onstructed in the late 19th century, the route of today's Georgetown Loop Railroad was an engineering marvel designed to connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Built by the Georgetown, Breckenridge & Leadville Railway, the line was completed in 1884 as part of a broader effort to access the region’s silver mines. The narrow-gauge track, which climbs nearly 600 feet over just two miles, was designed with tight curves and a series of switchbacks and loops — most notably the iconic Devil’s Gate High Bridge — to navigate the steep mountain terrain. This allowed trains to overcome the challenging 4% grade between the two towns, attracting attention for its impressive engineering and scenic views. The GB&L was quickly absorbed into the Colorado Central Railroad, itself a part of the Union Pacific. In 1893, the Colorado & Southern Railway took over the line and operated it for passengers and freight until 1938. Between 1906 and 1918, the Georgetown Loop connected with the Argentine Central Railway in Silver Plume, by which tourists could continue onward to the summit of Mount McClellan. Prior to 1916, the Argentine Central also served several large silver mines on the east side of Argentine Pass.

The Georgetown Loop faced declining use by the early 20th century as mining waned and automobiles became more common. The segment ceased operations in 1939, and much of its track was dismantled — including the High Bridge above Georgetown. In the 1970s, as Colorado tourism grew, efforts were made to restore the Georgetown Loop as a historic tourist attraction. Through partnerships with the Colorado Historical Society and private organizations, the railroad was successfully reconstructed over many years and reopened to the public in 1984 — precisely a century after its original completion. Construction of new track along the old grade was accomplished with track and ties donated by the Union Pacific Railroad. A new high bridge was built to the same specifications as the original. Municipal development cut off the route to the old depot in downtown Georgetown, so the new track terminated just below the Loop at Devil's Gate (less than a mile from the town). The Loop operated continuously for 30 years from its rebuilding date until 2004, when a series of contract troubles, derailments, and other issues brought several years of decline to the operation. Today, however, the 4.5 mile route is operated by Historic Rail Adventures and has been revived as one of Colorado’s most popular historic railways, offering visitors a scenic journey through the mountains and a glimpse into the state’s rich mining history. Passengers board at a depot near the High Bridge, traveling up the grade to Silver Plume, where the railroad stores and maintains its fleet of equipment.