All Aboard Leadville Scenic Train with Your Furry Friend.

What do you think we would do when we read Leadville Scenic Train is dog-friendly?

You are right! We couldn’t resist taking Snoopy for his first train ride. He loves riding in a car; he’d been on a dog-friendly gondola ride in Telluride and rode an elevator in the hotels, and this Leadville scenic train was like a special treat for him.

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We didn’t have a specific itinerary for a day trip from Buena Vista to Leadville. I only thought about strolling downtown and looking at historic Victorian buildings. After lunch, we would continue to Vail.

But it changed after we heard about the dog-friendly Leadville scenic train. We even called the number in the Leadville Railroad brochure to check if the information about dogs riding on the train was accurate.

Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad Address: 326 E. 7th St.

Dog on Board the Leadville Scenic Train

Every dog owner has to sign a waiver with the conductor. Wavers are completed in person once on board the train.

Snoopy was excited when walking to the train with us. Dogs are permitted in the coach seating, and that’s where we headed. It’s better because the weather was nice.

If you have service animals and want to sit in a Lounge Car, make a special arrangement.

Dog on boards must be properly leashed at all times. Bring a comfortable blanket or mat for your pet to sit on during the ride. We didn’t prepare, so we cleaned up the chairs where Snoopy sat on from his furs.

I was anxious to see our dog’s reaction once the train started to move. He was a bit surprised when the train jerked and the conductor honked in the beginning. Then, he gradually built his confidence and enjoyed the ride while sitting on the chairs.

Some children came to pet him and gave him treats. Apparently, there’s a bowl of dog treats in the concession car.

On the way back, the train stopped at the water tower. Everyone left the train, and it was an opportunity for Snoopy to use the bathroom.

He got to explore the red caboose at the stop and took pictures in front of the engine.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience for Snoopy and us.

Leadville Scenic Railroad

The Leadville Railroad offers historic train rides in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Passengers ride in vintage passenger cars behind a historical diesel locomotive and wind up the mountains to stunning Colorado scenery.

This scenic train travels 19 miles round-trip through San Isabel National Forest. You’ll get to see the stunning views of the Arkansas River Valley and the magnificent Colorado’s two tallest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. The views were amazing!        

The conductor narrates the colorful history of the area, including the railroads and the people who came through Leadville.

When the train stops at the old water tower, you can walk through both the engine and the caboose. I walked through the engine when my husband walked Snoopy to the coach car.

There’s a concession car and a gift shop on board. But you are welcome to bring your drink and snacks.  

You will take tons of pictures. Make sure you have enough space on your memory card.

How Long Is The Leadville Train Ride?

The Leadville Railroad ride is a 2.5-hour round trip. The rides can be longer or shorter for special events and packages.

Leadville Scenic Train Schedule

Here are the 2026 summer and fall tour schedules:

Opening Day, May 24th, 2 p.m.

Daily Trips, 2 p.m., May 24th – June 13th.

Daily Trips at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. June 14th – August 16th.

August 17th – October 8th, Monday – Thursday, 2 p.m.

August 21st – October 4th, Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

October 10th – November 1st, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.

Leadville Scenic Train Prices

Coach Class Adult: $66.30, Coach Class Child (4-12): $45.10

Lounge Car: $98.10

They offer military discounts with a military ID. You must call 1-866-386-3936 for the online code.

Tickets are non-refundable for any reason, including inclement weather, illness, or unforeseen circumstances. You can re-schedule for a $6 fee per ticket.

Dogs are only allowed in the general seating during summer and fall rides. The owner must sign a waiver.

There’s free parking at the train station.

What To Wear When Riding a Train?

Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America at an elevation of 10,152 feet. It has a mild summer. The average July temperatures are a maximum of 72.2°F and a minimum of 37.8°F. That’s the highest and lowest temperature in Leadville in the summer.

The ride will take you another 1,000 feet in elevation. It means you may need a light jacket to keep you comfortable. You may also want to wear long pants. Check the weather on the day of your train excursion.

You must stay hydrated. If you come from out of state and are not used to high altitude, drink more water before you arrive at the high elevation. It’s best to be acclimated.

Being in a high elevation means you need to wear sunscreen, too. Don’t get fooled by the cooler temperature.

If you plan to take the Wildflower Special train ride, put on your hiking shoes, bring bug spray, and carry water. You will go on a 30-minute hike through the tundra to discover and get up close with the Colorado’s wildflowers.