Information
Landmark: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge RailroadCity: Durango
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, USA Colorado, North America
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers a rather timeless journey via rugged southwestern Colorado's San Juan Mountains with immense historical significance.
This narrow gauge steam railroad originally built in 1882 transported silver and gold ore from mining town Silverton down to rail connections in Durango.
It functions nowadays as premier tourist draw preserving spirit and 19th-century American West engineering feats remarkably well in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Denver & Rio Grande Railway built railroad amidst Colorado's mining frenzy fostering regional growth by shipping precious minerals through treacherous mountains.
Line stretches roughly 45 miles down Animas River Gorge showcasing feats like precipitous grades tight curves and hella trestle bridges.
Railroad survived remarkably until preservation as heritage railway in 20th century despite floods avalanches and decline of major mining operations.
Preservation efforts began mid-20th century transforming railroad into sprawling museum with operational steam locomotives and meticulously restored historic passenger cars.
D&SNGRR remains one of few narrow gauge steam railroads still extant in U.
S.
listed on National Register of Historic Places.
Train route winds slowly from Durango a quaint mountain town steeped in rustic charm and faded grandeur down towards Silverton.
Journey takes around 9 hours round-trip winding precariously through spectacular wilderness with dramatic views of Animas River deep beneath towering cliffs.
Breathtaking views unfold along Animas River Gorge where classic wooden trestles repeatedly bridge railway route and river in spectacular fashion.
High Bridge sits remarkably high above river waters offering dramatically picturesque views and becomes favorite snap for shutterbugs.
Horseshoe Curve is a renowned feat of engineering where track twists into a sharp horseshoe shape gaining considerable elevation rapidly through rugged terrain.
Remnants of 19th-century mining camps including tunnels and ghost towns are visible from train adding historical context quietly.
Passengers get immersed in rugged Colorado natural beauty with opportunities spotting deer mountain goats birds and other wildlife along way.
Vintage steam locomotives and historic passenger cars meticulously restored over time operate under the railroad's careful maintenance and supervision nowadays.
Coal-fired steam engines over a century old still churn away maintaining authentic operational procedures and emitting eerily familiar loud sounds.
Travelers have various service class options including Standard Class Coach which boasts spacious open-air or enclosed seating arrangements somehow providing fantastic views and relaxed ambiance.
First Class offers enhanced comfort with oversized seats and indoor dining onboard while granting access to super swanky exclusive airport lounges.
Presidential Class boasts ultra luxe amenities onboard a private car with gourmet grub and ridiculously attentive personalized service.
Trains often feature narration by erudite guides sharing fascinating tales about railroad history and surrounding landscape with vivid descriptions.
Passengers can luxuriate in open-air cars surrounded by utterly breathtaking scenery and fresh crisp mountain air simultaneously.
Railroad operates unique winter excursions called Cascade Canyon Winter Train during off-peak months from December through April quite irregularly every year.
Winter trips unfold magically across snow-covered terrain often featuring quirky holiday events and super special programs for thrill seekers everywhere.
Passengers can travel by train from Durango and back on deluxe motorcoach along San Juan Skyway maximizing time in picturesque Silverton.
Themed events and packages feature wine tastings murder mystery dinners and adventure combo tours pairing train travel with jeep excursions or rafting trips vigorously.
Durango & Silverton Railroad runs two museums showcasing its rich heritage mainly in downtown Durango with various exhibits.<br>Museums preserve and share history of steam locomotives and regional mining quite extensively at Durango Depot.<br>Heritage of the railroad is interpreted through exhibits on technology and culture mainly at two dedicated museums.<br>Regional culture and mining history are displayed at Durango Depot Museum with quite extensive exhibits on steam locomotive tech.
Silverton Depot Museum showcases a hodgepodge of relics pertaining mostly to railroad operations and Silverton's rich tumultuous mining history somewhat obscurely.
Both museums offer interactive displays and memorabilia that profoundly deepen understanding of railroad's impact on region quite remarkably.
Main boarding station resides at 479 Main Avenue pretty much in downtown Durango Colorado.
Regular excursions typically kick off in early May and wrap up by early November most years and winter trips happen from November through January.
Approximately nine hours elapses during full round-trip journey from Durango and back again via Silverton.
Reservations are highly recommended during peak tourist seasons owing largely to very limited seating availability normally.
Railroad accommodations exist for passengers having various disabilities and advance notice should be given pretty much always beforehand.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad embodies vibrant cultural significance somehow linking modern travelers with pioneering fervor and industrial prowess of Colorado's bygone mining epoch.
It bolsters local economy by drawing throngs of tourists to Durango and Silverton fostering deep appreciation for historic sites and outdoor escapades in San Juan Mountains.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad weaves spectacular scenery with authentic steam operations and rich historical context into an unforgettable experience honoring legacy of American West.
