1. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Take a train back in time on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Construction on this historic railroad began in the 1880s and, once completed in 1882, the railroad brought tons of gold and silver from the mountains to the towns. People also used this train to travel between towns, and they quickly realized the scenery along the way was nothing short of stunning. The railroad winds through the San Juan Mountains and chugs up Cascade Canyon – a visitor-favorite view. The train from Durango to Silverton takes less than four hours; passengers can explore Silverton for two hours before returning for the train ride back. The train, which is now a National Historic Landmark, departs from Durango en route to the quaint mining town of Silverton twice daily. You’ll have to reserve tickets in advance online or by calling. There are coach, deluxe, first-class and open-air seats to select from. You can choose to ride the steam train, the diesel train or the faster Cascade Canyon Express.
2. Estes Park Aerial Tramway
If you want to soak in some mountain views without embarking on a strenuous hike, look no further than the Estes Park Aerial Tramway. This family-owned tram has carried passengers to the top of Prospect Mountain since 1955. Passengers board at the base of the mountain in Estes Park and spend five minutes soaring 8,700 feet to the mountaintop, all the while enjoying panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. There are plenty of trails to explore once you reach the top, as well as a coffee shop and a gift shop. However, many folks travel on the tram simply to have a picnic with a view before starting their descent (which many say is even better than the ascent). Ten people can fit in the tram at a time; there is a fee to ride, and there are group rates available. You cannot make a reservation to ride, and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To avoid crowds, consider riding the tram in the early morning or late afternoon; these are also the best times to visit for clear skies and good photo-ops. The tram operates from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day during summer (May through September).