The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the reason many people first hear of Durango, and it earns the reputation. The line was laid by the Denver and Rio Grande in 1881 and 1882 to haul silver and gold ore out of the San Juan Mountains, and it has been running ever since. Coal-fired steam locomotives pull vintage cars along roughly 45 miles of track, following the Animas River through a canyon that no highway reaches. The train climbs from about 6,500 feet in Durango to roughly 9,300 feet in Silverton, passing ledges cut into rock walls, high trestles above the river, aspen groves and views of peaks that stay snow-capped long into summer. Everything about it is slow on purpose, from the rolling pace to the hiss of steam and the smell of coal smoke drifting through open windows. This package pairs the train with a jeep tour in the Silverton area, which is a clever way to see the route from two angles. Rail and road reach the same high country by different paths, and the jeep portion takes you onto old mining roads that the train can only look up at. Check the product details when you book to see which direction you ride the train, where the jeep portion goes and how the day is timed, because those details can change with the season. If you only want to ride the train and nothing else, the same railroad also sells its own seats, but the package is the better fit if you want a full day in the mountains without managing a rental car on narrow roads.
Plan on a long day. The trip from Durango to Silverton takes around three and a half hours each way, with time to wander Silverton between legs, so a round trip fills most of a day. The winter and shoulder-season trains sometimes run shorter routes, so confirm which service is operating on your dates. Most visitors choose a seat in a standard coach for the best value, but upgraded cars offer more room, a covered open-air gondola gives the best photographs, and a few premium cars add food and drink.
Window seats on the river side give the most dramatic canyon views, and the open gondola is the place to be for photos, though cinders from the engine mean you should not wear anything you cannot brush off.
Dress in layers whatever the season. It can be hot in Durango at departure and cold and breezy in Silverton, and mountain weather changes fast. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket and a refillable water bottle, and remember that altitude affects some people, so drink water and take it easy on arrival at 9,300 feet.
Silverton itself is a former mining town with false-front saloons, a main street of old brick buildings and plenty of places for lunch, so use your layover to eat, walk the town and visit the small local museums. A short walk from the depot gets you to the heart of town.
The train depot sits on Main Avenue in Durango, and the downtown area around it is full of restaurants and hotels, so staying within walking distance makes early departures easy. The railroad museum at the depot is a good way to fill time before boarding. Book ahead in summer and during autumn foliage, when the train is busiest.
Children generally enjoy the ride, though the long duration suits kids who can sit for hours, and strollers and large bags are best left at the hotel. Pair the train with a walk along Main Avenue and a soak in a hot spring the next day to make a perfect first Durango weekend.
What to expect
The experience
A coal-fired steam train ride through the Animas River canyon to Silverton, combined with a jeep tour in the surrounding San Juan mountains.
Best time
Late spring through autumn for the full route; early autumn for aspen color; check winter schedules for shorter runs.
How long
A full day; the train alone takes about three and a half hours each way.
Tips
Book early in summer and fall, dress in layers, bring a hat and water, and expect cinders from the engine in open cars.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors, rail fans and anyone who wants the signature Durango day.
- Families
- Good for kids who can sit for long stretches and love trains; pack snacks and games.
- Couples
- A romantic, scenic day with a sit-down lunch in Silverton during the layover.
- Pair with
- A Main Avenue dinner and an evening soak at a hot spring.
- Time needed
- A full day, from morning departure to late-afternoon return.
Good questions
How long is the train ride to Silverton?+
Roughly three and a half hours each way on a standard run, with time in Silverton between legs.
Is the train a steam locomotive?+
Yes. The line runs coal-fired steam locomotives and vintage cars on the original 1880s route, though a diesel may stand in occasionally.
Does the train run in winter?+
A shorter winter service usually runs, so check the schedule for your dates before planning around the full route.
What should I wear?+
Layers. Durango can be warm while Silverton at 9,300 feet is cool and breezy, and open cars bring cinders.
Where does the train leave from?+
The historic depot on Main Avenue in downtown Durango, within walking distance of many hotels.