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.

Royal Gorge Region

Welcome to the Royal Gorge Region

The Royal Gorge Region, is a great vacation choice among many beautiful and fun Colorado destinations. Base your adventure in Cañon City, the “Climate Capital of Colorado”! Where it is warmer, dryer and sunnier than Colorado Springs and Denver. Close and convenient, but without the crowds and traffic that can overwhelm other popular destinations.

Request a FREE visitors guide or email about the Royal Gorge Region.

Attractions

Families and visitors of all ages will find there are loads of options to enjoy the area’s amazing scenery or participate in some real Colorado fun,

Experience the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Route scenic train.
Take a guided jeep tour.
Check out the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Take in the sweeping mountain vistas from America’s highest suspension bridge, or sign up for some of the other Park’s adventure experiences.
Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine from the local, award-winning winery.
Explore the unique geography while hiking or mountain biking.

Many visitors consider the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River the finest natural assets. America’s top destination for whitewater rafting and anglers relish the fact that it is the country’s longest stretch of Gold Medal Trout water. The trail networks offer something for every ability level, whether on foot or a bicycle. Up for a challenge? Check out mountain bike trails or world-class rock climbing. Try the exhilarating experience of ziplining across the gorge, plus classic and extreme courses above treetops and canyons.

Downtown Cañon City

Don’t forget to visit the region’s museums, history and heritage sites. Downtown Cañon City and Florence are both hidden gems offering quaint, locally-owned shops, farmer’s markets, restaurants, breweries, and annual festivals. Learn about dinosaurs that roamed this land 150 million years ago through outstanding indoor and outdoor exhibits and interpretive trails. Check out the Royal Gorge Dinosaur experience just north of Canon City. They have all kinds of fun for the kids including interactive exhibits.

Plan more than a day to experience all the Royal Gorge Region has to offer. The recommendation is to spend at least a night, or more. Options include hotels, motels, cabins, B&B’s, full-service and forest campgrounds, or even glamping! Enjoy your visit! Cañon City looks forward to welcoming you to the attractions and activities that await in the Royal Gorge Region. Safe travels.

Fremont County Tourism Council

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Recreation Centers

Recreation Centers in Colorado

While we boast 300 days of sunshine a year, and while we’re one of the fittest states in the Union, there’s still a need for recreation centers and indoor facilities. Can’t really do free weights in the middle of a Gold Medal stream, now can you?

Some of the best municipal rec centers in Colorado are found in Lakewood in the Denver area, Breckenridge in the central mountains, Fruita on the Western Slope, Pagosa Springs in the southwest part of the state, Trinidad in the southern part of the state on I-25 and in Greeley north of Denver.

Facilities and amenities vary, but most have lap pools and open swim, some with water slides and saunas. Weight rooms, treadmills, climbing walls, stationary and recumbent bikes and indoor tracks are found at many – and most have classes for aerobics and water aerobics. Silver Sneakers applies at many; check out rates for families and seniors.

Winter Park

Things to Do in Winter Park, Colorado

This is the great outdoors you’ve dreamed about: where fresh air and gorgeous natural surroundings meet high-alpine adventures and soothing retreats. It’s the perfect convergence of life, nature and the elements. Winter Park inspires visitors from around the world and constantly rewards those lucky enough to call this home. Come see for yourself.

Winter Park lies just 67 miles from Denver. As you crest the 11,400 foot summit of Berthoud Pass and make your way down US Highway 40, the valley opens up before you like your own four-season playground. From the snowcapped peaks of the Continental Divide to the northern runout of the Fraser River and its tributaries, Winter Park shimmers with life. Winter Park is home to unbelievable outdoor adventure, spectacular scenery and family fun. With over 324” of snow each year, it makes for excellent skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and snow angel making. It is a playground sure to please anyone’s inner child.

Summer in Summit County

Summer in Summit County, Colorado

Welcome to ‘Colorado’s Playground!’ Blessed with a central location in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Summit County encompasses the inviting towns of Keystone, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, Copper Mountain, Heeney and Breckenridge.

Our historic towns have much to offer for all ages. Celebrate the history of these National Historic Districts, stroll down our Main Streets while enjoying the one-of-a-kind architecture, unique shopping, and dining options, and don’t miss out on the brewery tour. And, of course, our playground’s wide variety of summer activities, like hiking, biking, Dillon reservoir marina, rafting and music festivals, will keep you coming back for more. You’ll find many unique lodging opportunities for romantic getaways, family vacations, and weekend adventures with friends.

Everything you need to know about Summit County and its neighboring communities is right here!

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