Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum

The Basics

The Narrow Gauge Railroad was originally constructed in 1882 to haul gold and silver ore between the mining town of Silverton and the railroad-built town of Durango. Today, out of the train windows, you will see some of America’s best canyon views as well as former stagecoach lines and mining camps. Local wildlife including deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and even the occasional black bear, often make an appearance. Train tracks line the beautiful Animas River, which can be an added visit for a scenic railroad and rafting trip. You can do a 9-hour round-trip train tour, which stops in Silverton for lunch, though many visitors opt for the Skyway Tour to ride the train one way and catch a bus tour the other way for a different perspective of the mountains. Standard, deluxe, first- class, and presidential- class train tickets are available. All are best booked in advance.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tours depart from either Durango or Silverton. The train ride takes around 3.5 hours one way, while the bus ride is much shorter.

• There is one wheelchair-accessible car on the train.

• Pro tip: Hand-pick your seats in advance to ensure you’re on the side of the train with the best views.

How to Get There

Durango and SiIverton are in southwest Colorado, about a 6-hour drive from Denver. Durango is near the Four Corners, where the borders of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. There is a small airport in Durango as well.

When to Get There

The train runs year-round but has some route changes based on the season. There are also themed rides throughout the year, such as the Polar Express or Full Moon Ghost Crawl. Sunshine covers the area around 300 days a year, but check local weather before planning your journey.

Off the Rails and onto the Trails

Another way to experience the mountainous landscape around the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is by 4x4 tour. With waterfalls, rugged peaks, and quiet trails to discover, you’ll see even more of the San Juan National Forest this way. If you’re sticking to the train, the 5-hour journey to Cascade Canyon is another great way to get off the beaten path (trains run November to May).

Ways to explore

Plan a full day to ride this narrow-gauge railroad, originally constructed in 1882. The trip is 7 hours round-trip from Durango, plus you’ll have 2 hours to spend in Silverton—which still appears to pop out of the 19th century. Along the way, you’ll see some of America’s best canyon views, as well as former stagecoach lines and mining camps. Standard, deluxe, first-class, and presidential-class train tickets are available. All are best booked in advance.

The train tracks line the thundering Animas River, and the train is the second-best way to see it. The other, of course, is a rafting tour—kayaking beneath the train is quite the experience, too.

Accessibility

There is one train car that’s wheelchair accessible, with lift service and an accessible restroom—be sure to call ahead and request this when booking. For standard train cars, passengers need to go up a few narrow steps to board.

Age limits

Up to parental discretion

What to pack

Snacks, water, sun protection, camera

What to wear

Layered clothing—Silverton is considerably higher in elevation, and the open observation train car gets chilly.

Not allowed

Smoking, firearms, bringing your own alcohol on board, emotional-support animals

Amenities

Restrooms, open observation car, concessions, maps for purchase

Address

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum is right on Main Avenue in downtown Durango, Colorado. There are plenty of ways to get there.

Driving

The railroad/museum is easy enough to find—it’s one of the main attractions of Durango—but the parking lot is about a block away. When you book your tickets you’ll have the option to purchase parking tickets at the same time; that gives you access to the lot, which is on College Drive, behind the McDonald’s. Parking tickets can also be purchased with cash at the lot.

Public transportation

Durango has two main public transit system options: buses (called "The Lift") and trolleys. The historic Durango Trolley runs along Main Avenue with impressive regularity throughout the day. You could also nab a taxi or rideshare, or simply walk from a downtown hotel like the historic Strater.

Best times to visit

The railroad offers different experiences throughout the day, including the 5-hour-plus Cascade Canyon Express excursion that’s great for late risers or those who prefer a shorter trip.

Best days to visit

Midweek can be an easier time to nab tickets, but it’s more about season than anything.

Best months to visit

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs year-round, offering different seasonal experiences. The most popular months are summer (June–August) and mid-September into October, when the aspens turn gorgeous shades of gold.

Special events

The railroad hosts a number of special events, so check the calendar in advance. Look out for the Polar Express Train Ride in the winter, various “Brew Trains” throughout the year, “Wine & Rails,” and more.