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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge
Railroad & Museum
888-TRAIN-07 (872-4607)
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Only in Durango Colorado can you relive history on board the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offering year-round scenic train trips through the spectacular San Juan mountains. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed and the train began hauling both passengers and freight.
Today daily service to Silverton is available (May-October). In winter trains to the beautiful Cascade Canyon run daily (November-early May). Advance reservations are suggested. The Railroad Museum is located in the Durango yard.
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was voted:
"Top 10 Most Exciting Train Journeys in the World" 1998 Society of American Travel Writers
"Five Star Award for Best Attraction" National Association of Travel Journalists
From the very beginning, the line was promoted as a scenic route for passenger service although the line was constructed primarily to haul mine ores, both gold and silver, from the San Juan Mountains. It is estimated that over $300 million in precious metals have been transported over this route.
Today, 120 years later, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues to provide year round train service operating a historical train with rolling stock indigenous to the line. The locomotives used to pull today¹s train remain 100% coal-fired and are steam-operated. The locomotives are 1923-25 vintage and are maintained in original condition.
The coaches each feature bathroom facilities and are heated during the winter months for passenger comfort. Open gondola cars provide a panoramic view of the mountains. Concessions, snacks and beverages are available on every train.
THE BUS/TRAIN COMBO - is a summer service. Bus service is available for one leg of the journey both to and from Silverton. Passengers enjoy a different view of the spectacular mountain landscape.
Now that you're planning a train ride, you need to decide where you want to sit: inside coach, open air-gondola, special needs, or first-class parlor car. No smoking allowed on board.
INSIDE COACH SEATING: Bench-style seating facing forward in restored turn-of-the-century coaches. Windows open for better viewing. Bathroom facilities are available in the rear of each coach. (All winter Cascade Canyon reservations are made for heated coaches.)
OPEN-AIR GONDOLA SEATING: Gondola cars have a roof and bench seats facing out. The Gondolas have a roof but sides are open for spectacular viewing. The Durango area boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine, however, afternoon showers are prevalent during the summer months and mountain weather can change rapidly.
SPECIAL NEEDS: Passengers requiring special needs should communicate them to the reservation agent at time of booking. Call 888-TRAIN-07. The D&SNGRR offers wheel chair accessible lift service, spacious interior room and restroom to accommodate wheel chair requirements. Advance reservations are recommended.
FIRST-CLASS PARLOR CAR SERVICE: The Parlor Car is only available on the 9:00 AM train Upgrade your trip by reserving a seat in the Alamosa Parlor Car. This historic coach was built in 1880 and features an ornate bar and parlor style seating with tables and chairs. Passengers must be 21. Alcohol service is available at the bar.
Call or Write: 479 Main Ave, Durango, Colorado 81301; 970-247-2733; 888-TRAIN-07 (872-4607).
Specialty Discounts (call for availability): Groups.
Elevation: 6512 feet above sea level.
Region: Southwest - Durango
Region: Southwest - Silverton
Meals Regularly Served: Lunch.
Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express & Discover
Phone: Public payphones.
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Groups Welcome: Club. Corporate. Reunion. Weddings. Youth group with adult leaders.
Group Meeting Area: Indoor room and outdoor area.
Maximum # of Day-Use Guests in Indoor Meeting Room: 250
Maximum # of Day-Use Guests in COVERED Outdoor Picnic Area: 200
Maximum # of Day-Use Guests in Outdoor Open Picnic Area: 200
Your Host will Cater or Arrange Meals with advance arrangements: Yes
Wedding Planning Help: Yes
Area Activity Reservations: Yes
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Open Dates For On-Site Activities: All Year
Designated Historic District, Site or Plaza: On site.
Designated Scenic/Historic Byway: Along the scenic byway.
Museum: On site.
Fishing in River, Stream or Creek: On site.
Fishing Tackle Sold: Walking Distance (within 1 block).
Whitewater Rafting Office/Pickup point: Walking distance.
Kayaking Rentals: Walking distance.
Jeep Rentals: Walking distance.
Jeep Tours: Walking distance (off road, back country, 4WD, Jeep ® or jeeping).
Tourist Train Rides: On site.
Mountain Bike Rentals: Walking distance.
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