Day Trip: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Journey

Colorado is home to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a heritage railroad between the towns of Durango and Silverton. This railroad has been designated a National Historic Landmark and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It primarily serves tourists, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Animas River, which flows alongside the tracks in certain areas. The 45-mile journey on this historic railroad is a must-do for any rail enthusiast.

History of the Railroad

The Durango and Silverton railroad has been running continuously since 1881 and was initially built to transport silver and gold ore mined in the San Juan Mountains. Construction was completed in just over nine months for the final stretch to Silverton. Rail tourism emerged in the 1940s as mining declined, and the route was featured in many Hollywood movies. Today, the Durango and Silverton railroad is one of the few railroads in the U.S. that operates with steam locomotives.

Durango & Silverton Round-Trip Excursion

Step back in time as you hop on board a steam-powered narrow gauge train to the unique mining town of Silverton. Departures are scheduled throughout the day, allowing you to choose a convenient time. The train takes about three and a half hours to reach Silverton from Durango. Passengers have about two hours to walk about Silverton, have lunch, shop, and soak in this historic town before boarding their train back to Durango. There is also a bus train service where you ride the train to Silverton and return to Durango via a bus.

Cascade Canyon Express Excursion

If you want to ride the train but don’t want to spend the entire day traveling, opt for the Cascade Canyon Express, which offers iconic canyon views aboard this trip. This excursion is ideal if you’re pressed for time or have young kids with limited patience. Cascade Canyon Express diesel-powered train will give you the unforgettable experience of stunning canyon views as the train chugs deep into the San Juan Forest to areas inaccessible by road.

Visit the Durango Train Museum

The Durango Museum covers a massive 12,000 square feet of pure history, taking you back to when the railroad was used to transport the ore. The museum houses artifacts that tell the history of railroading, with many of the artifacts being gifted by family members of railroad workers. Have a conversation with the museum staff, who are very knowledgeable about the history of the narrow-gauge railroad.

About Silverton, Colorado

Silverton, Colorado, is a small mountain town in the San Juan Mountains of the Rocky Mountains and is the halfway point for the D&SNGGR excursion. The town’s name comes from the silver mining that was pivotal to its development. Today, local businesses include shops, restaurants, and accommodations that cater to tourists. Many of these establishments are located in buildings from the late 1800s.

Where is Durango, Colorado

Durango, Colorado, is a city located in La Plata County in the southwestern part of the state. It’s situated in the Animas River Valley, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. The city is known for its historic downtown, outdoor recreation opportunities, and as a gateway to Mesa Verde National Park—the Durango and Silverton train depot at 479 Main Ave, Durango, CO. For information on tickets or hotel packages, please visit the D&SNGGR website. https://www.durangotrain.com/

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