Just days ago, Denver7 and reporter Mike Castellucci highlighted something we’ve always known at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad ; this isn’t just a train ride. It’s a living, breathing connection between generations.
In the feature, Castellucci captures what makes this experience so special. From a 72-year-old engineer with more than five decades behind the throttle to a 23-year-old historian just beginning his journey, the railroad is a place where passion doesn’t fade, it gets passed down.
Just days ago, Denver7 and reporter Mike Castellucci highlighted something we’ve always known at the Royal Gorge Route Railroad ; this isn’t just a train ride. It’s a living, breathing connection between generations.
In the feature, Castellucci captures what makes this experience so special. From a 72-year-old engineer with more than five decades behind the throttle to a 23-year-old historian just beginning his journey, the railroad is a place where passion doesn’t fade, it gets passed down.
More Than a Ride Through the Gorge
Running along the Arkansas River and beneath the towering granite walls of Colorado’s Grandest Canyon, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad has always delivered unforgettable scenery. But as the Denver7 story shows, the true magic lies in the people who bring it to life.
For longtime engineer Bruce Barrett, now in his 70s, every trip is still emotional. After more than 50 years operating trains, he describes the experience as a privilege, something that never gets old.
That same passion is mirrored in the next generation. Young historian Adam Clawson represents a new wave of train enthusiasts who are not just preserving history, but actively shaping its future. Together, they create a rare dynamic, where knowledge, tradition, and excitement live side by side.
Where History Meets Modern Experience
The railroad’s legacy dates back to the late 1800s, when rail lines first carved their way through the Royal Gorge, one of the most dramatic landscapes in the American West.
Today, that history is still honored, but it’s also evolving.
As highlighted in the Denver7 feature, the team continues to innovate, blending classic railroading with modern experiences. From restored vintage railcars to immersive elements like music, lighting, and onboard entertainment, the ride continues to transform while staying rooted in its heritage.
A Shared Passion That Brings People Together
What stands out most in the story is the sense of community. The Royal Gorge Route Railroad isn’t just a workplace, it’s a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences come together over a shared love of trains.
Passengers feel it. Crew members live it.
Whether it’s spotting bighorn sheep along the canyon walls, watching the seasons change from the open-air cars, or simply hearing the stories from those who have spent a lifetime on the rails, every trip offers something new, and something meaningful.
Experience It for Yourself
The Denver7 feature is a reminder of what makes the Royal Gorge Route Railroad so unique. It’s not just about where the train goes, it’s about who makes the journey unforgettable.
From seasoned engineers to rising historians, from first-time visitors to lifelong fans, this is where generations connect.
And every ride tells a story.
