A National Historic Landmark operating since 1882, this steam-powered narrow gauge railroad runs 45 miles through the spectacular San Juan Mountains from Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. The journey through inaccessible wilderness is one of Colorado's most memorable experiences.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates one of the most celebrated heritage railway journeys in North America, traversing 45.4 miles of mountain terrain between Durango and the historic silver-mining town of Silverton through wilderness accessible by no other surface means. The line was constructed by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad and opened in 1882 to carry silver ore from the San Juan Mountains to the smelters in Durango. Commercial silver mining has long since ended, but the railway continues to operate in private hands as a National Historic Landmark, with the same coal-fired narrow gauge steam locomotives that served the original mining economy.
Coal-fired steam engines pull consists of vintage coaches from the Durango depot on Main Avenue beginning in the early morning. The 3-foot gauge trackway climbs from Durango at 6,512 feet to Silverton at 9,318 feet, gaining elevation through the Animas River Gorge. The most spectacular section occurs through the Animas Canyon, where the track clings to narrow ledges cut into sheer walls of Precambrian sandstone and granite hundreds of feet above the churning river. Rock walls rise steeply above the train while the river races far below — a perspective on mountain topography impossible to experience any other way.
The journey to Silverton takes approximately 3.5 hours each way, with passengers spending 2 hours in Silverton before the return train departs. Silverton, itself a National Historic Landmark, preserves much of its Victorian-era commercial streetscape. The town has approximately 600 year-round residents and offers restaurants and shops serving the daily summer train passengers. The Mayflower Gold Mill, a short distance from the Silverton depot and offering public tours, provides direct context for the mining history that created the railway.
Rolling stock includes enclosed Victorian-era coaches, open gondola cars, and first-class Parlor Cars with table service and premium viewing windows. The gondola cars offer the most direct experience of the canyon environment but expose passengers to coal smoke and weather. Charter and private cars are available for groups. Visitors who prefer not to ride both ways can arrange a one-way ticket and return by bus.
Good to know
- Hours
- Departures 8:15AM-9:15AM daily (May-October)
- Best time
- Morning departure
- Best for
- families, history enthusiasts, photographers, train lovers
Location
479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
37.2753, -107.8801 View on map
Highlights
- Coal-fired narrow gauge steam locomotives on a National Historic Landmark route operating continuously since 1882
- Animas Canyon passage — the train clings to sheer canyon ledges hundreds of feet above the Animas River with no road access
- 3.5-hour journey each way through otherwise inaccessible San Juan Mountain wilderness to historic Silverton
- Open gondola cars offering unobstructed canyon views alongside enclosed Victorian coaches and first-class Parlor Cars
- Silverton — a National Historic Landmark town with Victorian streetscape serving as the destination and turnaround
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets weeks or months in advance for summer
- The open-air gondola cars offer the best views
- Consider a one-way ticket and return by bus for variety
When to visit
Late September offers the single most spectacular train journey — the full-color aspen foliage in the Animas River drainage creates a golden tunnel effect along much of the route, and temperatures in Silverton at 9,318 feet are cool but comfortable. Late May and early June bring spring wildflowers with manageable crowds. Peak summer (July-August) brings the largest passenger volumes and the most advance booking pressure.
Accessibility
The Durango depot is accessible at street level. Some enclosed coach cars have accessible seating; contact the railroad in advance to confirm availability and boarding assistance for visitors using wheelchairs. The open gondola cars and Parlor Cars present boarding challenges for wheelchair users. Silverton depot is accessible. The Mayflower Gold Mill tour site involves steps and uneven terrain.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should tickets be booked?
Summer departures (June through August) frequently sell out weeks or months in advance, particularly for specific car classes including the open gondola cars and Parlor Cars. Late May and September departures have more availability. Booking through the railroad's official ticketing system as early as possible is strongly recommended for summer travel.
Is the full round trip necessary, or can visitors do a one-way trip?
A one-way ticket to Silverton is available, with return via a connecting bus service. This option allows spending more time in Silverton without the full 3.5-hour return train ride. The round-trip train experience is recommended for first-time visitors as the canyon scenery is equally dramatic in both directions.
What should passengers know about the open gondola cars?
Open gondola cars offer the most direct views and the most atmospheric experience, but passengers should expect coal soot deposits on clothing and skin during the journey, and should dress for weather conditions at mountain elevation. Closed coaches are more comfortable in rain or cold but limit the panoramic experience. Layering and bringing disposable or dark clothing for gondola travel is practical advice.