A DIFFERENT KIND OF RIDE

DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer: Colorado

Railroad Atlas of North America: Colorado & Utah

Narrow Gage Train

Taking the Scenic Route

A very popular way to get to Silverton, Colorado is by The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
From Durango, Colorado the train departs daily for a round trip to Silverton.
Established in 1881, this authentic coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive makes a daily trip through the remote mountains, between the two towns of Durango and Silverton.
The Denver and Rio Grande Railway arrived in Durango in August 1881.
Construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. Nine months later the tracks to Silverton were completed. The train began to transport freight and passengers.
It was constructed to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was a trip with a view, one not to be missed.
When the mining for gold and silver ended, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad started just taking passengers to Silverton daily.
Following the Animas River, where the water is so clear it shimmers like diamonds.
Where the rapids rip and roar down the canyon, from the peaks of the San Juan Mountains some 13,000 feet in height.
The historic railroad has been in continuous operation for over 122 years.
200,000 annual passengers travel on the vintage train.
The railroad has had to increase the trains from one to four this last year to keep up with all of the people who want to take a ride.

For more information: www.durangotrain.com


READ MORE ABOUT NARROW GAGE TRAINS