Put pedal to the metal on these Colorado railbike routes

Self-powered vehicles provide accessible, active adventures for everyone

By Cara Myers

Railbiking may be the next outdoor trend for Colorado tourists, locals, families and work groups hoping to shake things up. This eco-friendly, low-impact, recreational activity allows riders to explore scenery surrounding abandoned or low-traffic railroad tracks without needing to steer or balance. Because of the ease of use, adventure seekers of all ages and abilities are welcome to hop aboard.

“Most people are really glad that this is something they can do with the whole family,” said Isaiah Farr, general manager of Colorado Railbike Adventures. “Whether it’s a young couple with a six-month-old or your 90-year-old grandmother, they can all come along.”

Photo courtesy of Colorado Rail Bike Adventures

This relatively new company in Erie utilizes the second oldest railroad tracks in the state – created in 1871 – so history is a big component of their tours. Farr said one of their main motivations is to truly appreciate and respect those that came before and gave Erie the identity it has today. That identity is alive and well and especially apparent when the tracks that riders glide along happen to cross a downtown street.

“(Riders) wave like you’re the paparazzi (and passersby) will laugh and wave back,” Farr said. “Our goal is really to unite and give Erie something to feel pride in, while bringing the history of Erie to life.”

Aside from traditional daytime, sunset and community rides, Colorado Railbike Adventures also offers specialty tours such as their Fireworks Ride, Rails and Ales, Haunted History, Illuminated Christmas and Daytime Christmas Rides. These additional offerings keep Farr and his colleagues busy most of the year, with an off season for maintenance and planning from January to May. With just two years under their belt, they’ve already taken out close to 40,000 guests and plan to expand the experiences in the future.

Another railbike company with locations dotting the East Coast opened their first Colorado location in 2021. Revolution Rail Co. offers riders various tour options in South Fork, all of which promise stunning views of the San Luis Valley and Rio Grande River.

“It’s a unique way to explore the wild because you’re not in a car or hiking,” said Katie Harrison, South Fork station manager. “It introduces people to beautiful hidden parts of nature, (and also helps) preserve and protect scenic areas that we ride through because we’re leaving such a minimal footprint.”

Photo courtesy of Revolution Rail Co.

South Fork riders can choose from the standard railbike experience, Rio Grande Run, or opt for an extra adrenaline rush with the Pedals to Paddles tour. In partnership with partner Rocky Mountain Ski and Raft, the latter combines a railbike portion through Coller State Wildlife Area with a rafting float through a serene section of the Rio Grande.

Additional partnerships with the Creede Musical Arts Collective and Creede Repertory Theatre have allowed Revolution Rail Co. to expand their offerings to include cultural experiences such as concerts and theater performances in their tours. While details are still being finalized for the theatrical events, the Tracks & Tunes music series is on the books for various Saturdays this summer.

“It’s a special experience, which I call a ‘music in the wild’ experience,” Harrison said. “Listening to live music while surrounded by the majestic, rugged landscape here in South Fork is truly magical.”

While both companies host different events and offerings in separate locations, their operational logistics are similar. Each ride begins with a safety briefing, and tours range from approximately four to six miles round-trip. Whether on a four-person or two-person bike, each group has a tour guide available to point out wildlife, share historical tidbits and help pedal on the more challenging stretches.

Another commonality is the sheer number of heartwarming moments that guests experience on Colorado Railbike Adventures and Revolution Rail Co. rides. Both Harrison and Farr shared standout memories, including a couple that detoured their cross-country road-trip for a bucket list railbike ride, a rider with a heart condition who was eager to explore the outdoors despite her limitations and first-time riders who may be on the fence.

“What my mind keeps going back to is that we get a lot of families, which we love to have,” Farr said. “I think it’s so cool to be able to see a kid that’s a little nervous to get on the bike, go off down the tracks and come back an hour and a half later with total joy plastered all over their faces and asking ‘can we go again?’”

As railbiking continues to gain momentum across the state, it’s clear this isn’t just another outdoor activity — it’s an experience that brings people together in meaningful ways. By blending accessibility, history and a deep appreciation for surrounding landscapes, companies like Colorado Railbike Adventures and Revolution Rail Co. are redefining what it means to explore the outdoors.