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

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.

South Park

South Park, Colorado

Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, South Park Colorado is a microcosm of Western history. From deep canyons to vast grasslands to snowy peaks and alpine meadows, this compelling basin is home to the nation’s highest incorporated town, gold mines, cattle ranches, and mountain passes. As one of only 49 National Heritage Areas in the United States, South Park offers a rare glimpse of pioneer life at high altitudes during the settlement of the American West.

South Park Colorado is a landscape rich with heritage and attracts individuals who value western authenticity. Some ranches have been operated for five generations by the same family. As they have for centuries, residents still depend on the land for their livelihood, recreation, and quality of life. As other places lose their inherent charm, South Park becomes a more engaging destination.

More About South Park Colorado

Perhaps you’re curious about the more modern attraction, the cartoon South Park. What does South Park Colorado have to do with the cartoon anyway? One can really only speculate on the subject. Perhaps these two places (one real, the other fictional) have nothing to do with one another. It’s just mere coincidence that they bear similar naming. However, it’s also possible that there’s more to it than mere coincidence. One similarity that stands out is that the historical South Park was outlandish, full of ironies, and scandal. This is also true about the cartoon. Learn more about South Park, Fairplay and Conifer Colorado. There are some interesting connections between them that might just satisfy your curiosity.

Highway US 24 Corridor

Transcontinental Highway of 1926 – US 24

U.S. Hwy 24 or Route 24 is one of the original transcontinental highways of 1926. Initially, it started at Pontiac, Michigan in the east and headed west, and terminated at Kansas City, Missouri. Today US 24 runs from Independence Township, Michigan at an intersection with I-75, and terminates at Minturn, Colorado at an intersection with I-70.

When the US highway system was started in 1926, US Route 24 in Colorado was called US 40S. This highway started in Grand Junction and proceeded west along the current I-70 route to Minturn. Then proceeded to the current route to Limon. From Limon, it proceeded to the Kansas border and was called US 40N. The US 40S and US 40N, west and east of Limon respectively received US 24 designation in 1936; however, in 1975 when US 24 was extended west from Kansas City, Missouri. The stretch between Grand Junction and Minturn was decommissioned.

Looking back on the naming and development of US Route 24 and how this transitioned into other major highways is confusing, to say the least; however, it does let us know that US 24 was an important highway in terms of western migration and the development of west/central United States.

Telegraph Road

Dixie Highway in Pontiac, Michigan, and Laskey Road in Toledo, Ohio, denote a section of highway that was known as Telegraph Road. This telling name came about before the highway even existed after the telegraph wires which ultimately ran parallel to the route. US Route 24 was the western edge of Telegraph Road that ran through Detroit. Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits even wrote the song “Telegraph Road”, which is the story of the development and decay of this highway.

Palisade

Palisade, Colorado

A town in Mesa County, Colorado. Palisade, part of the Grand Junction Metropolitian statistical area, and named for the cliffs near town. Palisade is most famous for delicious peaches and wine vineyards. Although that’s what Palisade is known for, this small town on Colorado’s western slope embodies all of what Colorado is about. Palisade’s nearly central location but lower elevation of 4,728 feet makes it an area with warmer year-round temperatures, a longer growing season, yet close to skiinig and other mountain attractions.

This historical farming community has kept pace with the rest of Colorado. Attractions like rafting, skiing, mountain biking and a variety of farm tours are all right around the corner in Palisade. Colorado National Monument, Tillman Bishop State Wildlife Area, Grand Mesa National Forest, and a variety of parks are all accesible from Palisade.

Fruita

Visit Fruita, Colorado!

Surrounded by dramatic mountain cliffs and gorgeous desert landscapes, this fun little town is dream come true for many adventure seekers. Mountain biking, hiking, Jeep and dirt bike trails cover the thousands of acres of public lands surrounding Fruita.

Berthoud

Visit Berthoud, Colorado

Historically rich and Americana-steeped Berthoud, 45 minutes north of Denver, is nicknamed the “Garden Spot of Colorado” with good reason – a small community surrounded by rich farmland, it hosts annual events such as “Berthoud Day” in early June for residents and visitors to gather and celebrate family-style with a parade, music, and picnic.

The Annual Quilt Show

The town’s persona comes through in its annual quilt show and in its expanding sculpture exhibit in Fickel Park. Wildlife and outdoor themes mix with contemporary designs in a wonderful way.

While conveniently providing a gateway to mountain fun in the nearby Rockies, Berthoud also offers the laid-back and welcoming atmosphere of farmer’s markets, a town swimming pool, and vibrant arts community that includes dance and live theater – truly something for everyone!

Berthoud’s Location

If you’re looking for a smaller-town vibe, try visiting Berthoud. The cost of living is higher than the national average by 25.7 points. This is mostly reflected in housing costs. However, it does have a desirable location. Access to Estes Park and RMNP is just 35 miles away. If you like access to mountain lakes and reservoirs, this location is ideal. With over 20 lakes and reservoirs nearby and twice that amount a little further away. Deciding where to go will be the greater problem.

Berthoud has easy access to several state parks and nearby campgrounds. If you’re passing through or just want to get away for a few days. There is a large selection of state parks and campgrounds to choose from.

