Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
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The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable year-round adventure. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the Old West took over a century ago. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.
The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.
This historic train has been in continuous operation for 127 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
For prices:
http://www.durangotrain.com/node/206
5 Reviews for Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum
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11 family found this helpful
"Breathtaking Train Ride"
Explore the remote wilderness on board the D&SNGRR. Enjoy breathtaking beauty, peaceful sites and a unique mode of transportation that takes you back in time. I recommend taking the bus in one direction. A guide book sold in the gift shop gives great explanations of what you will see along the way.
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0 families found this helpful
"All Aboard!"
The Thomas the Train fans in my family were pleased as we prepared to enjoy our Durango train outing. Riding the train was our last event in Durango, so there had been plenty of time to listen to the train whistle, see plumes of soot and wave at the passengers as they rode through downtown Durango.
The train is an important member of the climate conscious Durango community, so it too works to make sure it’s leaving a small carbon footprint. The trains face a unique challenge in the goal of leaving a small carbon footprint simply because the sole source of heating water to make the steam that propels the engine is coal. To do their part, the railroad has worked to plant enough trees along the San Juan National Forest to help decrease the carbon released by the train. Additionally, the train station has found ways to reduce the amount of soot released while the trains overnight in the yard.
We rode the winter train, which has a shortened excursion up into Cascade Canyon, located in the San Juan National Forest. The 52 mile trip takes about 5 hours to complete. Traditionally, during the warmer months, the train takes passengers all the way to Silverton, CO.
We parked in a large parking lot west of the train station (just west of a McDonald's). Parking for the day was $4. From this lot, there's really not a direct path to the train station. The walk isn't bad; it just takes a while (especially with little legs). There is parking closer to the station (on city streets), but I didn't realize it until we'd walked to the depot.
When we arrived at the station, I picked up our tickets, while the kids ran around just in front of the depot in a grassy area. Then it was time to load up!
Before we loaded the car, we took a walk up to the engine. It was massive, and loud. My boys (3 and 2) were alternately fascinated and overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. They spent most of their time near the engine with their ears covered. I brought them ear protection, but hadn't given it to them. My daughter (8) was enjoying the sights and sounds. Together, we watched the engineers conduct safety tests and make their inspections. The size of the coal used to power the engines was impressive to me. I expected small chunks, but most of these pieces were the size of my hand and larger.
Finally, it was time to load onto our car. Each car has a unique name. Our car was the “La Plata.” There was a step-stool there to assist passengers on to the car. We found our assigned seats and settled in for an exciting day of training!
Once we were settled, the conductor came to each car to explain some of the basics. Each car has two restrooms (men and women) at the back of the car. The windows of the train can be raised at any time during the trip.
Then, the whistle blew - and we were off! The looks on my kids’ faces were priceless. Finally, we were underway! As the train moved through Durango we waved at the folks watching the train. Eventually, we were out of town, and the scenery was beautiful (and people were still stopping to wave). The conductor came through and took our tickets as he, as well as an attendant from the snack car, made some brief announcements. Since we were traveling on St. Patrick’s Day, the snack car was offering some unique theme-related drink specials and a Celtic five-piece band was roaming from car to car.
Traveling by train is a unique reminder of a different time. Since we weren't riding in the first car we saw passengers pass through our car on their way to the gondola car or snack car. Because of the length of time on the train, we saw some of them again and again. It's almost as if they're a part of the experience too.
After we were well out of town, I went to the snack car with my two and eight year olds. Walking on a moving train is harder than it looks, especially when you're holding the hand of a two year old. Eventually, we gained our 'sea legs' and were able to stand comfortably. I bought five of the refillable cups (one for each of us) they sold in the snack car. The cups are refillable forever - so anytime you or a family member is traveling on the train, be sure to take your cup! I think we filled each of ours up a couple of times that day, so we felt like we got our money's worth out of them.
