All Aboard!

All Aboard – it’s that time

Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! We’re glad you’ve chosen to visit. Whether you are new to experiencing this legendary railroad or have been a returning guest for years, we look forward to offering you the best in year-round historic train adventures presented today as they were in 1882! We invite you to hop aboard and relive the “Golden Age” on our railroad, which was voted “#1 Best Scenic Train in North America “ by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2021 & 2022, “Best Historic Railroad of the West” 2021-23 by TrueWest Magazine Readers, and “Best Train Experience in the West” in 2016 by Sunset Magazine. Order a FREE All-Aboard Guide.

About D&SNGRR

Our family has dedicated decades to preserving the history surrounding this national treasure, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This railroad is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and an American Society of Civil Engineering Landmark.

When is the best time to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? Any time of the year!

During the winter, we offer exclusive round-trip train adventures deep into the heart of the San Juan National Forest to Cascade Canyon as well as the premier holiday family event train, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train ride.

If you’re visiting in the springtime, your train excursion may feature incredible waterfalls during the spring thaw season as you journey to Cascade Canyon.

All Aboard in the Summer

Summer is high season at the D&S with daily full day Durango to Silverton excursions May through October departing from Durango. We also offer daily 5-hour excursions on the Cascade Canyon Express seven days a week during the high season. These rail journeys also depart from the Durango Depot and travel to Cascade Canyon and are a perfect highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas for those with limited time.

Autumn offers you a unique way to experience peak leaf season from the comfort of the D&S train. Connect with family and friends as you explore the Rocky Mountains by historic railway. Sit back and allow yourself to be transported through a riot of blazing fall colors featuring the spectacular golden glow of aspens.

However you choose to relax and connect on the D&S train, and whatever adventure awaits you, we hope you have an inspiring journey where you create wonderful life-long memories!

Royal Gorge Region Visitors Guide Flipbook

Maroon Bells

Visiting the Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are a must-see to complete your Aspen adventure. The series of distinctive bell-shaped peaks tower at 14,000 feet above the glacial Maroon Valley and offer some of the best views in the world. – The most photographed mountains in North America

For reservations and questions, please call (970) 930-6442
or email info@vistitmaroonbells.com.
Full reservation details can be found through the Aspen Chamber or the U.S. Forest Service.

Summer 2023 Update

Reservations are required to access the Scenic Area and related amenities by personal vehicle or by shuttle. Reservations can ONLY be secured through the Aspen Chamber. >>

Access with a personal vehicle reservation will begin on May 15th through October 31. The cost for each vehicle reservation will be $10. Personal vehicle parking reservations will initially be available in rolling three-week increments.

Maroon Bells Information

Here, you can explore the glacial valley while surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Maroon Lake, surrounded by fields of wildflowers, mirrors images of the Maroon Bells in its waters.

For the best Maroon Bells experience

Visit the Bells on a weekday and utilize the bus service. If you have skied in Aspen, you know how easy and hassle-free the bus service is. Riding the bus system is a hassle-free way to access the area and leave the driving to someone else.

The road is open to private vehicles prior to 8 a.m.; However, the parking lot can already be full. Frequently, photographers or overnight hikers have begun their Maroon Bells experience in the wee hours of the morning. Which fill up the parking lot before the rest of us have even gotten out of bed. When this happens, the road is closed to private vehicles in advance of 8 a.m. The road is subject to closure at any time due to overcrowding. *Leaf peepers visiting on peak foliage weekends in late September/ early October should anticipate this being the case and plan alternate visits accordingly.*

Camping & Hiking

Camping and pet-friendly hiking trails are both available. Camping or backpackers going further into Aspen’s Maroon Bells must make campsite reservations or permits for backcountry camping. Find more info about camping.

Castle Rock

Things To Do in Castle Rock

It’s easy to see how Castle Rock got its name when one spies the castle-shaped butte towering high above the town center. The town’s history is also easily visible in the original, well-preserved homes, cafés, and churches throughout the area. Many of these were built using the unusual rhyolite stone that originally attracted the settlers who founded the town in the mid-to-late 18th century. Prior to their arrival, the area was occupied by Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indian tribes. Today, nearly 60,0000 people call Castle Rock home.

