Colorado Mountain Rail Project Gains Momentum with Local Support

Grand County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution supporting the project and proposed local stations.

CDOT is considering a Denver to Granby line as Phase 1, with a Yampa Valley line as a later phase.

The project has received funding from Senate bills, including an oil and gas fee and a rental car fee.

Craig is well-positioned as a key terminus, with potential for a maintenance facility and job opportunities.

CDOT aims to launch passenger service between Denver and Granby by the end of 2026.

Local Support: Grand County Commissioners passed a resolution supporting the project and proposed local stations. Winter Park, Fraser and Granby have also signed resolutions. The Craig City Council adopted Resolution No. 4 (2025), formally supporting the placement of a Mountain Passenger Rail station within the city.

Funding: The project has received funding from two Senate bills and can apply for federal and state grants.

Service Development Plan: CDOT is working to complete a Service Development Plan, which outlines service routes, station locations, infrastructure requirements, and operational feasibility. The plan is scheduled for completion during the summer of 2025.

Proposed Routes: The plan includes three types of service: a long line from Denver to Craig, a short line to Granby, and a local Yampa Valley service connecting Oak Creek to Craig, with Steamboat Springs serving as a central hub.

Craig as a Key Terminus: The proposed Craig station would sit adjacent to the old rail yard near the south end of Yampa Avenue. The location offers operational advantages, including existing sidings and space for a maintenance facility.

Potential Challenges: CDOT is negotiating with Union Pacific Railroad regarding infrastructure and safety upgrades on tracks in the Yampa Valley to accommodate passenger service. Some Steamboat Springs City Council members questioned the fate of the project after 2026, when Mountain Rail’s key catalyst — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis — leaves office.

Q: What is the timeline for the Yampa Valley service?

Q: How will the project be funded?

Q: Will the train service be comparable to driving?

The Colorado Mountain Rail project is gaining momentum with local support and funding.

The project aims to reestablish passenger rail service between Denver and Craig, with potential economic and transit benefits for the region.

The first phase of the project is a Denver to Granby line, with a Yampa Valley line as a later phase.

Craig is well-positioned as a key terminus, with potential for a maintenance facility and job opportunities.

CDOT is working to complete a Service Development Plan, which outlines service routes, station locations, infrastructure requirements, and operational feasibility.