Winter in Summit County

Summit County, Colorado

Winter in Summit County is a magical time of mountain adventures, seasonal festivities and honored traditions draped in powdery, sparkling snowflakes and shared by locals and visitors from all walks of life. Blessed with a central location in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Summit County encompasses the inviting towns of Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, Copper Mountain and Breckenridge.

Summit has grown up from a mining boom base camp to a favorite Rocky Mountain vacation destination. Boasting the longest ski season in the Western United States, the landscape evokes exploration and is the perfect playground for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing winter getaway. Breathtaking, snowcapped peaks are a natural backdrop for excursions ranging from skiing and skating to ice fishing and snowcat tours, while countless off-mountain activities await in various corners of the country.

Celebrate Summit County history and tradition at one of our many winter events, rejuvenate at a bed and breakfast, browse locally owned shops and indulge in our creative restaurants and breweries. Take advantage of the county-wide free transportation system while shopping to check out the friendly lakeside towns of Dillon and Frisco, strolling charming Main Street, Breckenridge or doing a little shopping in Silverthorne. Save time for a day trip to one of our neighboring communities, such as Leadville or Fairplay.

It’s time to get acquainted with Summit County and make winter memories in the mountains.

Vacation Planning Ideas

Colorado Vacation Ideas

You're ready to do some vacation planning. You could really use a break, and you've seen pictures of Colorado's majestic landscapes reaching 2 miles into the American sky. This is someplace you'd like to see and experience. It would take a few lifetimes to see, enjoy, experience, feel, and reach all of what Colorado offers. So, we're here to help you with your Colorado vacation planning and the best way to maximize your time while in Colorado.

Create Your Vacation Plan

With so much going on in Colorado it’s best to identify your vacation passion and the passions of the group or other person you are traveling with. Here is a list of considerations to help you get the best Colorado vacation experience.

Summer Vacation Planning

What summer Colorado activities are a priority for you and your group? Start by identifying the primary activity and prioritizing from there.

- Perhaps your bucket list includes visiting an adventure park, a scenic train ride, a hot springs visit, zip lining, getting a hike or two in, and rafting. Wow, that’s ambitious but it can be done. Once again, staying in a region like the Royal Gorge area can serve this up. If you look closely, you will find companies that even sell combinations of experiences in one day.
- If you're planning a backpacking trip. You will want to select a region, such as the Rocky Moutain National Park, and just stay there.
- If day hiking is more your thing. You will get the most hiking in by exploring a region versus trying to travel all over the state, but some travel is realistic.

Are you planning to tour the state? Will you need lodging or will you be camping along the way?

- Summer tourist season in Colorado is popular. If you’re planning on camping, tent camping or RV camping, you will need to plan ahead. Reservations at public campgrounds are necessary, especially during “peak season”.

Identify what “other” activities are important.

- Check-in with your travel companions and find out what activities they have in mind. You might find mutual interests or complete diversity. Knowing this will help you map out your route and where to find lodging.
- Activities such as Colorado events, historical tours, dining, art, farmers markets, rafting, or jeep tours.

Winter Vacation Planning

Will your winter vacation be at a ski resort?

- There are 25 ski areas in Colorado, not including cross-country ski touring centers. First, understand the abilities and expectations of your group. Then investigate your options for what they offer, type of terrain, expense, apres ski activities, and more.
- There are other resort options besides ski resort towns. Many guest ranches stay open in the winter and offer a variety of winter activities. This is true for out-of-the-way cabin rentals and some of the natural hot spring resorts.

Are all members of your group skiers, or are there snowboarders too?

- If you’re vacationing with a mix of skiers and snowboarders, as well as ability level. It’s best to closely examine the resorts with terrain parks and a mix of blue and expert-level ski runs. The larger resorts will have the most options.

Does your group want to travel to different resort destinations or stay at a specific resort?

- If touring different resorts is what you have in mind. Staying in the Central part of Colorado is by far the most efficient. As all these resorts can be traveled to by car in a few hours. Or, skip the winter driving around, stay at a designated resort, and focus on your fun there.

Is vacationing on a budget a concern?

- If being budget-minded is part of your vacation. Try planning your trip during the “off-season” or not “peak-season” times. Check out lesser-known resorts. In either case, you should be able to find deals on lift tickets and lodging.

Are off-slope activities appealing, such as shopping, dining, spas, events, or alternative activities?

- If your group needs alternative activities. The bigger resorts will have the most varied selection of activities to choose from. However, popular attractions like winter scenic train rides, natural hot springs, and guided tours such as snowmobiling or sleigh rides are not necessarily at the resort. Check out “other attractions” first and then decided on the resort to stay at.

Colorado's Endless List of Vacation Options

Colorado offers an almost endless list of vacation options. The first step is to understand if you want to tour around or stay in one place. Either has much to offer. However, touring the state will require more vacation planning. Please use our free vacation planning itinerary tool. This will help you keep track of the sights and experiences you don’t want to miss. Plus, organize your lodging and travel routes along the way.

Staying put at that special place in Colorado is also a good way to spend your vacation. With so much to explore in any given region of the State, it might make more sense for you just to find lodging in a favorite place and base all your activities on that location. In either case, feel free to request some of our free visitor guides, and use our free itinerary tool to help organize all the activities, keep the dates and times handy, and make your vacation more relaxing.

1 2 3 4 5 6