With roots in mining and railroads, this affluent town offers an updated taste of the Old West. It boasts a historic downtown area, 265 acres of parks, and 44 miles of trails. Castle Rock, easily accessible by Interstate 25, is home to the Outlets at Castle Rock (the largest open-air outlet center in the State) and is the seat of Douglas County. The town encompasses 33 square miles and sits in the East Plum Creek Valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 6,202 feet.

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Castle Rock is a safe and welcoming place to enjoy the brisk Colorado air year round.

Quality Inn – Ouray

Our Quality Inn® hotel in Ouray, CO has the value you’re looking for when you travel. Enjoy a variety of amenities and friendly service when you stay at our affordable, pet friendly hotel located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado.

Mountain sailing at Lake Dillion Colorado

Year-Round Activities

Year-Round Activities in Colorado

Colorado is most famous for its world-class skiing and hiking. However, its varied geographical regions and diverse population, make Colorado a place to be enjoyed by people of all passions and ages with year-round activities abound.

Colorado’s diverse activities

Besides the high-profile activities found in Colorado’s resort towns. People with other interests should not be surprised to see their favorite activities and organizations in Colorado too. Here are a few activities that might not be front of mind when thinking of Colorado but are in fact popular and thriving in Colorado.

Adventure Parks

If you’re looking for man-made assisted fun. The adventure parks in Colorado are not to be missed. Similar to the urban amusement parks, Colorado’s adventure parks combine the awesomeness of mountains, and their natural setting, with the thrill of manmade fun.

ATVs and Jeep Tours

If hiking, riding horseback, or mountain biking is not your thing. Getting the “out there” feeling of being in the National Forest is something anyone can do. There are a variety of companies that provide guided backcountry tours to suit your style. With the advent of modern ATVs, you can even tour the backcountry year-round. The modern buggy ATVs can accommodate small parties through remote areas in the summer and winter.

Marinas and Boating

Boating is certainly not first to mind when thinking about Colorado. However, this state has a variety of exceptional mountain lakes and reservoirs to satisfy your mariner cravings. If oceans and big bodies of water are more your style. Consider the lakes of Colorado to be a new challenge. Generally speaking, these lakes are suited for smaller crafts and will call upon a modified skill set.

Hot Air Ballooning

A really fantastic activity that anybody can do is hot air ballooning. The mountains of Colorado are perfect for ballooning year-round. The mountain views are just stunning. A truly “eagle eye” experience.

Spas and Hot Springs

If you just need to unwind Colorado has got you covered. Throughout Colorado, you can find natural hot springs. Often these springs have been developed into spas or accompany resort getaways. Hot Springs are open year-round. The hot mineral-rich waters can feel even more satisfying in the winter. Follow that up with a message and you’ll be ready to take on life with new meaning. You will also find top-notch spas in all of the resort communities.

Activities for those more Culturally Minded

Colorado Museums

Colorado has been an integral part of western immigration. Pioneering the west involved navigating the Oregon and Santa Fee overland trails. Colorado essentially bisected these traveling routes. Then there was the gold rush which established most of Colorado’s small towns still in existence today. Simultaneously, the open-range cattle industry boomed and clashed with the mining town culture. Creating the romanticized cowboy lifestyle that developed the Hollywood western movie storytelling that is still seen and loved. Small-town museums can be found throughout Colorado. If you’re a history buff or fascinated by the early western culture. Stop by any number of these museums and step back in time and check out the early days of the west.

Colorado Performing Arts

Colorado has a unique ability to draw eclectic people. So, no surprise to find a strong influence of performing arts throughout the state. Home to Colorado Symphony Orchestra, a plethora of Bluegrass festivals, The famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver’s Center for Performing Arts, and more. You will also discover similar cultural experiences available throughout Colorado’s small mountain towns.

Year-Round Vacationing in Colorado

When you think of vacationing in Colorado. Think of all the incredible year-round activities, cultural experiences, and events you can mix into your trip. With a little planning, you can easily check off activities to satisfy your body and mind. Find activities to thrill you, challenge you, stimulate your curiosity, or just find satisfying relaxation. Colorado is the place to get a recharge on life.

