek and Edwards) add $50 per person. Groups of six or more will have a 15% driver gratuity added to each total tour charge.
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| When is a scenic Colorado train ride more than just another mountain adventure? It's when we take your family through steep canyons, by raging rivers, over Rocky Mountains and inside silver mines. Take our locomotive journeys through the ancient railroad tracks of Colorado's gold and silver mining era and step into the frontier history of the Wild West! |
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