The Skyway Tour option saves time & rewards you with equally as stunning views on the bus ride back along the San Juan Byway. Magazine. The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. Gondolas 403405 were built for the 1967 season on The Silverton. This is our third time taking the train. Anyone done this? Beautiful colors on the way to Silverton on October 25, 2012, On the Highline above the Animas Canyon on October 25, 2012, Along the Animas River to Silverton on October 25, 2012, Approaching Silverton on October 25, 2012, The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad currently operates over 50 pieces of rolling stock. So, hop aboard and relive the Golden Age on our railroad, A National Historic Landmark thats truly a unique experience for all. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. It has room for 11 passengers. Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and WeatherKit.org, Addiction has found its way to Southwest Colorado; robust treatment services have not, Leaving friends, family and community for treatment is hard, but some have little choice, Durango Transit to expand U.S. Highway 160 west route to Crestview neighborhood, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. The Durango area boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. I think I had higher expectations because we have previously done the Leadville train. See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. 2023 Durango Train Schedule. Despite popular belief that the railroad does not doublehead trains out of Durango because of smoke, the real reason is the weight restriction on the bridge at 15th Street, not allowing more than one K-36 at a time (K-28 class engines, however, are still doubleheaded from Durango). In 2009 it became a family upscale coach. The 480 series, or "K-36" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for the D&RGW. The Durango and Silverton Railroad takes commuters through Colorado's San Juan National Forest. My wife loved hearing the train whistle. If youre driving in Colorado, you can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportations Web site at COTrip.org Though there are no longer any operating mines, the mining legacy pervades every aspect of the town, as a visit will show. 493 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. View the Round trip schedule & fares. Once there, you'll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. No matter where you are riding on the train, the views of the Colorado back country are always truly stunning. It is truly an unforgettable step back in time. Both cars were built as general passenger cars to help with the increase in passengers. It was renumbered 350 in 1959. Ergonomically, the engines are less comfortable than the others as well, with the crew seats being farther back from the backhead and the engineer having to lean forward constantly to adjust the throttle and use the sanders. We really enjoyed the River at the Cascade Canyon stop where we packed a lunch. Caboose No. 18 later arrived to Durango on lease from the Eastern California Museum in November, 2018 and it stayed until October, 2019. McCall.[26]. No. The D&SNGRR travels 45.4 miles each way along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton during our summer season May through October. 481 is operational and is the only remaining active coal burner left on the D&SNGs roster. As the train turns around. There are many ways you can experience the Durango train. The Durango Train is a must-do when visiting town. It depicts a narrow-gauge railroad similar to the D&RGW. [19] They were built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works[20] of the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York in 1923. 6 hour trip reasonable priced, oil fired steam engine still authentic (coal sends out too much ash , could ignite ground fire)). The town is the best, there are festivals, parties, and everyone is accepted. The workforce grew with the railroad, and Durango's tourist image expanded as new businesses and revamping of the old railroad town continued to take shape. We rode in the open Gondola train, so we would not miss anything but the last half hour a storm rolled in and it rained. The train ride seemed long to me at 3-1/2 hours and ending up in Silverton for 2 hours which is a small town without much flair or things to do. Enjoy a full day on the train with a 9 hour round-trip experience beginning with a 3.5 hour journey from Durango to Silverton. The seats on the train (in the car with the glass top) reversed so we always were able to sit going forward. It has a hydraulic lift for passengers in wheelchairs. [17] In March, 2020, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country severely affected the US. | Arrive Durango. The first 18 miles to Rockwood were completed by late November. In June, 2018, the railroad shut down for several weeks due to a wildfire, named the "416 Fire",[12] which was fought by two air tankers, six helicopters and some 400 firefighters on the ground. Be sure to watch for a glimpse of the wildlife that, although often elusive to train travelers, abounds in the area. A typical trip uses around 35 short tons (2.684.46 long tons; 2.724.54t) on the way up to Silverton and another 12 short tons (0.891.79 long tons; 0.911.81t) on the return to Durango. The coach indoor was pretty warm on a summer day, the scenery was minimal for the majority of the trip. The railbus hauled hikers and fishermen into the canyon from Rockwood. 