Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
4.3(428)yelp
CanyonMust-SeeScenic LookoutTrain
Overview
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Company, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 miles (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968. The line from Durango to Silverton has run continuously since 1881, although it is now a tourist and heritage line hauling passengers, and is one of the few places in the US which has seen continuous use of steam locomotives.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration5-9 hours
Best TimeMid-September to early October is legendary as the train winds through steep canyons ablaze with shimmering gold foliage. Booking the earliest 8:00 AM or 8:45 AM steam train departure in an open-air gondola car is highly recommended; morning mist over the roaring Animas River combined with historic coal smoke is pure magic.
Getting ThereLocated in the southwestern mountain town of Durango. Drive southwest from Denver via US-285 S and US-160 W for approximately 330 miles to enter Durango's historic core. The train depot is hard to miss at 479 Main Ave, featuring a large dedicated all-day paid parking lot directly behind the historic steam station.
Travel Tips
- This vintage steam line sells out months in advance, especially during the fall foliage peak (September-October). Same-day walk-up ticketing is non-existent; secure your seats online 30 to 60 days early, and strongly opt for the Bus/Train Combo ticket to slice out 3.5 hours of redundant return-track vibrations.
- =【Transit, Parking & Cost Optimization】The primary historic depot is located in downtown Durango (479 Main Ave). The depot lot enforces expensive day rates and strictly bars oversized RVs or long trailer chassis; route extended overlanding platforms to the Durango Transit Center Lot at 209 W 5th St, situated three blocks east.
- Driven by coal-fired locomotives, intense charcoal soot and micro-cinders continually drift back into the open-air Gondola cars. Never wear white or high-end apparel on this rail journey; wearing wrap-around sunglasses or safety goggles is mandatory to block hot airborne cinders from scoring eye corneas.
Reviews
Positive
- Riding an authentic 1882 coal-fired steam train hugging the deep cliffs of the Animas River canyon offers legendary, unmatched views.
- The historic wooden train trim, period conductor uniforms, and puffing steam clouds maximize a magical Old West nostalgia feel.
- The mountain destination of Silverton features unpaved streets and swing-door saloons, with plenty of built-in time to dine and shop.
- The onboard PA commentary is excellent; attendants hand out detailed route guide maps to every row with top-tier service.
Heads up
- Ticket pricing is premium, especially for open-air gondola seating; a family trip cost can equal domestic airfare, hurting its value.
- The ride takes 3.5 hours each way; the full 9-hour day layout on stiff vintage wooden seats leaves your back sore and exhausted.
- Being an authentic coal-burner, heavy soot and cinders drift into open windows, layering clothes and faces in black ash dust.
- The historic train cars completely lack modern HVAC climate control, creating freezing mornings or stuffy, sweltering summer afternoons.