Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) is a 19th-century heritage railway that runs 45 miles through the majestic San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Since 1881, its steam locomotives and vintage coaches have carried passengers from the town of Durango (elev. 6,512 ft) up to the old mining town of Silverton (elev. 9,318 ft) along the Animas River, traversing remote wilderness in the San Juan National Forest.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, this narrow-gauge railroad is widely regarded as one of North America’s most iconic and popular heritage train rides. Riders experience living history aboard coal-fired steam engines as they chug past towering peaks, deep canyons, and lush alpine valleys on a route originally built in 1882 to haul silver and gold ore from the Rockies.

Today the railroad operates as a scenic tourist excursion, preserving the rich legacy of Colorado’s railroading past while offering unparalleled mountain views in every season.

A journey on the Durango & Silverton railroad is like stepping back in time to the Wild West.

Why visit? For one, the scenery is spectacular – the train winds through steep mountain passes, hugs sheer cliff edges on the famous “Highline” above the Animas River, and crosses historic trestles in an untouched backcountry landscape. The experience is immersive: you’ll hear the haunting echo of the steam whistle and feel the rumble of vintage rail cars, all while breathing in the crisp mountain air (occasionally tinged with coal smoke for authenticity!).

History buffs will love that this railroad has run continuously since the 1880s, using many original locomotives and equipment. The Durango & Silverton is not only a railroad journey but a moving museum of the Old West – the Durango depot itself was built in 1882 and still welcomes visitors in its original Victorian charm.

Silverton, the line’s terminus, is a picturesque 19th-century mining town with dirt streets and false-front buildings, making visitors feel they’ve arrived in an Old West movie set. The railroad’s uniqueness and beauty have earned it national acclaim (even The New York Times named it one of the “5 Irresistible Fall Train Trips” in the U.S.).

Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, nature lover, photographer, or family looking for adventure, the Durango & Silverton offers a one-of-a-kind ride that combines thrilling scenery with a sense of living history. It’s an experience that consistently ranks among the top attractions in Colorado for its blend of nostalgia and natural wonder.

Expect a full-day adventure through dramatic mountain scenery. The standard excursion is a round-trip journey from Durango to Silverton and back, covering 45 miles each way. The steam train travels at a leisurely pace (about 18 mph), taking roughly 3.5 hours each direction.

You’ll depart Durango in the morning and spend about 2 hours in Silverton during the midday layover before the return trip. In Silverton, you can stroll the historic downtown, grab lunch at a local saloon or café, and enjoy the atmosphere of a frontier mining town surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks.

If the full 7-hour train ride (plus layover) feels too long, one popular option is to take the train one-way and a bus the other, effectively halving your travel time.

On board the train, you can choose between enclosed coach cars or open-air gondola cars. The open gondolas (available in summer months) have roof covers but open sides, providing unobstructed views and fresh mountain air – perfect for photography and feeling close to nature. Enclosed coaches offer bench seating by panoramic windows and are heated in cooler weather.

Don’t be surprised if soot specks dot your clothes in the open cars — consider wearing sunglasses and avoiding white shirts. The route itself is full of highlights: you’ll journey alongside the rushing Animas River, often just feet from its turquoise waters, then climb high onto rocky ledges where the river becomes a ribbon far below. One famous section, the “Highline”, carries the train on a narrow cliffside shelf hundreds of feet above the canyon — a heart-pounding and awe-inspiring panorama.

Throughout the ride, the scenery changes from Durango’s high desert pines into thick forests, and finally to the alpine meadows around Silverton. Wildlife sightings are possible — deer, elk, or even black bears in the more remote stretches.

Facilities on the train are relatively basic but comfortable. Most trains include a concession car where you can buy snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, and some first-class cars offer complimentary beverages or attendants. Restrooms are available on board in select cars, including an ADA-accessible restroom in the designated accessible coach.

Keep your ticket stub — it also grants free admission to the D&SNG Railroad Museum in Durango. Located in the historic roundhouse, the museum features old locomotives, rail artifacts, and exhibits on mining and railroading history, providing great context for what you’ve experienced on the ride.

Durango is located in southwestern Colorado and is accessible by road or air. The closest airport is Durango–La Plata County Airport, located about 20 minutes east of downtown Durango. It offers daily flights from several major hubs. From the airport, visitors can take a shuttle, taxi, or rental car to reach the town center.

For those traveling by car, Durango is accessible via U.S. Highways 550 and 160. From the north, the route over the Million Dollar Highway offers a stunning drive through the San Juan Mountains, passing through Silverton and Ouray. From the south, the drive from New Mexico is relatively direct. Travelers coming from Denver or Colorado Springs should plan for a 6 to 7-hour drive, depending on weather and traffic conditions.

The Durango depot is located in the heart of downtown, making it easy to find and access. A paid parking lot is available nearby and can be reserved when booking your train ticket. Additional street and public parking lots are available in the area, though they may be limited during peak seasons. It’s advisable to arrive early to allow time for check-in and boarding.

Durango offers limited public transportation, but the downtown area is walkable and served by a free trolley system. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are available but may be limited outside of peak hours. For those looking to explore the region beyond the train ride, having a rental car is highly recommended.