Durango to Silverton Train Guide

One of America's last remaining steam-powered narrow gauge railroads, the D&SNGRR has been hauling passengers through the spectacular Animas River canyon since 1882. It's not just a train ride — it's a journey through living American history.

The Full Journey — What to Expect

The train departs from Durango's historic depot on Main Avenue and immediately begins climbing through the Animas River valley. For much of the 45-mile route, the narrow gauge tracks cling to sheer cliff faces above the river gorge, climbing 2,968 feet in elevation from Durango (6,512 ft) to Silverton (9,318 ft). There are no roads accessing this wilderness corridor — the only way into the heart of the Animas Canyon is by train.

• Miles 0–10:The train climbs out of Durango through the lower Animas River valley. Broad views of the canyon open up as you leave town.
• Miles 10–30:The Animas Canyon narrows dramatically. The tracks hang hundreds of feet above the river. Waterfalls spill from cliff faces. No roads, no buildings — just wilderness.
• Miles 30–45:The canyon opens back up as you approach Silverton. The surrounding peaks — many over 13,000 feet — close in. The sense of arrival at a remote mountain outpost is visceral.

The fall foliage season (late September–mid October) is arguably the most spectacular time to ride — aspen groves along the canyon turn blazing gold against the dark green spruce and the red canyon walls.

History — Why This Railroad Still Exists

The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad completed the Durango–Silverton line in 1882, built to haul silver ore from the mines around Silverton down to the smelters in Durango. At its peak, the line ran multiple trains daily in both directions, carrying millions of dollars in silver and gold. When silver prices collapsed in the early 1890s, most mountain railroads folded. This one survived — barely — by shifting to passengers and general freight.

By the 1950s, the railroad was again facing extinction. Preservation and passenger travel kept the route operating. Historic Baldwin steam locomotives still pull trains on the 36-inch-gauge line, with operating practices and fuel systems updated over time. The machinery and canyon route are historic; the current schedule, cars, and policies are not frozen in 1882.

Practical Tips

• →Book months in advance. Summer weekends, fall foliage weeks, and holidays sell out months ahead. Book at durangotrain.com as soon as your dates are set.
• →Arrive 30 minutes early. The depot gets busy; boarding takes time. Latecomers miss the train — it's a real timetable and it's kept.
• →What to wear: Even in summer, open-air gondola cars are cold above 8,000 feet. Bring a fleece or jacket. The steam engine produces soot — wear something you don't mind getting a little dirty.
• →Read the fare conditions. Cancellation, change, and weather policies vary by fare and trip. Review the current railroad terms before buying a high-demand departure.
• →Needleton stop: Backpackers use the Needleton wilderness stop for Chicago Basin access, but both drop-off and pickup logistics require the railroad's current backpacker reservation process.
• →Parking: Use the railroad's current Durango parking instructions and fees. Arrive with the buffer shown on the ticket rather than assuming normal downtown parking will work.

Winter Trains — The Cascade Canyon Route

The full Durango-to-Silverton run operates from late April through late October. In winter, the Cascade Canyon Winter Train runs on selected dates November through early April, traveling about 26 miles into the canyon before turning around.

Winter changes the canyon, car-comfort decision, and operating schedule. Snow and cold can be the appeal, but holiday departures may still be busy. The railroad offers seasonal themed and excursion service; check the official schedule, destination, car type, and weather policies for the exact date.