Sightseeing

Colorado, a Spectacular State to Behold

There is nothing more spectacular than Colorado’s mountain vistas, canyonlands and natural beauty. Around every bend lies yet another amazing view, scenes of wildlife or flora unfolding.

For those who are truly on a sightseeing mission, plan your trip to explore some part of the many National and State Parks, National Forests, and BLM land that are abundant throughout this state. Most National and state parks offer guided tours. The more remote you are able to venture, the more spectacular the views and your experience with nature becomes. Although it’s tempting to want to visit many locations. Realistically, you are better off selecting an area to explore. This way you can really get to know the geology, the flora and fauna, visit notable attractions, go on a wildflower hike or consider backpacking into a region to see the wilderness. Essentially spend less time traveling and more time seeing the sights.

Traveling the state by RV is very popular

Mountain roads, passes and byways are spectacular. Reaching heights of over 10,000 feet, winding through Aspen groves, or crossing bridges over deep canyons is an ever transforming and exciting experience. However, travel by RV can be a bit nerve racking with all the challenges that mountain driving presents. Please be aware that mountain driving is not well suited for those who are not experienced with navigating mountainous roads. Your vehicle needs to be in top shape as well.

Sightsee By Rail – a great way to see the sights

We suggest that the very best way to travel into remote and spectacular mountainous regions is by narrow gauge rail. This is a wonderful way to see the sights with your entire family or group of friends while leaving the tough mountainous navigation to the train engineer. You are able to completely immerse yourself into the Rocky Mountain scenery. Allow yourself to become distracted by each new view, hold your camera with both hands and talk at the same time.

However you choose to see the sights in Colorado you need to be prepared.

If you’re traveling by vehicle, make sure your auto is in perfect condition, especially the brakes.
If you’re going to be hiking, make sure your shoes are comfortable and broken in before heading out.

In any case, you need to bring all weather clothing. A jacket that will protect you from wind, rain or snow. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Daypacks for all your extra gear, food and water. Don’t forget your camera or phone so you can bring home all those spectacular sights. Be advised that cell service is limited at best in the mountains and outlets for charging are not always available. Most of all, enjoy your Colorado experience.

Town of Frisco

Frisco sits in the heart of Summit County, Colorado within minutes of many world-class ski resorts. Although originally settled by the Ute Indians followed by trappers/mountain men, the mining industry and eventually skiing, Frisco has evolved into a year-round outdoor recreation hub and relaxation destination for all ages. While it may look and feel charming, inside this town beats the heart of adventure.

Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals

Vacation Rentals Near The Royal Gorge and Canon City

Affordable vacation rentals and luxury accommodation choices. Ranch-style lodging for up to 50 people. Secluded locations – leave the beaten path behind. Perfect for reunions, weddings or groups large and small.

Choices of Vacation Rentals

Luxury Colorado Cabins – fully equipped and ready for your epic group getaway. Located very near the Royal Gorge.
Riverside Glamping – luxury yurts and airstreams for a premium camping experience. Campsites are riverside.

Streamside on Fall River

Streamside Fall River Cabin Village at Estes Park

The whole family will enjoy staying at Streamside’s secluded village of 21 cabins and suites sprinkled over 29 acres of pine and aspen trees in Estes Park, Colorado. Fish for rainbow trout right outside your cabin or enjoy a gentle stroll around the property shared with elk, mule deer, and an abundance of other wildlife. Challenge yourself to the summit of Old Man Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Estes valley or head into Rocky Mountain National Park for amazing wilderness experiences.

Cabin Amenities

Cabins and suites feature gas fireplaces, private hot tubs, jetted tubs, fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, cable TV & DVD players, gas grills, and private decks. Guests have access to an outdoor hot tub for a relaxing soak after a fun-filled day. You can even enjoy a relaxing massage right in the comfort of your suite. The kids will enjoy our spacious lawns and horseshoe pit. We offer complimentary books, board games, and an extensive DVD library.

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