It was first steamed up and moved under its own power after 58 years on August 24, 2007, at the D&SNG roundhouse during a photography event. All locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition. Listen to the steel wheels sing as you venture alongside the rushing waters of the Animas River and amid the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to beautiful Cascade Canyon or the historic mining town of Silverton. Find the most current Durango train schedule by clicking below. Many of these pieces run during the railroad's annual Railfest held every August. They were later dismantled for scrap in 1946. 2023 Durango Train Schedule. All that matters is that you meet the kind folks there who keep their trains in line. Browse different rides & seasonal events. Bolstered by national exposure via Hollywood movies being filmed along the line in the late 1940s, the railroad created The Silverton, a summer-only train service, on June 24, 1947. The scenery is majestic (especially if you sit on the right side of the train) with the train going around cliffs with tracks very close to the edge. We wish we had done the narrow gauge to Cascade Canyon and back. It originally was owned by the Eureka and Palisade Railroad, and was later sold to the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company. The route is varied throughout the year and offers both winter excursions and summer excursions. The states of New Mexico and Colorado purchased 64 miles of track between Antonito and Chama, New Mexico, in 1970, which is operated today as the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR). One-way trips on the Durango-Silverton Railroad. Try out our inexpensive in-town ski area at Kendall Mountain with a double chairlift accessing three beginner trails and one intermediate trail. The price of a ticket also includes admission to the D&SNGRR Museum and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum. Travel is through some of the most scenic areas in Colorado. The Casey Jones was restored and is owned by the San Juan Historical Society[23] in Silverton Colorado. [8] A short time later, the railroad adorned a locomotive and four coaches with a colorful yellow paint scheme and launched modest public promotion. The new company Animas River Railway was incorporated by the D&SNG, as an attempt to preserve the integrity of its own claim of "100% coal-fired steam locomotives". From May 27 through September 15 Elk Park trips ran at 7:30a.m. and 3:30p.m. The engines were delivered with Master Mechanics-design smokeboxes for draft; however at some point the D&RGW converted them to Andersson (cyclone) front ends. Typical of many portions of the surviving narrow-gauge branches into the middle of the twentieth century, the line faced sagging revenue due to ever-declining mining ventures, highway trucking competition and insignificant passenger revenue. 0540 was built in 1881 and is a mini-warehouse, carrying the most common tools and supplies. II, is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #4 is a 55-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #5 is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #7, nicknamed the "Big Al", is an 87-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #9 was first acquired by the D&SNG in March, 2006 and is a 92-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #11, nicknamed the P.B., was built by, Diesel engine #1201 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018, in response to the, Diesel engine #1202 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018 in response to the, Diesel engine #1203 is a type DE75CT diesel built by, In April, 2020, it was announced that four, Concession car 64 was originally D&RG mail-baggage 64 built in 1889. A Durango railroad ride is a fascinating adventure whether you are traveling with your young children, on a romantic trip with your sweetheart or spending time with mom and dad. The journey behind a historic engine chugging away traveling through the ruggedly beautiful San Juan National Forest while observing awesome mountain vistas is truly a thrill! Today, #50 is now on display at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado. Just as narrow-gauge equipment and parts are rare, narrow-gauge railroads are rare these days too. Firing while the engine is working hard is done with a large "heel" pattern, generally with as little coal on the flue sheet as possible, and gradually sloping the fire bed towards the door sheet to the height or higher than the firedoors. In 1887 it was rebuilt into a combination coach-baggage car and numbered 215. We took the Express optionand thank goodness we did! We booked a 9 AM steam engine train in an open air gondola car. All Rights Reserved. Durango depot was built in January, 1882 and has been preserved in its original form.[4]. All Aboard! This trip is ideal for passengers staying in Silverton, Ouray or Telluride wanting to experience the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad without making the early morning drive to Durango! By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. Excellent day trip to Silverton or Cascade in original passenger car or open window gondola. [17] In March, 2020, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country severely affected the US. During all four seasons, the train travels to Cascade Canyon which lies deep in the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. The last train to operate into Durango from the east was on December 6, 1968. The D&SNGRR travels 45.4 miles each way along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton during our summer season May through October. While being owned by several parties between 1951 and 1982 the Fairplay was renamed the Nomad. It was used with the Animas Canyon Railway Diesel-powered rail-bus. The labor crew, made up of mostly Chinese and Irish immigrants, blasted the canyon cliffs off and left a narrow, level shelf to lay the tracks on. Water is fed to the boiler by two non-lifting injectors. It is on display in the museum. Except for severe weather conditions, the D&SNG runs trains as scheduled. We were surprised to learn once we boarded the train, that the trip was for 9 hours! We felt we wanted to sight see more in Durango rather than spend so much