Scenic Durango to Silverton Train Adventure

Experience the timeless charm of the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where every turn unveils the awe-inspiring beauty of Colorado's San Juan Mountains.

Last updated: Mar 2024

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$80-280/person, depending on a tour
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
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Description

Embark on the historic Durango Silverton Railroad for a breathtaking journey through Colorado's majestic San Juan Mountains, capturing unforgettable scenic vistas. Experience the timeless charm of the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where every turn unveils the awe-inspiring beauty of Colorado's San Juan Mountains. The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and enjoy the rugged beauty of Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This historic train journey, starting in the quaint town of Durango and ending in the charming city of Silverton, winds along the picturesque Animas River at a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to soak in the breathtaking landscapes. Over the course of three and a half hours, travelers are treated to views of cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and vibrant wildflowers, making it an ideal adventure for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The train's slow speed enhances the viewing experience, providing ample time to capture the perfect shot of the surrounding wilderness.

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For two

For groups

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Exciting

Chill

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Itinerary

Book your tickets in advance on the official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad website.
Arrive early in Durango to board the train and secure the best seats at the back for photography and less engine exhaust exposure.
Enjoy the scenic 3.5-hour journey to Silverton, capturing the stunning landscapes.
Explore Silverton's historic main street, dine at local eateries like Avalanche Brewing Company or Handlebars Food & Saloon, and shop for souvenirs.
Return to Durango on the train, or stay overnight in Silverton for an extended adventure.

Location

479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

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Packing List

Comfortable attire suitable for the weather
Sunscreen and sun protection (hat, sunglasses)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Water and snacks
Layers, including a jacket for cooler temperatures

4.8 ● Google reviews

Don't let this experience slip by... It's definitely worth the cost! You'll be on the train approx. 3.5 hours after leaving Durango, then a two-hour break in Silverton, and another 3.5 hours back to Durango. The two hours in Silverton is plenty of time to get a bit to eat, coffee, or ice cream, and walk around the town. There's a museum that's worth checking out, too, but it takes an hour to walk through. I recommend this if you're not sitting down for a full meal. On the train, the bathrooms are clean, the seats are comfortable, and there are concessions with the best apple cider and plenty of other snack/drink options. We sat in the coach area (not an open car), and we were able to get stunning photos because the windows opened up. Also, the train conductor, brake man, and other staff were informative and very nice! Overall, it was a wonderful experience!

This is a must have experience. The view along the way is absolutely breathtaking. I recommend getting your tickets as early as possible to get the seats where you get the best view. Recommend seating on the right side and carry snacks if you are nit planning to spend inside the train.

Best experience ever. Took my mom on the train. We rode the train from Durango to Silverton and rode the bus back. Most beautiful scenery ever. Have been out that way in the Winter many times but this was the first time in the Fall. The Aspens were simply stunning! Highly recommend this trip. You won't be disappointed!

The train and the views once out of Durango we're amazing. I would recommend getting an upgraded cart... Ours had a lot of kids screaming and acting up. But on a positive note the parking was free for Saturday and Sundays in town, that was nice. We were in a 104 year old cart and the train was beautiful! The conductors were great and very informative!

We decided to splurge on our trip as it was my husbands birthday. We did the knight sky, which is first class, and I HIGHLY recommend splurging if are considering it. Not only do you get drink service to your seat, the entire car is full of windows and the views are spectacular. We rode on September 24th and the weather was PERFECT. Jo was an AMAZING attendant, not only because of her service to all of us on the car, but she provided us with information everywhere we drove through, gave us history of the areas, and was very well spoken and well versed in her position. You can tell she is passionate about her job and enjoys it. She was a pleasure to ride with! We can’t recommend this trip enough. We took the steam engine to Silverton and back, it was a full day excursion and highly recommended. We don’t have any kids so we are unsure how kid friendly this excursion is, but there was a young man under 10 who was in our car and he did GREAT.

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