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.

$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.

Perfect for

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

Definitely worth doing. Beautiful scenery. The day I went they were still on the winter schedule which only went to Cascade Canyon, but you have great scenery the whole trip. Don't worry about which side of the train to get your seat, they turn the whole train around at the wye at Cascade Canyon. Pack a lunch, you have about an hour to eat at picnic tables, check the train out up close or do a little hiking. The train sounds 4 long whistle bursts 10 minutes before heading back to Durango.

Great family adventure. Friendly staff and splendid sights. We will be back to take the Durango to Silverton trip. Don't forget to visit the museum at the end of the train ride. The model trains in there were really awesome to say the least. The creator payed attention to detail. We bought our tickets online. No waiting in line. We arrived, parked and walked right over to the train.

What a magical experience with the glittery snow falling. We saw a bald eagle perched atop a dead tree and we're delighted there were no children in our car! The Alamosa cart in the Caboose was the best and we got to step out into the back and watch the train tracks go by. Can't wait to go back in the summer to get a new perspective! I wish I could remember the name of our hostess. She was absolutely incredible and a retired geologist with lots of fun facts to share. She also made us a very special mocha beverage that was delicious. The free museum was so delightful and I really enjoyed the Taxidermy as well. Especially getting to see all of the Taxidermy birds that usually never sit still long enough for you to look at them. There is a haunted cart in the museum and I went inside and felt nauseous for an hour after being in there. Very creepy!

It's fun for the first few minutes, until you realize you're spending half of the trip traveling through town to get to the mountains and back to the station. Some views were pretty, nothing we can't see at places we camp. Luckily, our car had a good group of people so it wasn't loud, and people were considerate of others unlike the other cars. The seats were OK, got uncomfortable towards the end. The restrooms were pretty clean. The concession options weren't bad. Pretty standard menu; sodas, coffee, hot chocolate, cider, options for alcohol (beer and cocktails), buttered popcorn, chips, candy, hot dog. Customer service was awful and unorganized. The stop in Cascade Canyon was exactly like another reviewer said, a random picnic area by the river. Nothing special. I'm glad we experienced it, but I would never ride again. I couldn't imagine how long and frankly, boring, especially for children, it would be, going the entire way to Silverton and back, and paying that price 🤷🏻‍♀️ lots of people napping on the way back.

This is a "bucket list" level activity for me and my family. My kids were happy and enjoyed it thoroughly. We did a polar express and cascade canyon trip week after Christmas (first time for the 2 younger ones). My kids smiles and compliments say all I need to hear. My oldest (son) is almost "to cool" to enjoy things like this, but he was very happy and just enjoying our time. My second oldest (my daughter) was happy and enjoyed things I didn't expect her to. The two younger boys were much easier to please, although the attention span is much shorter. This experience is a super reasonable cost for the return. I like to call this type of experience "organic" because nothing is manufactured it's just the same as when people first experienced a train ride 100 years ago. You can go on your first or 100th train ride and still be mesmerized. If in Durango or anywhere else, it's a sure thing.

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