time on the train. In 1957 it was converted for coach service. Terms of Use A National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular heritage railroads in North America, this train offers a unique . The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. The first class Knight Sky car is available May 7 through 20 as well as September 24 through October 29, 2022. Valuation Survey was inventorying the entire railroad property after it was returned to the D&RGW after World War 1. No. People of all ages enjoy riding through the stunning mountain and forest scenery on train. Cres Fleming makes his way up a portion of a steep hill along the Durango & Silverton Railroad tracks where he says the 416 fire started on July 10,. durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad - durango and silverton narrow gauge railway stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. No. [citation needed] To help continue service, motorcar 1001 now RB-1 and trailer 1002 now 313 took people out to Elk Park from Silverton. The Durango Silverton Train system is a narrow gauge railed. They empty the trains for 2 hours at Silverton so people can have lunch and walk around the town to visit shops and businesses. When we checked in, we were assigned to a specific rail car that we could board 15 minutes before our departure. Sorry, I don't know. So, book a ticket to ride on this historic railway and see some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer! Britney, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. However, its always good to be prepared for rain or snow any time of year! When the snow flies, Silverton turns into a winter wonderland boasting of great snowmobiling, snow shoeing, groomed tracks for cross country and skate skiing, groomed and lift-accessed backcountry skiing,and amazing landscapes! The D&RG soon re-emerged as the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (1886) and ultimately began operating as the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) on July 31, 1921, after re-organization of the Colorado lines and Rio Grande Western of Utah. Sunday, Apr 30, 2023 4:15 AM. Trains hauling passengers and freight began immediately. We took the train ride to Silverton and then the bus back to Durango. 10,15. The Yellow Carrot is a high vibration culinary food mecca, eatery and bakery. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. A typical trip uses around 35 short tons (2.684.46 long tons; 2.724.54t) on the way up to Silverton and another 12 short tons (0.891.79 long tons; 0.911.81t) on the return to Durango. Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The company is converting a coal train, pictured, to run on oil in order to . It depicts a narrow-gauge railroad similar to the D&RGW. of tractive effort. Planning Guides - Plan according to season or specialty. What hotels are near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum? That turned us off so they lost a sale. Steam looks great and it's nostalgic. Steam and diesel excursions available on select dates through May 6, 2022. The female bus driver was great and talked the whole trip giving us a tour and filling in with great stories of her life in the area and other items. Firing can be tricky when the engine is working hard, as the clamshell-style firedoors tend to pull into the backhead of the boiler due to the draft, and if any flues in the boiler are leaking, the loss of draft on the fire is much harder to work around than on the K-36 locomotives. [7] Eventually, the railroad became widely known as the "Rio Grande". Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Tall Timber Legend 631 & Tall Timber Legacy 632. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Choose from a 9-hour round trip tour, a train/bus combination, or a train & adventure package to fit in as much fun during your trip as possible! Join us for a magical excursion onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride! Still see beautiful scenery and not sit on the train so long. 473, 476, 480, 481, 482 and 493 are all operational. The railroad has won the award for the last two years and is going for a third win. They are used mainly to take passengers to Tall Timber to go zip lining. Originally built as flat car No. 84,641 were here. It is on display at the Silverton Northern Engine House in the Summer, where D&RGW No. Arrive Silverton. Silverton steam train runs from May 7 - October 29. It runs daily throughout the summer. There was a book available but for $10 but I feel as though they really could have made the experience worth the $$ If they narrated the ride. The original Silver Vista was destroyed by a fire in Alamosa in 1953. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. Despite the overall demise of the RGS, 6 of the 7 "Geese" have survived today, and a couple of them have visited the D&SNG a few different times, most notably No. As the train turns around. She made it the most delightful trip weve taken. [+ More] 3206 N Main Ave Suite #1, Durango, CO 81301. Take the train to Silverton & ride the bus back to Durango, or take the bus to Silverton & ride the train back to Durango. Its modern amenities include internet service and a twenty-inch flat paneled television. Looking to start your trip in Silverton? When you get to Silverton, go 2 blocks up and find the Main Street ( I think the only tarred one) and check that out for food. 503 was originally a flat car built in the 1940s, then converted for use as a coach in 1982 by the, Cars 400405 and 411412 are former standard gauge, Cars 406409 and 413416 are former standard gauge. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. 499 was traded to the Royal Gorge Park in May, 1999 and is placed on display. . Of course, there are always those couple of people who feel the rules don't apply to them so it is up to you to steer clear of those, if I dare to say it, idiots. The 470 series, or "K-28" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for freight service along the D&RG. No. 473, 476 and 478 operated on the Silverton Branch from the 1950s through 1980 and are still in service today. After World War II, domestic tourism began to grow across the country and the Silverton branch of the railroad would benefit. 