The train ride is beautiful up into Cascade Canyon. But, do watch out! Sticking your head out the window could be dangerous. In places, the canyon walls are inches away from the cars. Having your head or arm out the window in one of those spots would be sad. But there are bends in the track where if you peek out (just a bit) you can see the entire length of the train or the river (and realize just how long of a drop it is into the Animas River below). If you do venture your head out of the window, be prepared to face soot. At least one of my kids had a piece of soot land in their eye. It's nothing horrible, but be prepared with eye drops - just in case.
On that note, I'd also take some basic medical items with you. A small boy on our car developed a fever on the trip, and there's not a pharmacy around the corner. The conductor was helpful (providing ice to help cool him down) but I was worried about him.
When we reached the top of the canyon, we were able to get out and stretch our legs. I expected the step-stools we'd used to get on the train to be there to help us off the train. Unfortunately, they weren't there and some of the older folks traveling with us had a hard time getting off the train. Just guessing, but the distance between the step and the ground was around 18". That may not be much for some, but to the elderly and younger kids, that can be a big stretch. The distance between the ground and the bottom step varies, based on the grade of the soil, so some cars may be closer to the ground than others.
I also wasn't expecting to face the mud or puddles around the train and picnic tables. But, I should assume that the stop in the forest would be a tad bit rustic. The only thing I would change is my shoe choice.
Many brought their picnic lunches to eat at the picnic tables along the river. One couple brought cheese and wine. Others explored during our 40 minutes stop. Just to the side of the train (across the tracks) was a covered area with a roaring fire. Since it was a nice day, we didn't stay long, but I can imagine taking the train ride in the cold winter months and enjoying the warmth of the fire. I tried to take a couple of pictures of the kids with the engine, but the ground was muddy and the kids were anxious to explore.
The rest stop was a good idea, as my kids were getting a bit anxious to stretch their legs. We walked around and checked out all the cars on the train. After the 40 minute rest stop, we loaded back into our car and began back down the mountain. My younger kids were ready for a nap, and it was a great time to snuggle up and be rocked by the slow, steady motion of the train.
This activity was something everyone in my family enjoyed. We're already talking about what we'll do the next time we ride the train. We've talked about upgrading to the first-class car and also about taking the longer train ride up to Silverton.
Disclaimer: Our tickets on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad were COMPLIMENTARY OF THE DURANGO AREA TOURISM OFFICE. THE TOURISM OFFICE DID NOT STATE ANY REQUIREMENTS REGARDING MY REVIEWS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
0 families found this helpful
"Simple and informative"
If you want to learn about the history of Durango and trains this is definitely the place to go! Went with family and some enjoyed it more than others but the trains and what-not were very cool. You can actually go in some of the older trains and the kids loved it.
1 family found this helpful
"Choo-Choo"
Durango is a beautiful town! Every "outdoorsies" dream. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is awesome! Tickets can be pricey, but well worth it. We have been on the summer train ride to Silverton and back. You go through some beautiful terrain and Silverton is a cute little town with shops and dining.
We've also been on the train for Polar Express. Very short ride, but the kids loved it. On the way out, they hand out books and then the have a narrator reading the book. You get hot chocolate, cookies and the kids get a bell. At the end you are greeted by Santa and his elves. The return trip you sing Christmas Carols.
Last, we have attended I spent the Day with Thomas. Our kids loved this! They have a Thomas engine pulling the train. They had tents and activites set out such as face painting, petting zoo, meet Mr. Topham Hatt, etc. Wonderful day.
Our kids are 2 & 4.
2 families found this helpful
"Wonderful historic event!"
This is a wonderful, historic, event, to ride the narrow-gauge train! The scenery will take your breath away and the gentle rocking of the train will please your kids (it's a bit tough to use the rest room, though!) We rode the train when our son was 18 months old and he loved it. He did fall asleep on the way back to Durango. I suggest you ride the train to Silverton, spend the night, and take the bus back to Durango. Why do I say this? well, for one, on a round-trip train trip, you don't get much time to spend in Silverton to eat (all we really had time for) or shop. Granted, there's not a lot there, but I would have preferred to be relaxed. Another reason is so you can enjoy the valley scenery from the train (along the river) and also the same area from high above (there's a pass). They are two different views. We've driven the route in our own car and it's quite lovely. This trip is for the entire family - young and old alike, train buff or not!
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