Very short train ride options?

Question

We're taking an extensive camping trip through Colorado (and Utah) next summer, and I would like to take a VERY short train ride with my 2- and 4-yr old to give them the experience that fits their attention span. I'm only finding 2-3+ hour train rides. Are there any options that are just a super quick ride?

Answer

For young children with short attention spans, taking a very short train ride in Colorado is definitely possible. While many of the famous scenic trains, like the Durango & Silverton or the Georgetown Loop, run for multiple hours, there are a few options that offer quick, kid-friendly rides perfect for a brief rail experience.

Here are some recommended very short train rides in Colorado:

Georgetown Loop Railroad – Short Rides: While the full Georgetown Loop ride is longer, they offer shorter “photo or limited rides” that take 20–30 minutes, just enough to give toddlers the thrill of riding a historic train.
Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden): Offers short train rides around the museum grounds, typically 15–20 minutes. Kids can enjoy the locomotives and railcars while still having the experience of a real train ride.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway – Short Platform Experiences: While the full trip takes over an hour, the base area sometimes has short train experiences or “mock rides” for children, where they can board and ride a small portion of the track.
Dinosaur Train or Miniature Railways: Some small towns and local fairs in Colorado run miniature or narrow-gauge trains specifically for children, often just a few minutes in duration. These include seasonal or special event rides in parks like Centennial or local festivals.

Tips for planning:

Call ahead to confirm exact ride durations, as seasonal schedules and weather can change ride lengths.
Arrive early to allow kids to explore the train cars before the ride; even 10–15 minutes on a train platform can be exciting for toddlers.
Combine the short ride with a nearby picnic or playground to make it a full outing for the family without the need for a multi-hour commitment.

Overall, the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden and select short rides at the Georgetown Loop Railroad are your best bets for a quick, engaging train experience for your 2- and 4-year-old, giving them the thrill of a train ride without requiring a long attention span.