Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Railroad Name | Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad |
| Website | https://www.durangotrain.com/ |
| Train ride | Historic narrow gauge steam, or diesel, pulled train, of historic cars through some of the most scenic parts of Colorado |
| Location | 479 Main Ave Durango, CO 81301 Google Maps |
| Length of trip | 90 mile round trip, All day |
| Cost of single ticket | $81.00 |
| Special Trains | Diesel trains Cascade Canyon Train/bus combo Polar Express Wilderness access |
Overview of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) is a narrow-gauge heritage railroad, that operates over a former Denver & Rio Grande branch line, and runs 45 miles from Durango, Colorado to the historic mining town of Silverton, Colorado. The railroad was originally constructed in the 1880s, by the Denver & Rio Grande to transport gold and silver ore from the mines in the San Juan Mountains to the processing mills in Durango. This railroad, and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, were once part of the D&RG’s “San Jaun Extension”, which stretched from Alamosa, to Antonito, Chama NM, and Durango, with branches to Farmington NM, and Silverton.
Today, the railroad is operated as a tourist attraction, with multiple daily round-trip excursions offered from May through October.
Nestled in the heart of the San Juan National Forest in southwestern Colorado lies the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railroad that offers scenic rides through the stunning Colorado mountains. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been chugging along since the 1880s, and to this day, it remains a must-see attraction for visitors to Colorado.
Why the Durango & Silverton Railroad Is a Must-See Attraction
The Durango & Silverton Railroad offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Colorado. It’s an opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of American history. The route winds through the beautiful San Juan Mountains, offering stunning views of rugged canyon walls and cascading waterfalls. It’s a chance to disconnect from the modern world and soak in the natural beauty of the Colorado wilderness. Plus, the onboard amenities, friendly staff, and guided narration make for a comfortable and informative ride.
The Beginnings of the Durango & Silverton Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Railroad was originally constructed in the 1880s, as part of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, to transport precious metals from the San Juan Mountains to the processing mills in Durango. The railroad was built using narrow-gauge tracks to allow for tighter turns and steeper grades, which were necessary to navigate the rugged terrain of the Colorado mountains.
The construction of the railroad was a feat of engineering, with engineers and laborers working long and dangerous hours to lay the tracks and construct the bridges and tunnels needed to complete the route.
The Denver & Rio Grande Western operated the last of its narrow gauge “San Juan Extension”, which stretched from Alamosa Colorado, to Antonito Colorado, to Chama, New Mexico, to Durango, with branches to Farmington New Mexico, and this branch, to Silverton, up until the late 1960’s. After 1967 the line between Antonito and Durango was abandoned, isolating the Durango to Silverton branch. The D&RGW continued to operate the line as a tourist railroad for some years. This made the railroad one of the last Class 1 Railroads to operators of steam locomotives.
The line from Antonito to Chama has been persevered by the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
In 1980 the line was sold off and is operated by the Durango & Silverton.
The Scenic Route of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The route of the D&SNG winds through the San Juan Mountains, offering stunning views of rugged canyon walls, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. The train follows the Animas River, which provides a picturesque backdrop for the journey. The route is known for its steep grades, sharp turns, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-see attraction for visitors to Colorado.
Along the route of the Durango & Silverton Railroad, visitors will encounter a variety of natural wonders, including the famous Needleton Wye, Cascade Canyon, and the High Line section of the route, which navigates steep cliffs and high ridges. The train also passes through the historic mining town of Silverton, which offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich mining history.
Experience on Board the Durango & Silverton Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Railroad offers a variety of train cars to choose from, including open-air gondola cars, enclosed coach cars, and luxurious first-class cars. All train cars are air-conditioned and heated, ensuring a comfortable ride no matter the weather. There are also onboard restrooms and food and beverage options available for purchase.
The Train Crew and Staff
The Durango & Silverton Railroad employs a friendly and knowledgeable staff of train crew members and guides who are passionate about the history and natural beauty of the region. The train crew is highly trained and dedicated to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. The onboard guides provide informative narration throughout the journey, sharing interesting facts and stories about the history and geography of the area.
The Town of Durango
The ride on the D&SNG offers plenty of opportunities to explore the town of Durango before or after the journey. Durango offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy. Take a stroll through the town’s historic district, visit the Animas Museum, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants.
