Durango and Siverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Durango, Colorado

 Print This Post

Experience Authentic Rail Travel with the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.  If you’ll be visiting the beautiful Four Corners region of Colorado, don’t miss the opportunity to take a ride on board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic railroad has been operating continually for 126 years. You can experience the same spectacular sights and sounds as guests who climbed aboard the Durango and Silverton Railroad more than 125 years ago.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was originally constructed to transport precious metals from the San Juan Mountains. It began carrying not only silver and gold ore but passengers from Durango to Silverton in 1882, and those on board soon realized they were being treated to a truly remarkable ride. Today the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad still travels 45 miles from Durango to Silverton, carrying passengers on the same incredible 3 ½ hour scenic journey.

Vintage steam locomotives carry passengers on board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through one of the most remote and beautiful areas of Colorado – the San Juan National Forest. This scenic forest is inaccessible by roadways, but the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad provides passengers with an incredible view of this pristine area.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s route travels along a dramatic grade cut cliffside in a stretch of the San Juan National Forest known as the highline. Passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the canyon and Forest’s wilderness areas during this stretch of the train’s route.

Perhaps the most impressive part of a journey on board the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the authenticity of the experience. The railroad is a popular tourist attraction today, but at the heart of it all is authentic equipment and a genuine railroad.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad features both fully enclosed coaches and roof-topped gondolas. The Gondolas’ open sides provide passengers with a chance to experience the journey in the fresh, open air.  Although seats are assigned, you can walk throughout the train to experience open-air travel, even with assigned coach seating.

Admission to two museums is included in the price of your Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ticket. You can visit the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Durango, and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum at the Silverton Depot. A two hour and fifteen minute layover in Silverton provides passengers with ample time to explore the museum and enjoy spending time in town prior to the return trip.

Durango is a beautiful mountain city that is conveniently located near numerous historical sites, excellent camping and skiing. You’ll find great hotel options on HotelsCombined.com.

479 Main Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: 970-247-2733
Toll Free: 888-872-4607
Fax: 970-259-9349