257 Shenandoah, built in 1880, originally numbered 267 until sold to the, 503 Crazy Woman Creek, acquired in 2019. Built by the D&RG in 1887, it had clerestory roof and bullnose ends. I called to see how people managed and was told that people who booked the one-way trip had someone who was not taking . After arriving in Denver, he formulated a plan to build a 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge railroad southward from Denver to El Paso, Texas[5] (see Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad). Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Steam and diesel excursions available on select dates through May 6, 2022. The Durango train chugs slowly out of the station and you gaze out of the window as the tranquil mountain scenery goes by. Make sure to check out our deals for kids, seniors, military and frequent riders before booking and special discounts on select departures. We came to Durango just for the Train Ride. All locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition. See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. It runs daily during the summer. The General Palmer was built in 1880 as a business car for the D&RG. In 1958 the 42 was sold to Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Golden, Colorado, where it was converted to burn fuel oil and operated for a short time. Due to COVID, the trips are being offered without the bus transportation there or back. Guests are encouraged to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. We experience the iconic Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge and all of the Animas River Gorge including all of the spectacular views from the High Line. It was acquired by the D&SNG in 1982. The 470 series, or "K-28" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for freight service along the D&RG. Given the fire risk from coal cinder-sparked wildfires, the railroad's owner plans to invest several million dollars to replace coal-power with oil-power for its steam locomotives and has acquired two new narrow-gauge diesel locomotives. The last point of highway access between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. The scenery is majestic (especially if you sit on the right side of the train) with the train going around cliffs with tracks very close to the edge. In 1983 it was purchased from the. 1991, the railroad's own track was featured in a, This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 17:31. Sunday, Apr 30, 2023 4:15 AM. Prospector: January 8 - April 3, April 24 - May 6Red Mountain: March 4 - May 6Cinco Animas: January 8 - January 30Knight Sky: January 1 - April 23Yankee Girl: January 1 - February 27, April 9 - May 6Alamosa: February 5 - May 6. Votes are . From early May through October, the railroad transports passengers to and from Silverton, a visit thats like stepping back in time to the days of the Wild West and when gold and silver mining in the area was at its zenith. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. When we checked in, we were assigned to a specific rail car that we could board 15 minutes before our departure. 315. 499 was traded to the Royal Gorge Park in May, 1999 and is placed on display. Because of its popularity, there has been speculation that the D&RGW destroyed it on purpose to drive revenue down so they could abandon the line from Silverton to Antonito. This railway is truly stunning throughout the year and will offer you a beautiful scenic journey during any season. [citation needed] No. Daily excursions run from May through October with departures from both Durango and Silverton. The train operates on different schedules seasonally and sometimes there are even exciting events taking place on board or in Silverton. The train journey offers incredible scenic views such as Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and all of the Animas River Gorge giving you an unforgettable Rocky Mountains experience. Secluded in a mountain valley at an elevation of 9,318 feet, Silverton came into existence because of the rich treasures that the surrounding mountains hold. Cost of ticket for Durango to Silverton train ride, We did the regular ticket and it was about $50 per person, Difference between steam and diesel trains, Not a big difference in riding experience. For this reason, the D&SNG traded #497 to the C&TSRR in exchange for K-36 class #482. I recommend opting for a higher price package if you go as the coach was nothing better than a school bus on tracks. Children under the age of 4 not occupying a seat ride for free with the exception of some special events. We took the train ride to Silverton and then the bus back to Durango. 