Colorado Crossings

Denver’s largest annual rail enthusiast event—the Colorado Railroad Museum’s Colorado Crossings steam-up weekend—returns for 2025 on Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18!  This year’s theme, “Fanning the Future!” commemorates the pioneering railfan groups which gave many Coloradans their first taste of up-close-and-personal railroading, and led to the preservation of locomotives and cars that are highly revered today by the “next generation” of railroad enthusiasts.

During Colorado Crossings, you can experience the thrill of coal-burning steam locomotion, the unique exhaust fumes and sounds of a Galloping Goose, tour selected railroad cars, and explore the enduring legacy of Colorado’s railroads. Activities and train rides will take place daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring rides behind Rio Grande Southern No. 20, which will pull a re-created 1940s Rocky Mountain Railroad Club (RMRRC) excursion consist. It was the Rocky Club which preserved No. 20 back in the early 1950s, so this is especially fitting.

This year’s event highlights the railroad enthusiast clubs, including the RMRRC, that have played a vital role in preserving and showcasing Colorado’s railroads. Enjoy exciting kickoff parades each morning, featuring all three of the Museum’s Galloping Geese and steam locomotive No. 20, plus take part in special tours and hands-on demonstrations throughout the day. Two rarely seen historic rail cars will be open for touring: RGS private car B-21 (a.k.a. Rico), preserved by RMRRC, and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy business car No. 96, preserved by the Intermountain Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society.

These special tour offerings will provide a rare glimpse into some of the Museum’s most prized collections, and share the enduring legacies of these railfan preservation groups. Members of the two groups involved in these cars’ preservation will be on hand to share first-hand recollections with visitors. After regular Train Rides conclude each day, an additional photographer’s train will operate, providing unique opportunities to capture stunning shots of the locomotive, consist, and surrounding mesas of the North and South Table Mountains.

Food and drink will be available onsite for purchase, along with themed hats, T-shirts, and lots more at the Depot Store. A Big Boy of a Used Book Sale” will also take place both days of this event, with special pricing on railroad titles from many regions and genres. Plus, on Saturday only, catch a special appearance by the Colorado School of Mines’ a cappella group, the Harmonic Miners, bringing their unique vocal stylings to the festivities with a live performance.

Capacity is limited, so advance ticket purchase is recommended. Admission & Ride Pricing: $14 adults, $7 ages 2-17, $12 seniors ages 60+. Free for members and visitors under age 2. All Aboard!