The Narrow Gauge Railroad with kids
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is renowned for its scenic beauty and historical significance, making it a memorable experience for just about anyone! The Durango and Silverton railroad has been in operation since 1881. Railway tourism here emerged in the late 1940s after the route was popularized in many famous Hollywood movies. The railroad now runs purely for tourists, showcasing the beauty of the mountains and the Animas River that flows alongside the railroad for a good portion of the route.
A Few Things to Know:
1. Route: The D&SNG runs between the towns of Durango and Silverton in the scenic Animas River Canyon. The journey covers approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers) and takes passengers through breathtaking landscapes, including deep canyons, high cliffs, and mountainous terrain. You can do the round-trip option, or just one way and take a bus back which is much faster than the 2.5 hour journey each way by train.
2. Gauge: The railway operates on a narrow-gauge track with a gauge width of 3 feet (914 mm). What is the purpose of a “narrow gauge railway” you ask? Narrow gauge railroads offered an affordable alternative for railroads to more easily access places and businesses that would have been cost-prohibitive for standard gauge rails to reach. Mines, quarries, factories, and isolated towns and mountainous regions around the world benefitted from rail service provided by narrow gauge railways.
3. History: The D&SNG has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, it later became a passenger train, offering tourists a glimpse into the region’s stunning beauty.
4. Scenic Excursions: The primary attraction of the D&SNG is its scenic excursions. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the San Juan National Forest and Animas River throughout the journey.
5. Rolling Stock: The railroad operates historic steam locomotives and vintage coaches, providing an authentic and nostalgic travel experience.
6. Special Events: The D&SNG often hosts special events and themed rides, such as holiday excursions, (think Polar Express) photography trains, and family-friendly events.
7. Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The train ride is family-friendly, with open-air cars, comfortable seating, and the opportunity for children to experience a historic mode of transportation.
8. Durango and Silverton: Both Durango and Silverton are charming towns with a western flair. Durango serves as the main starting point, (although we did it in reverse and started in Silverton) offering visitors a chance to explore the town’s historic district and attractions before or after their train journey.
9. Seasonal Operations: The D&SNG operates seasonally, typically from spring to fall, with varying schedules and options for different lengths of trips.
10. Adventure Packages: The railroad offers various adventure packages, including opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking or exploring Silverton, making it a versatile experience for families.
Narrow Gauge Railroad
Tips to know!
Reservations:
It’s advisable to make reservations, especially during peak tourist seasons, as the train can be very popular and sell out.
Weather Considerations:
Be aware of weather conditions, as the train operates in various weather conditions. Dress accordingly, especially for open-air cars.
Duration:
The full round-trip journey between Durango and Silverton takes a full day, so plan accordingly. We split it into 2 days and rode down from Silverton to Durango…spent the night….and rode back the next day!
Also, make sure to grab seats on the RIGHT side of the train for the trip from Durango TO Silverton. The left side will be the best views from Silverton TO Durango! The gorge and most of the great scenery are all on the right on the way to Silverton. If you have to sit on the left, don’t worry, you’ll probably still be able to look out the windows on the other side. But your photo opportunities without other people’s heads in your photos will be diminished.
I was originally worried about how much a 2 year old would behave for a long train ride, but Jack absolutely loved it. He was so content to look out the windows at the gorgeous scenery (and even took a nap while we had a few beers). You can also get up and walk around as well, we did the open air car and I’d HIGHLY recommend it. The views were incredible. It can be a bit pricey though, I think the car we were in, the tickets were almost $200 per person (I believe our drinks and snacks were included though). You can get cheaper fares though for $100 for adults and I believe 60 or 70 for a child.
You will want to for sure bring a jacket as it can get chilly in the mountains with the breeze. Also a good thing to keep in mind is that all of your belongings will get coal dust on them from the locomotive if you do opt for the open air car. I did not think about that and we went straight to dinner at a nice place in Durango when we got off the train and were visibly pretty dirty…I was so embarrassed. I’d definitely do this again with the 2 little boys since Jack enjoyed it so much, only this time we’d stay overnight in Silverton and do some hiking!
Happy Travels ✌🏻
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