There were 12:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. trips to Cascade Canyon. 5. 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. ), Fantastic bus ride back with a good train ride and good views. The coal fired steam locomotive will be chugging its way down the same track that the miners, settlers and cowboys of the Old West took nearly a century ago. We enjoy the trip to Silverton riding 3 1/2 hours each way on this train plus spent 2 hours in Silverton. In October 2021, it was temporarily taken out of service for its Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) federally mandated 1,472-day inspection and overhaul, but later returned to service on March 8, 2023. It was given number 313, because it resembled the Silver Vista. Abandoned on a standard gauge flatbed behind the. So, hop aboard and relive the Golden Age on our railroad, A National Historic Landmark thats truly a unique experience for all. We have children so we are torn between the Knight Sky and Deluxe Rio Grande open air. One-way trips on the Durango-Silverton Railroad - Tripadvisor Join us for a magical excursion onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride! 473, 476 and 478 operated on the Silverton Branch from the 1950s through 1980 and are still in service today. (The Silverton route is a bit lengthy, and you get all the scenery you're looking for on the shorter Cascade Canyon route. It is a National Historic Landmark as well as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Being a "Narrow Gauge" railroad means that the rails are only three . After 3 1/2 hours, we arrived in Silverton which is a sleepy old mining town with dirt roads- looks like the old west with mountains in the background. When traveling on the D&SNGRR, we suggest you wear layers of clothing. From early May through October, the railroad transports passengers to and from Silverton, a visit thats like stepping back in time to the days of the Wild West and when gold and silver mining in the area was at its zenith. 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. 6630, it was rebuilt in 1968 as a baggage car for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Face coverings were required to be worn by all even in the open air cars. The route was originally opened in 1882 by the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) to transport silver and gold ore mined from the San Juan Mountains. That train is also an option in the summer, but most folks do Durango to Silverton and back - that's almost 9 hours total including almost 2 hours . In March 1981, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW) sold the line and the D&SNG was formed. We decided on the 5 hour Cascade Canyon and I am glad we did. Sorry, I don't know. You can read about the basic differences below, or read a more in depth description on our Durango Silverton train classes page. It was renumbered 126 in 1886. 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. The numbers 28 and 36 designate the tractive effort (pulling force) of the locomotives in thousands of pounds. It worked around Durango until 1949. Durango & Silverton scenic round-trip train ride in Colorado is a popular trip embarking on a journey through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. It also had a baggage compartment and restroom. 1923 Nash Roadster (left) and 1924 Model T Ford (right), Sears & Roebuck buggy from the 19th century. [7] Eventually, the railroad became widely known as the "Rio Grande". The train ride seemed long to me at 3-1/2 hours and ending up in Silverton for 2 hours which is a small town without much flair or things to do. The "36" stands for 36,200lbf (161.026kN). Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. We've done many things in the rain and always come home with great stories about our adventures. What is the best time to plan your train journey in Durango? The Yellow Carrot. It is on display in the museum. 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. She made it the most delightful trip weve taken. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.[3]. The railbus hauled hikers and fishermen into the canyon from Rockwood. No. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. With the high elevation and brilliant sunshine,we recommend youhave a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen handy. 2023 Durango Train Schedule. Ride the train to a day of ziplining on the longest course in the US. We rode the train up to Silverton and back and it was too long - in our opinion. : Anthony D'Amato https://durangotrain.com . By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The Silverton Train Experience - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow It was originally designed to be an ambulance servicing the Sunnyside Mine in Eureka, Colorado, and was often used by mine officials to commute to Silverton on the Silverton Northern Railroad. Built in 1883, the Cinco Animas was originally an immigrant sleeper. No. Galloping Goose No. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorados mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. #499 was later traded for K-36 class No. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is on display at the Silverton Northern Engine House in the Summer, where D&RGW No. The fun doesnt have to stop here, with easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails in the Uncompahgre and Weminuche Wilderness areas you have access toan abundance of alpine lakes, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers. The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. Excursions begin May 6, departing from the Durango Depot. Sold to the. The museum features memorabilia from the D&RGW and other railroads. A National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular heritage railroads in North America, this train offers a unique, affordable, family-friendly travel experience that combines Colorados colorful pioneering and mining histories with unparalleled backcountry beauty. 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. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. Since 2016, No. The United States Transportation Corps. We are happy to help you find the best Durango train deals. The 480s were the last ten narrow-gauge locomotives constructed for the D&RGW. If you call the Rail Line they can answer any questions Due to COVID, the trips are being offered without the bus transportation there or back. Ergonomically, the engines are less comfortable than the others as well, with the crew seats being farther back from the backhead and the engineer having to lean forward constantly to adjust the throttle and use the sanders. Join us for your ultimate train adventure! Are there plug ins on the train for people who have portable oxygen? In 1981 it was purchased by the D&SNG and converted to a parlor car and seats twenty-five people. The D&RG reached Silverton on July 10, 1882. 476 and 478 saw an extensive service on the San Juan passenger train, which ran between Durango, Colorado and Alamosa, Colorado until 1951. #493 to be transported to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado, on a 10-year lease, where it would be restored to operational condition and run it for those 10 years; then returned to the D&SNG. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Relive the Wild West on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Ride the train to a day of ziplining on the longest course in the US. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad. It was restored to operating condition from 1998 to 2007 by the Durango Railroad Historical Society with some assistance from the D&SNG. 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. Is 17 feet (5.2m) long, and was built in 1886. On top of skiing, you may enjoy sledding, tubing and ice-skating at Kendall Mountain. The running gear on the locomotives also tend to wear out faster than the ALCO-designed K-28s, and the resulting pounding and rough ride can take a toll on the engine crew. The train is the subject of the song The Silverton, by C. W. Valuation Survey was inventorying the entire railroad property after it was returned to the D&RGW after World War 1. The original Cinco Animas could seat up to thirty passengers. At Cascade Creek the train stopped for about an hour so you can get out, stretch your leg and have lunch. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad lawsuits divide town It's long enough, and not too long. After surviving natural disasters, wars, and financial instability, a determined staff (and starring roles in several Hollywood movies) promoted the . Looking to start your trip in Silverton? There was another car with the same name that was destroyed in a derailment on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. By 1881, the railroad reached Durango and by 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed. 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 were given 2 hours to check out the town and get food- but many of the shops/restaurants were closed since it was before Memorial Day. Along the way, youll be treated to stunning vistas beside the pristine Animas River San Juan Forest through wilderness inaccessible by roads. Concession car 126 was originally D&RG baggage car 27. All Aboard! Terms of Use Looking for the Durango train schedule? Behind the scenes at the Durango Train. It originally was owned by the Eureka and Palisade Railroad, and was later sold to the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company. Throughout the year this space is available to rent for your special occasion! 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. Schedule and fares are subject to change. The General Palmer is exclusively used by owner Allen Harper, his family and guests. It also features many artifacts from the Durango and Silverton areas. 498 is stored partially disassembled in. It's called Durango, a little town nestled in the Animas canyons and . Our conductor was Kyle, who was informative and entertaining at times. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. The round trip excursion will take around eight hours and there are numerous special excursions and themed trips throughout the year. After RGS was scrapped in 1953, Galloping Goose No. Prospector: January 8 - April 3, April 24 - May 6Red Mountain: March 4 - May 6Cinco Animas: January 8 - January 30Knight Sky: January 1 - April 23Yankee Girl: January 1 - February 27, April 9 - May 6Alamosa: February 5 - May 6. 