119 was built in 1882. Half the roundhouse is used for the steam engines and the other half is for the museum. We arrived at the Rockwood Station around 8:30 and were surprised by how many people were already there. There is an HO train layout in the museum. That train is also an option in the summer, but most folks do Durango to Silverton and back - that's almost 9 hours total including almost 2 hours . Annual snowslides and several major floods on the branch would only continue to challenge the railroad's ability to survive. #493 ran under its own power for the first time on January 24, 2020, and has been the D&SNG's primary piece of motive power throughout 2020 and 2021. Thank you! Built in the winter of 19871988, the Rio Grande was originally railbus trailer 1002 and was painted red. "K-36" and "K-37" class locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition, and these larger classes of engines operated to Silverton for the first time ever following bridge and right-of-way improvements to the line. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing, Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose #5 Excursions, K-28 100th Anniversary Fall Photo Special, Ghost Crawl: Haunted Durango Train Museum Experience, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. 473 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. 18 is a narrow-gauge 4-6-0 "Ten Wheeler" type locomotive built in 1911 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. The Yellow Carrot. [citation needed], The observation car on the Silverton route in 1951. 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And have dinner at the luxurious Strater Hotel, which will make your trip even better. On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. Between 1982 and 1985 the D&SNG built Open Observation cars 411 and 412. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. Our Durango and Silverton passenger set comes complete with: 2-8-0 locomotive and tender with operating headlight, open excursion car, old-time combine car, old-time coach car, 47 x 38 oval of snap-fit E-Z track, power pack, and speed controller. 6630, it was rebuilt in 1968 as a baggage car for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. However, plans were cancelled and #493 sat outside the Durango roundhouse with an uncertain future for some time until early 2018, when she was put in the roundhouse for restoration. The trip took us up into the Rocky Mountains with views of the San Juan National Forest as we traveled alongside the beautiful Animas River (the town that I hear is used for the opening scenery of the TV show (The Ranch). These engines are outside- frame Mikados, and all drive wheels have counterbalancing outside of the frame, resulting in the utilitarian look the engines are known for. Currently out of service. *The first class Silver Vista car on the Silverton steam train is available May 21 through September 23, 2022. All fares listed below are subject to an 8% historical preservation fee. Then the D&RGW realized that it was larger than another combination car 212. [4], The improvements to the railroad in the 1980s would prove to be the most dramatic growth on the Silverton Branch since the earlier part of the century. It runs daily throughout the summer. Engines pose less fire danger than coal-burning counterparts. With the high elevation and brilliant sunshine,we recommend youhave a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen handy. The schedule for the Animas River Railway remained the same. But, the best part was that she kept us all engaged and in stitches most of the time. During all four seasons, the train travels to Cascade Canyon which lies deep in the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. Two departures daily from the Durango Depot: the diesel train departure at 8:00 am; the steam departure at 9:00 am. View the Skyway Tour schedule & fares. Freight Yard Museum in Silverton, October 2012, Freight Yard Museum with the Silverton depot, October 2012. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. The labor crew, made up of mostly Chinese and Irish immigrants, blasted the canyon cliffs off and left a narrow, level shelf to lay the tracks on. 476 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. D&SNG W0473 and D&RG 3543 on display, Silverton, October 2012. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. The original northsouth plans of the D&RG eventually expanded to include extensions throughout the booming mining country of central and southwestern Colorado. 84,641 were here. We are on a cross country trip. On the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad youll have an amazing opportunity to take a journey back in time and experience the sights and sounds of yesteryear. 18 has been a vital resource serving as a helper. Open Observation cars 406409 and 413416 were built between 1982 and 1986, The original Silver Vista was built in 1947 by the D&RGW. So, book a ticket to ride on this historic railway and see some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer! Except for severe weather conditions, the D&SNG runs trains as scheduled. For 141 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest. Browse different rides & seasonal events. It was converted to a coach-snack bar by the D&RGW in 1963 then reconverted in 1979 to a coach. The company is converting a coal train, pictured, to run on oil in order to . Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. Deer, elk, black bear, Bighorn Sheep, mountain lions and moose are sometimes sighted as well as eagles, hawks, osprey, geese, squirrels, marmots and fox. The journey behind a historic engine chugging away traveling through the ruggedly beautiful San Juan National Forest while observing awesome mountain vistas is truly a thrill!