498 is stored partially disassembled in. Locomotives 473, 476 and 478 operated on many parts of the D&RGW. 257 Shenandoah, built in 1880, originally numbered 267 until sold to the, 503 Crazy Woman Creek, acquired in 2019. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing, Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose #5 Excursions, K-28 100th Anniversary Fall Photo Special, Ghost Crawl: Haunted Durango Train Museum Experience, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. Built in 198788 winter, motorcar 1001 was named Tamarron. On the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad youll have an amazing opportunity to take a journey back in time and experience the sights and sounds of yesteryear. No. Narrow Gauge Railroad preservation & legacy. 493 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. If you have any health concerns, check with your physician for advice. Hotels near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Restaurants near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. 3. [citation needed], The observation car on the Silverton route in 1951. The D&SNG operates two museums, the D&SNG Museum[22] and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum. The only downside was the parking. It also features many artifacts from the Durango and Silverton areas. The Durango train chugs slowly out of the station and you gaze out of the window as the tranquil mountain scenery goes by. Beautiful colors on the way to Silverton on October 25, 2012, On the Highline above the Animas Canyon on October 25, 2012, Along the Animas River to Silverton on October 25, 2012, Approaching Silverton on October 25, 2012, The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad currently operates over 50 pieces of rolling stock. It was reconverted to a full concession car by the D&SNG in 1982. Prior to the war, he had risen within the ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving as secretary to the president. Motive Power and Equipment Solutions, Inc. Acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions (MP&ES) in 2018 in response to the, Restored to operating condition in 1984. We were on the Knight Sky car. They had breakfast nachos, hotdogs and coffee and other drinks. The route along the Animas, which begins high in the San Juan Mountains and ends in a confluence with the San Juan River in New Mexico, boasts some of Colorados most striking canyon scenery. Both are smooth rides. 12-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Durango Rafting - Family Friendly Raft Trip, Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango, Colorado, 2.5 Hour Family Rafting in Durango with Guide, All-Day Guided Zipline Tour with Train Ride and Lunch in Durango, Durango Family-Friendly 2-Hour Rafting Trip, 6-Zipline Adventure in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, Million Dollar Highway Self-Driving Audio Tour, Durango Rafting - Animas River Adventure Day, The Cat's Meow Durango Scavenger Hunt Adventure Game. This is a 9.25 roudtrip excursion 3 1/2 hours on the train each way with a two-hour layover in Silverton. 256, built in 1880, former RGS, purchased in 2022 and currently stored awaiting restoration. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. I think I had higher expectations because we have previously done the Leadville train. All rights reserved. Despite popular belief that the railroad does not doublehead trains out of Durango because of smoke, the real reason is the weight restriction on the bridge at 15th Street, not allowing more than one K-36 at a time (K-28 class engines, however, are still doubleheaded from Durango). Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962 pp. All rights reserved. As the D&SNG works to convert more of its locomotives to oil, No. Concession car 126 was originally D&RG baggage car 27. In March 1981, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) sold the line and the D&SNG was formed. We came to Durango just for the Train Ride. We found this train ride to be very relaxing and enjoyable and just the right length of time for our schedule, about 2-1/2 hours. Firing is simpler on these engines compared to the K-28s; however, the larger surface area requires more fuel. All aboard! Also, throughout the year there will be Durango train packages that offer special experiences, so check the website! Visit the Mayflower Mill, Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour, be deputized by the Silverton Gunfighters, or take a listen to the Silverton Brass Band; all offered May to October. On display in the Museum, out of service. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. My wife loved hearing the train whistle. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. In 2009 the cars were converted with overstuffed seats. [citation needed]. Though there are no longer any operating mines, the mining legacy pervades every aspect of the town, as a visit will show. Freight Yard Museum in Silverton, October 2012, Freight Yard Museum with the Silverton depot, October 2012. The line was an extension of the D&RG 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge line from Antonito, Colorado, to Durango. The standard class steam Cascade Canyon excursions include a concession car on the train serving light snacks. If we ever do another ride we will be sure to pack rain gear. Definitely pack a lunch!! It is available for charter and can hold up to eight people. Their staff is friendly and accommodating. The train operates on different schedules seasonally and sometimes there are even exciting events taking place on board or in Silverton. Ride the train to a day of ziplining on the longest course in the US. $$$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Southwestern Cafe, $ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ American Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. Animas Forks, one of the best preserved ghost towns in the state of Colorado, is only 12 miles from Silverton. Theres no bad time of year for a Durango train ride, this journey offers scenic views for all ages, all throughout the year. Depart Silverton. The K-28s have 28,000lbf (124.550kN). There was a photographer who came around and took everyone's picture- then brought you the picture on the way back for you to purchase. The bus ride backs saves you about 2 hours and I thought was the best part of the trip although it rained the whole way so the views were not there. