Durango, Colorado is located in the southwest corner of the state near the Four Corners, where the borders of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. Also located here is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This is a National Historic Landmark that has been in service for 140+ years. Initially, the railroad transported silver and gold to and from regional mining towns. Today, the year-round trains provide tourists with gorgeous panoramas of the San Juan Mountains and Animas River.
The train departs from Durango, Colorado, and offers two route options that differ in length and destinations. The shorter of the two is the 5-hour Cascade Canyon trip, which consists of a 2-hour train ride covering 26 miles each way plus an hour stopover in Cascade Canyon. There are no facilities are this stop, but the views are simply breathtaking, plus there are some great spots to picnic. The second option is Durango to Silverton, which encompasses a 3-hour train ride covering 45 miles each way plus a 2-hour stopover in the town of Silverton, for a total of 8 hours. Silverton’s old-west ambiance and charm will keep visitors snapping photos in between discovering unique shops, exploring art exhibits and installations, and enjoying restaurants and saloons.
For riders looking for a quick trip back to Durango, it’s possible to book a one-way ticket to Silverton on the train and return to Durango by bus via the San Juan Skyway. For travelers seeking a few thrills, a guided ATV ride, a Jeep tour, a river rafting excursion or a treetop zipline adventure can be added to the trip ticket. There’s also the opportunity to tour the historic Silverton Mine.
As for seating on the trains, guests can book tickets in Standard Class, which includes the standard enclosed coach and an open-air gondola. For extra room, plusher seats, and more comfort, there is an option to upgrade to Deluxe Class, First Class, or Presidential Class for adults aged 21 and over. Travelers who experience sensitivity to motion should take note that the ride is a little rough on the old rails, so enhancing their trip to include more comfortable seating is recommended. All first-class and presidential class cars provide guests with an onboard attendant, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, morning pastries, souvenir mugs, and a tote bag per couple or group. Washrooms facilities are also onboard.
The stunning scenery provided by both routes is well worth the trip, especially as the routes are not available to vehicles. The up-close view of the mountains and rivers is awe-inspiring and stepping back in time to ride the historic rails to the old western mining town of Silverton is truly memorable. PLUS, for the winter season, there is a Polar Express Train Ride for the Holiday Season, a Shamrock Express, and a Winter’s Photographer’s Special. There’s even a FREE railroad museum to explore in Durango, before or after your trip.
For more information, including hours, tour options, up-to-date ticket prices, and online booking, visit the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad HERE.
Photo Credit: Floyd Cox on Unsplash