Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

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.

The journey takes 3.5 hours each way. What you'll see along the route:

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 the outskirts of 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 in every direction.
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 carrying passengers and general freight.

By the 1950s, the railroad was again facing extinction. Highways had replaced rail freight, and the line was almost shut down for good. 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, making it one of the oldest continuously operated steam railroads in the country.

The secret to its survival is that it never stopped being remarkable. 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.

Choosing Your Trip

Round Trip (Most Popular)

Depart Durango, arrive Silverton, spend 2 hours exploring, return to Durango. Full day: approximately 8–9 hours total. 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 option if Silverton time is more important to you than the return train 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. This is the locals' recommendation — you get the town after the day-trippers leave, the mountains at sunset, and a slower return journey. Book Silverton lodging early.

Which Car to Book

For best views heading to Silverton: sit on the right side of the train (you'll be closest to the canyon wall and river). 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; premium parlor cars add a historic-luxury touch.

Your Time in Silverton

Round-trip passengers get approximately 2 hours in Silverton before the return train departs. That's enough time to walk the main street, grab lunch, and see the highlights — but not enough to do 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 if you're short on time.

The San Juan County Historical Museum

If you have even 20 minutes, the historical museum gives remarkable context to the town you're walking through. Small entry fee, huge payoff in understanding.

The Mine Tailings

The orange-tinted landscape around Silverton isn't natural — it's 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 make sure you know where the depot is (it's hard to miss, but in a fun, historic-saloon-town kind of way, Silverton is distracting).

The View From Town

Silverton sits in a bowl surrounded by peaks on all sides. Walk to the edge of the residential area and just look up. You're at 9,318 feet; the peaks around you reach 13,000+. It's one of the most dramatic town settings in Colorado.

Practical Tips

→Book months in advance. Summer weekends, fall foliage weeks, and holidays sell out months ahead. Don't assume availability. 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 not metaphorical — there's a timetable and it's kept.
→What to wear: Even in summer, the open-air gondola cars are cold above 8,000 feet. Bring a fleece or jacket. Also: the steam engine produces soot and cinders that can land on you and your clothes. Wear something you don't mind getting a little dirty. Goggles for sensitive eyes aren't overkill.
→No refunds. The railroad operates a strict no-refund policy. If your 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 only operates from late April through late October — high mountain passes and weather make the complete journey impractical in winter. But the railroad doesn't go dormant. The Cascade Canyon Winter Train runs on selected dates from November through early April, traveling about 26 miles into the canyon before turning around at the Cascade Canyon wye.

The winter train experience is genuinely different — and beloved by locals for that reason. 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. There are no crowds, no line for the gondola car, and a distinct sense that you're seeing something real rather than something packaged for tourists.

The Cascade route is shorter (roughly 3.5–4 hours total) and operates 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 →