The Animas River
The route takes you alongside the Animas River, one of the most scenic rivers in Colorado. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, or kayaking in the river’s crystal-clear waters. The river also offers gorgeous views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, making it a perfect photo opportunity.
The San Juan National Forest
The D&SNG journey takes you through the San Juan National Forest, where you can enjoy hiking and exploring. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as elk, deer, and black bear that call the forest home. The stunning mountain views and fresh air provide a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Best Time of Year to Ride
The best times to ride the D&SNG are between May and October. During these months, visitors can take advantage of the warmer weather and see the unique, colorful foliage during the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the train ride?
The round-trip train ride on the D&SNG is approximately 45 miles and takes around 3.5 hours each way.
What is the best time of year to ride the D&SNG?
The train runs from late May through October each year, with peak season being June through August. The fall foliage in September and early October can also be a beautiful time to ride.
Can we bring food and drinks on board the train?
Yes! Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board the train. There are also food and beverage options available for purchase on the train.
Is the D&SNG handicap accessible?
The train is not fully handicap accessible, but they do offer limited handicap seating in the Deluxe Car. Passengers with mobility issues should contact the railroad in advance to discuss options and arrange for assistance.
Notable roster
| Locomotive | Type | Builder | Notes |
| 42 | 2-8-0 C-17 | Baldwin 1887 | Ex-Rio Grand Southern |
| 498 | 2-8-2 K-37 | Baldwin 1930 | The tender is being used behind D&RGW sister K-37 locomotive 499 at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Canon City, CO. |
| 493 | 2-8-2 K-37 | Baldwin 1928 | Restored to operation on January 24, 2020. Converted to burn oil during the restoration. |
| 473 | 2-8-2 K-28 | ALCO 1923 | One of the locomotives that has technically never been retired. |
| 478 | 2-8-2 K-28 | ALCO 1923 | Another steam locomotive that has never been retired |
| 480 | 2-8-2 K-36 | Baldwin 1925 | Restored to operation in July 1985 |
| 481 | 2-8-2 K-36 | Baldwin 1925 | Last operable coal burner on the D&S. |
| 482 | 2-8-2 K-36 | Baldwin 1925 | Acquired from the C&TS in trade for 497 in October 1991. Restored to operation in May 1992. Taken out of service in January 2021. Returned to operation on December 16, 2021 and converted to burn oil. |
| 486 | 2-8-2 K-36 | Baldwin 1925 | Acquired from Royal Gorge Park in trade for 499 in 1999. Restored to operation in August 2000. Taken out of service in October 2019. |
| 101 | DL-535E Diesel | ALCO-MLW 1969 | Built as White Pass & Yukon 101 To Sociedad Colombiana de Transport Ferroviaro 1101 (Colombia) 1992 Back to WPYR 101 1999 To D&S 101 in Apr 2020 |
| 103 | DL-535E Diesel | ALCO-MLW 1969 | Built as White Pass & Yukon 103 To Sociedad Colombiana de Transport Ferroviaro 1103 (Colombia) 1992 Back to WPYR 103 1999 To D&S 103 in May 2021 |
| 106 | DL-535E Diesel | ALCO-MLW 1969 | Built as White Pass & Yukon 106 To Sociedad Colombiana de Transport Ferroviaro 1106 (Colombia) 1992 Back to WPYR 106 1999 To D&S 106 in May 2021 |
| 107 | DL-535E Diesel | ALCO-MLW 1969 | Built as White Pass & Yukon 107 To Sociedad Colombiana de Transport Ferroviaro 1107 (Colombia) 1992 Back to WPYR 107 1999 To D&S 107 in Apr 2020 |
| 1201 | MP2000NG Diesel | MPES | New 2000hp diesel built by Motive Power Equipment & Solutions Built from ex-Tri-Rail F40PHL-2 |
| 1202 | MP2000NG Diesel | MPES | New 2000hp diesel built by Motive Power Equipment & Solutions Built from ex-Tri-Rail F40PHL-2 |
Getting There
The closest Amtrak station to Durango is located at Grand Junction Colorado. That’s a distance of about 118 miles. You would have to rent a car and drive to Durango from there if you wish to travel by Amtrak. Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops at this station.
The closest commercial airport to Durango is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). You will have to rent a car and drive 3.5 hours to get to Durango.
