Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

The railroad arrived in Durango (now Durango train) on August 5, 1881, and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882 (amazingly, only 9 months after construction began) the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling freight and passengers. The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized the view was truly precious. This historic train has been in continuous operation for 132 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line.

The Durango Train & Silverton NGRR Tours

Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train

Departs from the Durango Depot and is a 9-hour excursion. Enjoy a leisurely round-trip adventure to yesteryear on board the historic Durango train bound for Silverton. The sightseeing is spectacular along with the route, including travel through Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and the Animas River Gorge. The train has a concessions car with various snacks and drinks for purchase. There is a 2-hour layover (part of the total time) in the historic mining town of Silverton. There is a one-way bus service option as well, in either direction.

Cascade Canyon Express

This is the shortest excursion the Durango & Silverton NGRR train offers but equally as stunning. The Cascade Express is 5.25 hours and perfect for those on a schedule. It travels the same route but turns around at Cascade Canyon about halfway. The train has a concessions car, or you can pre-order a box lunch.

Cascade Canyon Winter Train

Same train but in the winter. Experience the magnificent views of the Animas River and the surrounding snow-covered peaks. Winter train operates from November – May.

Durango Train Tour Packages

The Silverton Silverlight Express
Extended Silverton adventure Express
Silverton Historical Mine Tour

Wilderness Access

The 8:15 am Silverton Train offers a drop-off into the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness for backpacking, day hikes, rafting, and fishing trips during the summer season (May thru October). Reservations required.

Classes of Service

The Durango & Silverton NGRR offers 15 classes of seating, everything from the most exquisite presidential coach car to open-air gondola cars. You will certainly find the comfort level to suit your style.

Presidential Class (Age 21 and over)
First Class
Red Mountain
Yankee Girl
Alamosa Parlor Car
Knight Sky
Prospector
Silver Vista
Deluxe Class
Deluxe Legend
Historic San Juan Coach
Rio Grande Open Observation
Standard Class
Open-Air Gondola
Coach Seating

Durango Train Package Experiences

Consider more than just a train ride. The D&SNGRR makes it possible to combine the area’s activities and destinations.

Hotel Packages

Stay at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton. The historic town of Silverton is truly a step back in time that will enhance your getaway vacation.

Adventure Packages:

Snowmobile tour and a train ride.
Guided ATV tour and a train ride.
Jeep tour and a train ride.
Zipline and a train ride.
Train ride and a raft trip.

Tour Packages

The Silverton Silverlight Express
Extended Silverton adventure Express
Silverton Historical Mine Tour

Signature Events

The D&SNGRR has a long list of seasonal and holiday events. They realize that families, groups or couples enjoy celebrating special times of year together, and the train goes all out to make these experiences as memorable as possible.

Group Sales

Interested in booking a group event? Group sales are available for parties requiring 20 or more seats. Give them a call at 970-385-8875 or contact them.

National Parks Free Entrance Day

Come experience the national parks! On four days in 2018, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

National Parks Free Entrance Day

Come experience the national parks! On four days in 2018, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

Mesa Verde Country

Breathtaking scenic beauty, spectacular National Parks and Monuments, and cultural and historic treasures await you in Mesa Verde Country.

National Parks Free Entrance Day

Come experience the national parks! On four days in 2018, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years. Spectacular cliff dwellings and mesa-top villages were built between 550 to 1300 A.D. Today, Mesa Verde protects almost 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. Visitors may walk, drive, or take a bus tour through the Park. Hiking and climbing ladders in and out of cliff dwellings is an available option, or walk through less rigorous self-guided routes. The suggested visitation time for the Park is two days.

Guided Cliff Dwelling Tours

Ranger-guided cliff dwelling tours are available beginning in April and continuing through October. Tickets for these tours are $4 and can be purchased at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez and the Visitor Research Center at the entrance to the Park. Tickets can only be purchased up to two days in advance, so in order to get on the tour of your choice, it is highly suggested that you purchase your tickets at least one day in advance if possible. Learn more about other State and National Parks in Colorado.

Mesa Verde National Park, lodging

The National Park Service provides lodging for park visitors at the Far View Lodge. The lodge is located at the center of the park about 15 miles from the entrance. The lodge looks south over Mesa Verde into Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. The lodge is open seasonally, spring through fall. The lodge amenities are modern and include WiFi, dining, gift shop, and electric hookups for vehicles.

Camping at Mesa Verde

The Morefield campground is just 4.5 miles from the park entrance. Camp site for RVs and tents are available. Plus the campground provides a host of activities and facilities.

Mesa Verde Country

Welcome to Mesa Verde Country.

Where endless opportunities to explore the outdoors combine with rich culture and history. Where time-tested trails become a path for your next adventure. Take your time.

You’ll realize there’s so much more to explore when the “Trading Center of the Southwest” beckons you to interactive museums, artisan galleries and trading posts. The beauty of the agricultural landscape tempts you with farm-fresh flavors, craft brews and boutique wineries. Dryland beans aren’t just a local favorite, they are a way of life, as it has been for thousands of years. Discover how unobstructed views of towering mountain country offer a chance to immerse yourself in peaceful, reflective moments. The warm canyon winds gently touch the high desert lands, and soft rustling grasses are like music to the ear.

Traditions of the past become memories you’ll treasure, as local artistry passed down through generations becomes a celebration of community. Adventure beckons to every age and skill level with terrific fishing, biking, and a chance to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Beginner and practiced alike will find a route to their liking. Leaving becomes a fond goodbye, and returning is a happy reunion. We encourage you to experience, to enjoy, and to share. Mesa Verde Country. One day just isn’t enough.