From train rails to hiking and biking trails

Exploring Colorado’s high country history on abandoned railroad corridors

By Malena Larsen 

Much of the Colorado we know today can be traced back to the state’s mining roots, from the mountain towns we pass through to the rustic buildings we escape into. The same goes for many of the trails that are painted throughout the mountains. 

The Galloping Goose Trail, for example, follows a route carved by Colorado’s mining boom. In the early 1890s, the Rio Grande Southern Railroad connected Ridgeway to Durango, which at the time were two remote mining towns. Once thriving on silver and gold shipments, the railroad struggled to stay afloat as the mining economy declined. This decline led to a fleet of modified car bodies powered by gasoline that were used to carry passengers, mail and light freight in the 1930s. 

Because of the vehicle’s honking horn and waddling motion along the uneven tracks, it earned the name Galloping Goose. After World War II, improved roads led to the railroad’s abandonment in 1952. 

Now, parts of the original railroad route exist as a dirt and gravel recreational trail, for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing. The trail is 20-miles long, running from Lawson Hill, west of Telluride, down to a trailhead off State Route 145 past Trout Lake Road. 

The route weaves through open high-country terrain, offering views of valleys and meadows. AllTrails users have noted remnants of the railroad – like old ties and coal – while interpretive signs along the trail provide context about its history.

“Gorgeous views everywhere. The trail is perfect for an easy ride or hike,” a reviewer posted on TrailLink.com. 

TrailLink.com is a flagship initiative by the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC). RTC was founded in 1986 and is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a nationwide network of public trails from former railway corridors. According to the website, RTC “has worked to bring the power of trails to more communities across the country, serving as the national voice for the rail-trail movement.” 

The rail-trail movement focuses on repurposing abandoned railroad corridors into public lands, creating accessible spaces for walking, biking and other outdoor activities. It began as a grassroots effort in the 1960s, picked up steam in the 1970s, and was solidified by the 1983 railbanking law, which allows unused railroad corridors to be preserved as public trails while keeping them available for future rail use. Today, the Galloping Goose Trail is one of more than 40 rail-trails in Colorado listed on TrailLink.com.

Eight Colorado rail-trails to choo-choo-choose from 

1. Switzerland Trail Near Gold Hill: 11 miles. This historic narrow-gauge route winds through the foothills northwest of Boulder with sweeping views of the Front Range.

2. Purgatoire Riverwalk in Trinidad: 2.5 miles. A short, accessible trail along the river through town, with ties to the area’s early railroads.

3. Yampa River Core Trail Near Steamboat Springs: 7 miles. This paved, multi-use trail follows the river and connects key parts of Steamboat Springs.

4. Animas River Trail in Durango: 10.2 miles. This scenic route follows the Animas River and portions of the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad corridor.

5. Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville: 11.6 miles. This trail loops around historic mining sites with high-alpine views along former railroad corridors.

6. Midland Bike Trail in Buena Vista: 8 miles. This two-wheeler trail follows the old Midland Railroad, with remnants of mining operations and mountain views.

7. Ten Mile Canyon Trail in Frisco: 9.9 miles. The canyon adventure follows a former spur of the Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad, offering scenic views and accessible riding.

8. Scott Lancaster Bike Path near Idaho Springs: 5 miles. This trail links historic mining towns along a former rail corridor between the rustic town and Floyd Hill. Portions might be closed this summer because of construction along the I-70 corridor.