Why an Autumn Rail Holiday in Colorado Should Be on Your Travel List

Experience Colorado in Autumn: Small Group Rail Tour Through Golden Aspens

There’s something magical about Colorado in the fall. As September rolls in, the high-altitude landscapes are set ablaze with the golden shimmer of aspen trees. Their fluttering leaves create a living mosaic that lines historic rail routes, turning every journey into a moving painting. Crisp, cool air breathes new life into the mountains, making it the ideal time to explore Colorado by train.

​Colorado is also home to the largest living organism in North America — a massive grove of aspen trees! In autumn, these trees turn a brilliant gold, creating sweeping, glowing landscapes. What’s truly fascinating is that many aspen groves are actually a single connected organism, sharing one root system. So when you see an entire hillside shimmering in gold, you're often looking at just one giant tree!

Join Darjeeling Tours this September to experience this phenomenon as we steam ahead to Colorado. Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breath-taking fall landscapes of the Colorado mountains, where the exhilaration of rail travel meets the beauty of the Rockies. Let the gentle rhythm of the rails, the golden glow of mountain light, and sweeping panoramic views invite you to sit back, relax, and experience the magic of Colorado by rail.

​Darjeeling Tours’ Best of Colorado 2026 offers the perfect balance of natural wonder, cultural richness, and rail nostalgia. From the dramatic Royal Gorge to the majestic summit of Pikes Peak, every ride showcases Colorado’s grandeur. You’ll ride iconic narrow-gauge steam railways, including the Durango & Silverton and the Cumbres & Toltec, winding through canyons, forests, and over high mountain passes.

​But this journey isn’t just about the rails. You’ll enjoy authentic American hospitality, dining in historic towns, visiting fascinating museums, and even chasing the legendary Union Pacific 'Big Boy' steam locomotive. Whether you're a seasoned rail enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable autumn escape, Colorado in September delivers.

Join Darjeeling Tours this September on our Best of Colorado rail tour. Travel through breath-taking fall landscapes, ride iconic steam trains, and witness golden aspen groves in peak colour on an unforgettable small group adventure.

​For practical tips, packing advice, and everything you need to know before departure, read our guide on how to prepare for your Colorado rail holiday.

​Golden trees, mountain air, and rail heritage at its finest - fall in Colorado is where your perfect rail adventure begins.​​