This narrow gauge steam railroad originally built in 1882 transported silver and gold ore from mining town Silverton down to rail connections in Durango.
It functions nowadays as premier tourist draw preserving spirit and 19th-century American West engineering feats remarkably well in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Denver & Rio Grande Railway built railroad amidst Colorado's mining frenzy fostering regional growth by shipping precious minerals through treacherous mountains.
Line stretches roughly 45 miles down Animas River Gorge showcasing feats like precipitous grades tight curves and hella trestle bridges.
Railroad survived remarkably until preservation as heritage railway in 20th century despite floods avalanches and decline of major mining operations.
Preservation efforts began mid-20th century transforming railroad into sprawling museum with operational steam locomotives and meticulously restored historic passenger cars.
D&SNGRR remains one of few narrow gauge steam railroads still extant in U.
S.
listed on National Register of Historic Places.
Train route winds slowly from Durango a quaint mountain town steeped in rustic charm and faded grandeur down towards Silverton.
Journey takes around 9 hours round-trip winding precariously through spectacular wilderness with dramatic views of Animas River deep beneath towering cliffs.
Breathtaking views unfold along Animas River Gorge where classic wooden trestles repeatedly bridge railway route and river in spectacular fashion.
High Bridge sits remarkably high above river waters offering dramatically picturesque views and becomes favorite snap for shutterbugs.
Horseshoe Curve is a renowned feat of engineering where track twists into a sharp horseshoe shape gaining considerable elevation rapidly through rugged terrain.
Remnants of 19th-century mining camps including tunnels and ghost towns are visible from train adding historical context quietly.
Passengers get immersed in rugged Colorado natural beauty with opportunities spotting deer mountain goats birds and other wildlife along way.
Vintage steam locomotives and historic passenger cars meticulously restored over time operate under the railroad's careful maintenance and supervision nowadays.
Coal-fired steam engines over a century old still churn away maintaining authentic operational procedures and emitting eerily familiar loud sounds.
Travelers have various service class options including Standard Class Coach which boasts spacious open-air or enclosed seating arrangements somehow providing fantastic views and relaxed ambiance.
First Class offers enhanced comfort with oversized seats and indoor dining onboard while granting access to super swanky exclusive airport lounges.
Presidential Class boasts ultra luxe amenities onboard a private car with gourmet grub and ridiculously attentive personalized service.
Trains often feature narration by erudite guides sharing fascinating tales about railroad history and surrounding landscape with vivid descriptions.
Passengers can luxuriate in open-air cars surrounded by utterly breathtaking scenery and fresh crisp mountain air simultaneously.
Railroad operates unique winter excursions called Cascade Canyon Winter Train during off-peak months from December through April quite irregularly every year.
Winter trips unfold magically across snow-covered terrain often featuring quirky holiday events and super special programs for thrill seekers everywhere.
Passengers can travel by train from Durango and back on deluxe motorcoach along San Juan Skyway maximizing time in picturesque Silverton.
Themed events and packages feature wine tastings murder mystery dinners and adventure combo tours pairing train travel with jeep excursions or rafting trips vigorously.
Durango & Silverton Railroad runs two museums showcasing its rich heritage mainly in downtown Durango with various exhibits.<br>Museums preserve and share history of steam locomotives and regional mining quite extensively at Durango Depot.<br>Heritage of the railroad is interpreted through exhibits on technology and culture mainly at two dedicated museums.<br>Regional culture and mining history are displayed at Durango Depot Museum with quite extensive exhibits on steam locomotive tech.
Silverton Depot Museum showcases a hodgepodge of relics pertaining mostly to railroad operations and Silverton's rich tumultuous mining history somewhat obscurely.
Both museums offer interactive displays and memorabilia that profoundly deepen understanding of railroad's impact on region quite remarkably.
Main boarding station resides at 479 Main Avenue pretty much in downtown Durango Colorado.
Regular excursions typically kick off in early May and wrap up by early November most years and winter trips happen from November through January.
Approximately nine hours elapses during full round-trip journey from Durango and back again via Silverton.
Reservations are highly recommended during peak tourist seasons owing largely to very limited seating availability normally.
Railroad accommodations exist for passengers having various disabilities and advance notice should be given pretty much always beforehand.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad embodies vibrant cultural significance somehow linking modern travelers with pioneering fervor and industrial prowess of Colorado's bygone mining epoch.
It bolsters local economy by drawing throngs of tourists to Durango and Silverton fostering deep appreciation for historic sites and outdoor escapades in San Juan Mountains.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad weaves spectacular scenery with authentic steam operations and rich historical context into an unforgettable experience honoring legacy of American West.
