Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been running since 1882, and riding it is one of those experiences that lives up to every ounce of hype. A coal-fired steam locomotive pulling vintage cars through a wilderness canyon for three and a half hours — it's as good as it sounds.
This is one of the few narrow gauge railroads still operating in the United States, and it's been designated a National Historic Landmark. The line was originally built to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but now it carries tourists through some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado. The train covers 45 miles of track between Durango and Silverton, climbing from 6,512 feet at the Durango depot to 9,318 feet in Silverton.
The Ride
The train departs from downtown Durango and follows the Animas River north through the Animas Canyon to Silverton. The canyon is steep, narrow, and inaccessible by road — the only way to see it is from the train or on foot. The views are stunning the entire way.
The locomotive burns four tons of coal on each round trip, and you'll see (and smell) the coal smoke trailing behind as the engine works its way up the grade. The whistle echoes off the canyon walls. In places, the tracks cling to cliff faces with the river hundreds of feet below. It's dramatic.
Wildlife sightings are common — elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and the occasional black bear. Bring binoculars if you have them. The conductor provides narration pointing out landmarks, historical sites, and natural features along the route.
Choosing Your Class
Standard class gives you the full experience — open windows, mountain air, and the sound of the steam engine echoing off canyon walls. You'll get a little coal soot on you. That's part of it. The seats are vintage wood and cast iron — comfortable enough for the journey, though not plush.
First class adds cushioned seats, complimentary champagne or juice, and a glass of wine with lunch. The seating is more comfortable, and you get access to a reserved enclosed section. Nice, but the standard class is where the real vibe is.
Open-air gondola cars let you stand in the elements for the best photos and the full sensory experience. No windows, no roof — just you, the train, and the canyon. These are popular with photographers and anyone who wants an unobstructed view. Dress warm — it gets cold at speed, even in summer.
Silverton
You get a couple hours in Silverton before the return trip. It's a tiny mining town at 9,318 feet with a few restaurants, shops, and saloons. The population is around 600 year-round, but it swells during the day when the train arrives.
Grab lunch — Handlebars Food & Saloon is a solid choice for burgers and sandwiches. The town's main street (Greene Street) is the entire downtown. Walk it in fifteen minutes. Check out the San Juan County Historical Museum if you're into mining history. Browse the shops selling local crafts, crystals, and Old West memorabilia.
The altitude hits some people — take it easy if you feel lightheaded. Hydrate. Silverton sits at an elevation higher than many Colorado ski resorts.
Booking and Timing
The train runs year-round, but schedules vary by season. Summer (May through October) offers the full Silverton trip daily. Winter runs are shorter excursions along the lower canyon and are called the Cascade Canyon Winter Train — these don't reach Silverton but offer a beautiful ride through snow-covered scenery.
Book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays. The train sells out weeks in advance for peak dates. Tickets typically go on sale in early spring for the upcoming season. Visit durangotrain.com to check availability and book.
Tips
Choose a seat on the left side heading to Silverton for the best canyon views — you'll be closer to the river and the dramatic cliff faces. On the return trip, the right side has the advantage.
Bring layers. It's warm in Durango (6,500 feet) but cooler up the canyon and cold in Silverton. A jacket is essential, even in July. Sunscreen and a hat are also smart — the sun at altitude is intense, and you'll be exposed for hours if you're in the open-air cars.
A camera with decent zoom is helpful for the wildlife and scenery. If you're in standard class, expect some coal soot — don't wear white. Bring water and snacks; food is available onboard but limited. The ride is long, and kids especially will appreciate having something to munch on.
The train leaves early — morning departures are typically around 8:00 or 9:00 AM. Plan to arrive at the depot at least 30 minutes early for parking and boarding.
After the Train
If you're staying at Purgatory, the drive from the resort to downtown Durango is about 25 minutes. You can easily pair a train ride with a ski trip — ride the train on a non-ski day or before/after your time on the mountain.
Our townhome Timberline is right across from Purgatory — three bedrooms, a hot tub, a fireplace, and a free shuttle to the lift. It's a great base for exploring Durango and the surrounding San Juans.
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