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. Bing Maps - Directions, trip planning, traffic cameras & more It was $38.75 for the picture and we were going to buy it, but they don't take cash. Sign up for our daily email newsletter or to receive breaking news delivered to your inbox: Choose from several print and digital subscription packages, 2023 Durango Herald | And we wished we had investigated other options. I worried about the possibility of rain. Plus there are open air cars you can walk to and move to either side to get a view. The only downside was the parking. $$$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Southwestern Cafe, $ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ American Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly. Silverton diesel train runs from May 21 - October 15. It was stored from 1992 to 1997, until it was rebuilt as an open observation car 313. Opened in 1998, the D&SNG Museum is a tribute to railroading nationally and southwest Colorado. Still see beautiful scenery and not sit on the train so long. The first railbus trip left at 7:30a.m. on May 7 for Elk Park. On our winter trips late November through early May, the train travels 26 mileseach wayto the wye at Cascade Station. Scenic through the mountains along Animus River. Since then the DRHS has operated the locomotive occasionally on the D&SNG and on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Below are some pieces of 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge equipment that visit the D&SNG railroad. Arrive Silverton. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Once there, youll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. Learn about the fascinating history of the area! After a rebuild in 1937 it became a parlor-buffet car named Alamosa. Bolstered by the assistance of former Rio Grande operating managers and a relatively sizeable staff of new employees, Bradshaw's plans were set in motion immediately. Sunday, Apr 30, 2023 4:15 AM. No. In 1953 the engine was sold to the Narrow Gauge Motel in Alamosa. Caboose No. It has a hydraulic lift for passengers in wheelchairs. The winter train, which is Durango to Cascade and back, is 5.25 hours round trip (this includes an hour at cascade to walk around and have lunch - they even have a covered pavilion with a fireplace). The 480s were used for freight-hauling throughout the D&RGW 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge network. The train will cross the riverfivetimes on its journey to Silverton, offering spectacular views from both sides of the train. The original Silver Vista was destroyed by a fire in Alamosa in 1953. Im going to book for July and I am unsure of which car to book. Secluded in a mountain valley at an elevation of 9,318 feet, Silverton came into existence because of the rich treasures that the surrounding mountains hold. Join us for a winter excursion on the Cascade Canyon Winter Train! This results in the draft being forced through the fire bed in the thinner areas towards the flue sheet, which usually is hindered by the lack of draft between the grates and the arch brick. 1. For a more information on our year-round recreation log on to www.silvertoncolorado.com or call 1-800-752-4494. . There was a family that got on and off midway at Rockwood Station and I would HIGHLY recommend anyone interested look into that option. 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. 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. All aboard! The first class Knight Sky car is available May 7 through 20 as well as September 24 through October 29, 2022. 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 last point of highway access between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station. There are bathrooms available on the train during the two hour trip as well. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This trade was mutually beneficial for both railroads as it gave the C&TSRR a fully operational locomotive, giving in exchange a locomotive that had never run and likely would never operate under C&TSRR ownership. They were later dismantled for scrap in 1946. The railbus was repaired and began operations on May 6, 1989. Train rides from Durango to Silverton, Co. up and back. 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. I would definitely do the train trip again, but next time do the one way trip. It was reconverted to a full concession car by the D&SNG in 1982. For 141 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been transporting passengers through the remote, scenic wilderness and high mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest. This is a 9.25 roudtrip excursion 3 1/2 hours on the train each way with a two-hour layover in Silverton. It was converted to a coach-snack bar by the D&RGW in 1963 then reconverted in 1979 to a coach. We have spent a few weeks in Durango, which is an awesome town with lots of history, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities. The original 1881 Durango roundhouse was completely destroyed by fire in the winter of 1989. Locomotive No. We wish we had done the narrow gauge to Cascade Canyon and back. Just as narrow-gauge equipment and parts are rare, narrow-gauge railroads are rare these days too. The D&SNG was founded by Charles Bradshaw Jr., of Florida, with the intent of purchasing the right-of-way and equipment while expanding the infrastructure and passenger revenue. They directed us to park at an angle. There are three classes, K-28, K-36 and K-37, which are all based on wheel arrangement and pulling power of the locomotive. If you go up and back you see both sides. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. 315 is a C-18 locomotive, built in 1895 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. It runs daily throughout the summer. Reservations: (877) 872-4607 or bookonline. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. I wish we would have spent our 5 hours on another excursion such as zip lining or whitewater rafting or just simply hiking. Durango Restaurants | The Best Restaurants in Durango, CO [25] During that time, it was used for oil-fired training in preparation for the D&SNG's conversion of their steam locomotives from coal to oil for fuel. 