Georgetown loop Railroad

Question

I would like to find out what seats we would want for December. I have heard that one side is the scenic side the entire trip and the other side is not??

Right now I can find enough seats on either a parlor car or the coach.

I'm just not sure what side I want on a parlor car and how coach works in December. I know it is fully open in summer, but not sure for winter.

Thank you for any help! My four adult children are all meeting me for my 60th birthday weekend and I would like to get the best view I can.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Answer

The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a beautiful historic train ride, and taking it in December adds a winter charm with potential snow-covered scenery. Choosing the right seats can make a big difference for enjoying the views, especially with your family celebrating a special birthday.

Here’s what you need to know about seating and the scenic side of the train:

Scenic Side: Traditionally, the right-hand side of the train (facing forward) provides the most iconic views of the loop, the Devil’s Gate trestle, and the surrounding mountains. This is the “scenic side” for most of the journey.
Parlor Car vs. Coach: Parlor cars offer larger, cushioned seats, extra legroom, and often wider windows, which are excellent for photography and a more comfortable ride. Coach seats are standard, comfortable, and heated in winter but have slightly smaller windows. In December, coach cars are fully enclosed and heated, so you don’t need to worry about exposure to the cold.
Winter Considerations: Unlike summer, when some coaches have open-air seating, December rides are entirely enclosed due to winter weather. All seats—whether parlor or coach—will keep you warm while still providing good views through the windows.

For your birthday trip with your four adult children, here are some seating recommendations:

If booking a parlor car, try to get seats on the right-hand side facing forward to maximize scenic views. You can ask the ticket office for exact seat numbers when booking.
If you choose coach, request the right-hand side facing forward as well. The view may be slightly less panoramic than parlor car windows, but still excellent and fully protected from winter weather.
Consider seating arrangements so your group can sit together; parlor cars often have tables or bench seating conducive to conversation and group photos.

Additional tips:

Arrive early for boarding; even though you have assigned seats, you can often snap a few photos from the platform or exterior of the train before departure.
Bring a small camera or phone with a good zoom lens if you want close-up shots of the trestles and mountain scenery.
Dress warmly for the platform and any outdoor areas, as temperatures in Georgetown in December can be quite cold.

Overall, for a winter ride, the parlor car on the right-hand side facing forward will give your group the best combination of comfort and scenery, making it a memorable birthday celebration.

Georgetown loop Railroad

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