Just mention Colorado to the avid rail fan and you have their interest; add the term 'narrow gauge' and you have their undivided attention. Why this special interest in the Centennial State's railroads which span 120 years? One reason is Colorado's geography -- relatively flat plains in the eastern third of the state, the rugged Rocky Mountains in the central and southwest areas. Colorado's railroads traverse all these regions -- from a 2285 foot elevation to the heights of 14,000 foot peaks. This geographical configuration makes Colorado railroading second to none.

California offers travellers a gold mine of railroad points of interest. California has it all: narrow gauge, logging railroads, cable cars, trolleys, interurbans, light rail, main line limiteds, model railroads, historic depots, museums, tourist railroads, and mountain passes. California railroads began in the dark days of the Civil War. Californians have developed numerous railroad museums and tourist railroads that recall the state's wonderful railroad history, making this a true rail fans paradise.