Best Amtrak stops in Colorado for car-free travel

Best Amtrak stops in Colorado for car-free travel

Colorado is an amazing place to explore by train. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery while skipping the stress of driving. There are also several Amtrak stops in walkable areas, so you can get off the train for a night or more to explore charming towns and local attractions on foot.

In this guide, learn about the best Amtrak stops in Colorado that don’t require a car. Walking times from the train station to nearby hotels and attractions are included for easy trip planning.

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Most Walkable Colorado Stops: Overview

StopWalk ScoreWhy Visit
Denver93Art & culture, beer, guided tours
Winter Park Resortn/aWinter sports
Glenwood Springs89Hot springs, hiking
Trinidad75Historic district, local art


Denver

Good for: Art and culture, craft beer, events, guided tours
Route: California Zephyr

Denver and Rocky Mountains
ā€œDenver & Front Range (Colorado, USA) 4ā€ by James St. John, CC BY 2.0

Full of museums, breweries, sports venues, and festivals, Denver has something for everyone. Denver Union Station is in a very walkable area, plus there are city tours and guided day trips that make it easy to see the local sights and go on longer adventures without a car.

Things to Do

View things to do within walking distance of Denver Union Station below. You can also board the 16th Street FreeRide outside of the station and use rideshare to reach other attractions.

Where to Stay

Winter Park Resort

Winter Park ski lift in Colorado Rocky Mountains
ā€œTop of Winter Parkā€ by Heath Alseike, CC BY 2.0

Good for: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, winter getaways
Route: Winter Park Express

Amtrak’s Winter Park Express route travels from Denver to the Winter Park Resort on winter weekends. You’ll arrive within walking distance of ski slopes and lodging, making it an easy getaway. If you want to travel to the resort at a different time of year, book tickets to the Fraser-Winter Park station and board the free shuttle there to reach the resort.

Things to Do

View all activities at the Winter Park Resort. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss a trip down the longest alpine slide in Colorado.

Where to Stay

Glenwood Springs

Good for: Hot springs, hiking, history, mountain views
Route: California Zephyr

Hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Photo by Jason Cipriani (CC BY 2.0)

A tourist destination since the 1880s, Glenwood Springs is famous for its hot springs and mountain scenery. The train station is conveniently near the largest hot springs pool in the world and the historic downtown, which is full of shops and restaurants.

Things to Do

Where to Stay

Trinidad

Good for: Victorian architecture, history museums, art galleries
Route: Southwest Chief

Photo by Jeffrey Beall (CC BY 4.0)

For a small-town getaway with a vibrant art scene, consider a stop in Trinidad, Colorado. It’s roughly the halfway point on the Southwest Chief route, so staying here for a night or more is a great way to break up the journey with fresh air, local food, and a hotel stay.

Things to Do

In addition to walking around the Victorian-era historic district and exploring a variety of shops, you can visit the following attractions in Trinidad without a car:

Where to Stay

More Information

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