Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Living Museum and National Historic Landmark

What’s it like to step back in time?

All aboard! Riding on The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado is the perfect way to experience 45 miles of breathtaking views and discover an unparalleled adventure through American history, from picturesque Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton.

Established in 1881 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railway to carry silver and gold ore, the Railroad’s passengers of today are invited to board coal-powered, steam-powered locomotives to journey through the steep, rugged terrain of the Rockies. Some of the railroad’s iconic iron horses are over 100 years old, harkening back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries in form and function.

Instead of transporting ore from the San Juan Mountains, the trains of today carry families, honeymooning couples, organized tours, friend groups, and solo travelers in a variety of passenger cars bedecked in Victorian grandeur, with exciting classes of service to choose from, including:

• Presidential Class (aged 21 and over)
• First Class
• Deluxe Class
• Standard Class

There are different trains and special packages throughout the year, including a Polar Express tour starting around Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas and charging full steam ahead into the New Year. See what’s booking now at Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

What You’ll See

On your way from Durango to Silverton, brace yourself for exceptional views of the Colorado wilderness, including:

• Animas River Canyon’s views of rushing waters, steep canyon walls, and verdant forests
• San Juan National Forest’s towering pines, wildlife, and flowers
• High Mountain Passes, some above 9,000 feet above sea level, snow-peaked mountains and sheer cliffs

Exploring The Old Wild West By Rail

Just being on the train will make you feel like you’re a bit of an explorer! The Presidential Class Cinco Animas car (adults only) offers two distinct seating areas and a large outdoor viewing platform exclusive to this car. Amenities for this car include an onboard attendant, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a morning pastry, and one tote bag per couple or group.

If traveling with kids, consider splurging on the First Class car to give them a monumental experience they will remember for decades. First Class cars include Red Mountain, Yankee Girl, Alamosa Parlor Car, Knight Sky, Prospector, and Silver Vista. The views overhead are incredible during the summer season!

Deluxe Class cars include Deluxe Legend, the Historic San Juan Coach, and Rio Grande Open Observation.

Standard Class cars include open-air gondola and coach seating. You really can’t go wrong with any of these cars or classes of service because it’s all about being together and taking in the views.

Why not dress up and enjoy a frontier adventure to America’s old west? When you arrive at Silverton, go for a walkabout on wooden boardwalks, check out saloons, and visit various small museums.

Remember to take lots of pictures on the train and off, but don’t forget to take some pictures with your heart. Some of your most memorable experiences will be the scenic ride to and from Silverton with those you love.

Where to Stay in Durango

With all this adventure at your fingertips, the only thing left is figuring out where to stay. Here are some great options to consider for your comfort and enjoyment.

Durango Red Cliff Properties

Durango Red Cliff Properties, a family-owned and operated business with nearly 50 properties in the San Juan Mountains, has a vacation home for every size of family and every time of year. You can also bring your pets! Choose from cabins, family homes, condos, and townhome rentals with excellent amenities and nearby activities. Durango is a four-season destination, so you can relish in the great outdoors in spring, summer, and fall and ski in and ski out during winter.

Gwen Buscher and her daughter-in-law Jenna Buscher, founders of Durango Red Cliff Properties, put a lot of love into their business over decades with generational impact, and it shows. They’re all about family and bringing people together to enrich their lives in the fresh mountain air and provide accommodations in one of the most beautiful parts of the USA. 

For more ideas on where to stay or take your next vacation, be sure to visit available properties on Lake.com.