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. Engine 473 served frequently on the Chili Line that operated between Antonito, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico, until the line was abandoned in 1941. No wilderness access will be provided from these departures. Rail camp car No. Once there, youll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. Daily excursions run from May through October with departures from both Durango and Silverton. As of 2023, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad appears to operate nineteen locomotives, eight coal-fired and/or converted oil-fired steam locomotives and nine diesel locomotives. They both feature historic railway equipment used on the D&RGW line. The D&RG reached Silverton on July 10, 1882. (The Silverton route is a bit lengthy, and you get all the scenery you're looking for on the shorter Cascade Canyon route. I chatted with one family before boarding and they say the ride every year and prefer the open cars. Below are the dates that each car is available for booking during the winter months of 2022. In July 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande reached Durango and started building the final 45-mile stretch up the Animas River to Silverton. 4 is a Class 8/18 C 4-4-0 locomotive, built in 1875 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. Altogether it took about 7 hours. One way was plenty. [16] As of 2023, the railroad aims to have most, if not all, of its operational steam locomotives converted to oil-power. Vallecito Lake A secluded mountain lake 8,000 feet above sea level. The General Palmer is exclusively used by owner Allen Harper, his family and guests. The "36" stands for 36,200lbf (161.026kN). 476 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. There is an employee that walks around sharing information along the route. You can read about the basic differences below, or read a more in depth description on our Durango Silverton train classes page. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad announced this week it has purchased four new diesel engines, including these being . I am sorry, not sure. We were served soft drinks (free) and were offered mixed drinks (for a fee). 127 was the third concession car built by the D&SNG. Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962. pp. Currently out of service. The numbers 28 and 36 designate the tractive effort (pulling force) of the locomotives in thousands of pounds. Concession car 212 was originally D&RG coach 20 built in 1879. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. We ordered the box lunch and for $15.00 we received a sandwich, bag of chips, cookies, fruit and a bottle of water. It was turned into a business car in 1913. Then, in 1982, the Cinco Animas was sold to the D&SNG. To experience a train up close and personal, book a locomotive car ride. I recommend the Cascade Canyon trip. The current roster goes as follows: The steam-powered locomotives used today on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad were built during the 1920s. We still were going to buy it but then overheard the girl tell the people behind us that she was glad they don't take cash because "if she had to give one more person a quarter back, she would jam that quarter down their throat". Our new Silverton Silverlight Express is your ticket! See the beauty of the San Juans on a guided tour. On top of skiing, you may enjoy sledding, tubing and ice-skating at Kendall Mountain. How long does it take to ride the train from Silverton to Durango? Silverton diesel train runs from May 21 - October 15. Enjoy a full day on the train with a 9 hour round-trip experience beginning with a 3.5 hour journey from Durango to Silverton. We've done many things in the rain and always come home with great stories about our adventures. Durango & Silverton scenic round-trip train ride in Colorado is a popular trip embarking on a journey through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. The Interstate Commerce Commission declined to grant the request due to the continued increase in tourist patronage. You can find the complete train schedule and associated classes of service offered for both of these Silverton trains at Durangotrain.com. Today, nearly 140 years later, the Durango train is just as an essential part of the city's livelihood and culture as it was in its founding days. It's a looong day on that train to go round trip to Silverton and back to Durango. We bought the ticket for a round trip from Durango to Silverton. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. Free shipping for many products! [4], The improvements to the railroad in the 1980s would prove to be the most dramatic growth on the Silverton Branch since the earlier part of the century. It runs daily throughout the summer. Our iconic 5-hour excursion offers breathtaking views of the Animas River, highline, and miles upon miles of rugged wilderness vistas as you travel through the Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado. The last excursion of the Animas River Railway was on September 23 from Rockwood to Cascade. My husband and I wanted to do a one-way trip on the Durango-Silverton Railroad in June. 486 at Royal Gorge Park, including the tender from #498. There is also a movie coach that was used in the filming of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where the railroad's informational and educational films are featured. If youre driving in Colorado, you can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportations Web site at COTrip.org This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There were 12:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. trips to Cascade Canyon. We really enjoyed the River at the Cascade Canyon stop where we packed a lunch. The 480s were the last ten narrow-gauge locomotives constructed for the D&RGW. Being a "Narrow Gauge" railroad means that the rails are only three . It runs daily throughout the summer. Hi, did anyone who travelled in the last week of November in the winter train see snow ? K-37 steam locomotive #493 on display before its restoration to operation, Silverton, October 2012.