What I Tell Every Guest Before They Board the Narrow Gauge

There is one conversation I have with nearly every guest who is visiting during the summer season. When they call or arrive, and mention they are thinking about the train, I lean in a little because this is something I genuinely care about getting right for them. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is not just a scenic ride. It is the MOST scenic ride in America! And a full day, so how you plan it matters more than most people expect.

Book Before You Leave Home

I will say this plainly: if you are visiting Durango in summer and you have any interest in riding the train, book your seats before you leave home. June through September is peak season, and the D&SNGRR fills up weeks in advance. I have watched guests arrive at the depot on a Tuesday morning, hopeful, and walk away disappointed because every car was sold out through the weekend.

The railroad offers a few different trip options. The full round trip to Silverton runs about nine hours. That sounds like a long time, but the route through the Animas River canyon earns every minute of it. The train climbs out of Durango and works its way north through Ponderosa pine forest, then into the deeper canyon where the river runs tight against the rock walls and the track seems almost impossibly narrow. By the time you reach Silverton, sitting at 9,318 feet, you understand why people flock to Durango to make this spectacular trip. This option is basically 3 ½ hours on the train to Silverton, 2 hours off the train in Silverton, and 3 ½ hours return trip on the train. The train takes the same route to and from Silverton. It is a very long day, with about 7 hours of sitting. Perfect for train enthusiasts, and first timers to the area and on the train.

If nine hours feels like too much for your group, you can choose a one way ride on the train either to or from Silverton, and bust (part of the trip booking) the other way. This cuts your day by at least 2 hours. You have the same trip through the Animas Valley to or from Silverton, and have the scenic bus ride for the other part of the journey. 

The Cascade Canyon Express is a shorter option at around five and a quarter hours. It does not go all the way to Silverton, but it covers the most dramatic scenic section of the canyon and works well for families with younger children or guests who have other plans for the afternoon. This is the only option in the winter months, and it is also offered at other times during the season.

Choosing Your Car and Your Seat

This is where I can save you some real frustration. The train runs on the west side of the Animas River for much of the journey heading north, which means the best canyon views are generally from the right side of the car when you are seated facing forward. If you can request right-side seating when you book, do it.

The open gondola cars are popular in July because the weather is usually warm and clear in the morning. You get unobstructed views and you can hear the engine working. Wear something you do not mind getting a little dusty, and keep a layer handy. Even in July, the canyon can be cooler than you expect once the train climbs in elevation, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains this time of year. I always suggest guests carry a light rain jacket in their bag.

The enclosed coaches are comfortable and have large windows. They are a good choice if you are traveling with someone who prefers to stay out of the weather or if you have a child who might need to move around a bit during the ride.

What to Do With Your Time in Silverton

Each of the Silverton options give you about two hours in Silverton before the train or bus head back to Durango. That is enough time to walk Greene Street, have lunch, and look around, but it goes faster than you think.

Silverton is a genuinely preserved historic mining town, and it earns that description. Most of the buildings on Greene Street are not reconstructed. They are the originals, and the scale of the place, small, high, surrounded by peaks on every side, is something photographs do not quite capture. I suggest guests pick one thing to do well rather than trying to rush through several. A sit-down lunch at one of the local spots on Greene Street is worth the time, but if you are tired of sitting, I recommend ordering a lunch to go, and having it on the bus or train ride back to Durango. A favorite stop for me is the Mining Heritage Center and 1902 Jail. You will get a picture of Silverton during its mining days, and I love the story about outlaws in the hills, and the jail!!! In my opinion, it is a real SW Colorado treasure and must visit. You will have an hour, give or take,  depending on other stops along the way to the North end of the street, and your pace. However, if you are driving to Silverton during your stay, you could plan to visit with more time to work your way through the exhibits.

One practical note: Silverton sits above 9,300 feet. If you or anyone in your group is sensitive to altitude, drink water on the train ride up and take the first twenty minutes in town slowly, strolling along the streets. In fact, if you are coming from a low elevation home area, please hydrate very well, before and during your stay. You can also visit our local herb store for altitude and respiratory tinctures.

Getting to the Depot and Back

The D&SNGRR depot sits on Main Avenue and 5th street, right at the south end of our historic downtown area. Parking near the depot on a summer  morning is genuinely difficult, and I see guests stress about it more than they need to. We are a 12-minute stroll/walk from the depot here at the Gable House, so our guests often simply leave their cars and walk down. If you are staying elsewhere, I would suggest arriving early and using the designated train lot a on the west side of the train station, between the tracks and 550, off 6th street.

When the train returns in the evening, downtown Durango is still lively. Main Avenue has good restaurants within easy walking distance of the depot, and after a full day on the train, a meal you do not have to drive to is often a desirable and a welcome choice.

A Few Things People Do Not Think to Ask

Bring more water than you think you need. The combination of altitude, dry mountain air, and a long day outside adds up. A refillable bottle is worth the space in your bag.

Photography is one of the great pleasures of this ride, and the canyon gives you no shortage of material. The best light is typically in the morning on the way up. By the return trip in the afternoon, the canyon walls cast longer shadows, which creates its own kind of drama but is harder to photograph.

If you are traveling with a dog, the railroad does allow leashed pets in certain cars. Ask about this specifically when you book, because the policy has specific conditions and not all cars permit animals.

Several classes of train cars are available, from open air to first class and even an option for a private car. The concession car is basic, so if you want something more, you will need to order a picnic or pick up a sandwich or salad of your choosing at one of our delis or coffee shops the evening before, or on your way to your train or bus. There are also many options in Silverton for pick up food.

Finally, if you have flexibility in your schedule, a weekday departure during peak season tends to be a little less crowded than a weekend. The experience is the same, but the depot platform is calmer and boarding goes more smoothly.

The Narrow Gauge is one of those rare things that actually lives up to its reputation. I have sent hundreds of guests to that depot over the years, and I have never had one come back and say it was not worth it. A little planning is all it takes to make sure the day goes the way you hope.  Don’t forget to consider booking any of  the special trains such as the Polar Express, the Blues Train and more!

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or need more information.

Happy travels,

Tracie