Durango to Silverton, Colorado
Durango to Silverton Train Guide
Tickets, car choices, Silverton layover timing, and the weekend decision: round trip, bus return, or overnight in the San Juans.
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.
45 Miles
One-way distance from Durango to Silverton through the San Juan Mountains
3.5 Hours
Each way — most passengers do a round trip (7–8 hrs) or overnight in Silverton
Since 1882
Operating continuously — a National Historic Landmark and engineering marvel
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. A small but passionate group of rail historians and local boosters fought to keep it running as a tourist attraction. It worked: the D&SNGRR was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and has operated continuously since. The original coal-fired Baldwin steam locomotives, the narrow 36-inch gauge track, the breathtaking canyon — these weren't retrofits for tourists. This is exactly how it was in 1882.
Choose the railroad version first
Match the train plan to the rest of the Durango weekend
Round trip in one long day
Best when the ride itself is the reason for the trip. Keep dinner in Durango flexible because the day is already full before you add a big evening plan.
Find Durango dinner ideas →Train up, bus back
Best when the canyon ride matters more than repeating the tracks. The faster return creates a little more room for Silverton streets, a brewery stop, or an easier Durango evening.
Round out the Durango day →Overnight in Silverton
Best when the San Juan scenery is the point. Sleep in Silverton, see the town after the train crowd leaves, then bring the route back into a broader Durango/Silverton weekend.
Compare Silverton stays →Choosing Your Trip
Round Trip (Most Popular)
Depart Durango, arrive Silverton, spend 2 hours exploring, return to Durango. Full day: approximately 8–9 hours. Best for those who want the complete experience in one day.
One-Way + Bus Return
Take the train to Silverton, spend more time there, and return by bus. Good if Silverton time matters more than the return ride. The bus is faster (1.5 hours vs 3.5).
Overnight in Silverton
Stay a night in Silverton, catch the train back the next morning. The locals' recommendation — you get the town after the day-trippers leave and a peaceful return journey. Book Silverton lodging early.
Which Car to Book
For best views heading to Silverton: sit on the right side of the train. Coming back: the left side. Open-air gondola cars offer the best photography but it's cold and sometimes smoky. Enclosed coaches are more comfortable.
Your Time in Silverton
Round-trip passengers get approximately 2 hours in Silverton before the return train departs. That's enough for the highlights — but not everything. Here's what matters most:
Greene Street
Silverton's main commercial strip — almost entirely preserved from the mining era. Walk it end to end. The entire town is basically a living museum.
Where to Eat
Avalanche Brewing (great burgers and local beer), Handlebars Food & Saloon (historic bar, big portions), or Canteen Taproom for something quicker.
San Juan County Historical Museum
Even 20 minutes here gives remarkable context to the town you're walking through. Small entry fee, huge payoff.
The Mine Tailings
The orange-tinted landscape around Silverton is the legacy of more than a century of hard-rock mining. The colors are striking and the scale is sobering.
Don't Miss the Train
The train will leave without you. No exceptions. Set an alarm 30 minutes before departure and know where the depot is.
The View From Town
Silverton sits in a bowl surrounded by peaks on all sides. Walk to the edge of the residential area and look up. You're at 9,318 feet; the peaks around you reach 13,000+.
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.
- →No refunds. The railroad operates a strict no-refund policy. If plans change, you may be able to reschedule (fees apply). Travel insurance is worth considering.
- →Needleton stop: Backpackers can disembark at Needleton to access Chicago Basin and four 14ers. Book as a one-way with no return reservation.
- →Parking: Free parking at the Durango depot lot. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
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.
The winter train experience is beloved by locals — the canyon in winter is quieter, more dramatic, and uncrowded. Snow clings to the canyon walls. The steam plume from the locomotive stands out against a cold blue sky. No crowds, no line for the gondola car. The Cascade route runs holiday trains, Polar Express-style trains for families, and regular winter excursion trains. Check the official schedule for dates and availability.
The Destination
Explore Silverton
The train's endpoint is one of Colorado's most remarkable towns — a remote, perfectly preserved silver mining village at 9,300 feet in the San Juan Mountains.
Visit Silverton →Train-day choices
Pick full Silverton run, winter canyon train, or Durango-first rail flavor
Full Silverton run
Best when the long ride and mountain-town endpoint are the main event. Protect the whole day and do not overschedule dinner.
Winter canyon train
Use the shorter cold-season route when scenery, snow, and a calmer schedule matter more than reaching Silverton.
Durango-first
If town, food, and lodging are the real anchor, treat the railroad as one strong block instead of the entire weekend.
What to Bring
Lined Journal Notebook for Women Men,256 Pages A5 Hardc…
Osprey Sportlite 20L Unisex Hiking Backpack, Dark Charc…
Bushnell H2O Xtreme Binoculars_FullyMultiCoated_Waterpr…
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket Cha…
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight 7075 Aluminum H…
The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition (Colorado Mountain Clu…
More national park day pack guide picks on Second Star Guide →
Narrow Gauge Railroad FAQ
What first-time riders usually want to know about the Durango train.
01Is the train ride basically a full-day activity?+
Yes for most itineraries. Between boarding, the ride itself, time in Silverton, and the return or shuttle plan, it makes sense to treat the railroad as one of the main events of the day.
02What type of car is best for scenic views?+
Open-air and open-window cars are great for photos and immersion, while enclosed cars can be more comfortable in colder or unsettled weather. The right choice depends on season and priorities.
03Should I book the train as a round trip, bus return, or overnight?+
Round trip is best when the train ride itself is the main event. Bus return gives you more Silverton time and a shorter travel day. Overnight in Silverton is best when the San Juan scenery matters more than fitting everything into one Durango day.
04Can I combine the train with Mesa Verde or rafting on the same day?+
Not comfortably. Treat the railroad as the anchor for that day, then use Mesa Verde, rafting, biking, or Purgatory as a separate big day. Durango works better when each major outing has its own buffer.
Book related experiences
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Durango and Silverton train experiences
Browse options for the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and related train-trip experiences.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pair these guides with your Durango plans so the next step is easy.
More things to do in Durango
Round out this trip with more attractions, tours, and local experiences.
Where to stay in Durango
Choose where to stay before the rest of the itinerary starts to harden.
Restaurants in Durango
Plan food stops so the best parts of the day do not turn into last-minute searches.
Getting to Durango
Dial in airports, drive time, parking, and arrival logistics before you go.
Before you go
Official sources to check before you go
Use these official and public sources to confirm the details that change: hours, maps, tickets, reservations, road access, weather, and seasonal timing.