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. It was a popular glass-topped observation car and the only one of its kind. The first 18 miles to Rockwood were completed by late November. Due to their smaller size, these engines are often used on the D&SNG for shorter trains, usually the first or last on the schedule, and often for helper service or sectioned trains. 493 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. Though there are no longer any operating mines, the mining legacy pervades every aspect of the town, as a visit will show. And Silverton is a bunch of tourist shops and didn't appeal to us. It depicts a narrow-gauge railroad similar to the D&RGW. Find the most current Durango train schedule by clicking below. The other seven were requisitioned by the United States Army in 1942 to be used on the White Pass & Yukon Route in Alaska during World War II. The workforce grew with the railroad, and Durango's tourist image expanded as new businesses and revamping of the old railroad town continued to take shape. Its modern amenities include internet service and a twenty-inch flat paneled television. As the train turns around. 478 is placed on display in the D&SNG Museum awaiting an overhaul in the distant future. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962 pp. In November 1916 the engine was sold to the Rio Grande Southern and was used till the RGS was dismantled in 1952. It has never been restored to operating condition. They are used mainly to take passengers to Tall Timber to go zip lining. Considering Train from Durango to Silverton and the coach bus option back from Silverton to Durango. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado.The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil . I think I had higher expectations because we have previously done the Leadville train. 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". 482 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. The line from Durango to Silverton has run continuously since 1881, although it is now a tourist and heritage line hauling passengers, and is one of the few places in the U.S. which has seen continuous use of steam locomotives. Our Durango and Silverton passenger set comes complete with: 2-8-0 locomotive and tender with operating headlight, open excursion car, old-time combine car, old-time coach car, 47 x 38 oval of snap-fit E-Z track, power pack, and speed controller. Today, #50 is now on display at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado. Trains operate from Durango to the Cascade Wye in the winter months and DurangoSilverton during the summer months. I would suggest calling the Rail Line. William Jackson Palmer (18361908) was a former Union General (serving in the American Civil War) who came to Colorado after managing the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railway into Denver in 1870. 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 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! Silverton. In 2009 the cars were converted with overstuffed seats. In 1924 it was converted into a parlor-smoker car. Ride the train on 45 miles of rails originally laid in 1882 between the historic mining town of Silverton and the railroad-built town of Durango, Colorado. We treated our daughter and grandson with a trip to fly out to meet us for two weeks.This was a bucket list item for all of us to experience this together. It was then bought by D&RG and became No. The Casey Jones was restored and is owned by the San Juan Historical Society[23] in Silverton Colorado. It was changed to car 403 in 1885. It was our first on the Diesel. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. We will pass fertile farmlands, old stagecoach roads, the breathtaking Highline, the remote Tacoma Power Plant, old mining camps, and be in the shadow of peaks reaching over 14,000 feet, often with year-round snow! For others who have traveled with us before, and are familiar with our train and western hospitality, we want to thank you for coming backwere glad to see you again! There were many families with children in the open cars. Your Guide to the Durango & Silverton Scenic Train Ride in 2021 The line was an extension of the D&RG 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge line from Antonito, Colorado, to Durango. THE DURANGO AND SILVERTON ADD-ON ROUTE NOW FOR TRAIN SIMULATOR 2016. . Some of the cars are the oldest passenger cars in existence. The D&SNG operates several other coaches: Animas City 323 in Silverton, October 2012. In 2009 it became a family upscale coach. Save on outdoor activities, tours & rentals. New firemen sometimes have a hard time learning this, because the art of "reading" a fire takes time to learn and the amount of time working on the K-28 class locomotives is much-reduced compared to the railroad's usual K-36 workhorses, which have a larger firebox and are more forgiving in technique. The Yellow Carrot is a high vibration culinary food mecca, eatery and bakery. Whenever possible, try to acclimate to the altitude by arriving a day early. 84,641 were here. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. The Interstate Commerce Commission declined to grant the request due to the continued increase in tourist patronage. [19] They were built by the Schenectady Locomotive Works[20] of the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York in 1923. 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