Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1879. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and contruction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were complete, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realizeed it was the view that was truly precious.
This historic train has maintained operations between Durango and Silverton out of the original train depot since 1882. Carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado’s mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Built in 1881, the renowned Alamosa Parlor Car features table and chair lounge-style seating. An exclusive outdoor viewing platform is available to this car’s 24 passengers. For ages 21 and over. Ride in historic comfort and style on one of our First-Class cars. You will be hosted by a knowledgeable attendant who will provide complimentary morning pastries, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and custom first-class amenities.
The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. 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 Colorado’s most striking canyon scenery. Throughout the season, the river will rise from around 400 c.f.s. (cubic feet per second) in April, to over 6,000 c.f.s. at peak snowmelt runoff in June, and will mellow out again in September. The train will cross the river five times on its journey to Silverton, offering spectacular views from both sides of the train. Guest 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!
Take a ride on the Cinco Animas! The Victorian splendor of a bygone era awaits you onboard one of the most legendary and historic private cars to ever grace the narrow gauge rails. The Cinco Animas offers two distinctively appointed seating areas and a large outdoor viewing platform is exclusively available to those who choose this car. All first class and presidential class cars are provided the same amenities: onboard attendant, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, morning pastry, souvenir mug, and one tote bag per couple/group.
Ride in historic comfort and style on one of our First-Class cars. All first class and presidential class cars are provided the same amenities: onboard attendant, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, morning pastry, souvenir mug, and one tote bag per couple/group.
Alamosa Parlor Car
Built in 1881, the renowned Alamosa Parlor Car features table and chair lounge-style seating. An exclusive outdoor viewing platform is available to this car’s 24 passengers. For ages 21 and over.
Knight Sky Car
The newest Flagship car in our fleet, the family-friendly Knight Sky was built in Durango and put into service in May 2012. Styled after the popular glass-domed Silver Vista, additional extravagances include leather-trimmed first-class seats and a closed vestibule which boasts the largest viewing platform on the railroad! Of course the main selling point is the endless overhead panorama of the San Juan Mountains viewed through the UV-protected glass-paneled roof.
In late September, we add operating windows and heat to add to your comfort during the fall and winter seasons. The windows will be removed during summer months to enjoy the open-air experience of this car.
Prospector Car
Enjoy the comfort and atmosphere of an upscale coach with your family onboard the Prospector. This car features comfortable table and chair style seating. The car is staffed with an attendant to assist with all your needs and questions.
Yankee Girl Car
Built in 1880 and having undergone several rebuilds over the next 134 years, in 2014 this car debuts as the “Yankee Girl”! It has undergone a complete remodel focused on maintaining the old-fashioned flair of the 1880s while providing the comfort and conveniences of the 21st century.
Silver Vista Car
The Silver Vista offers unparalleled overhead views of the soaring canyon walls. Passengers will enjoy oversized seats that offer the most legroom of any car on the line. A private outdoor viewing platform is also exclusive to this class. Please note, this is an open-air car, so please dress for unpredictable mountain weather. Sunglasses are highly recommended to protect eyes from possible cinders in the air. Safety glasses are available for purchase in the gift shop and onboard the train. For ages 12 and over.
Treat yourself and travel in comfort and style on the Deluxe Class.
Rio Grande Observation Car
Relax in a roomier, family-friendly atmosphere aboard this open-air observation gondola. This class features comfortable and larger overstuffed seats with more expansive viewing windows. All passengers will receive a souvenir mug. Sunglasses are highly recommended to protect eyes from possible cinders in the air. Safety glasses are available for purchase in the gift shop and onboard the train.
Historic Narration Car
Learn about the area and the railroad! Be enlightened through historic narrative and tales of what it took to build the railroad and what it takes to keep it going. Also learn interesting facts about the scenery and the historical significance of the area we travel through! Fun for the whole family.
Historic Narration San Juan Car
Travel in comfort and style aboard a reconfigured version of the famous “San Juan.” This distinctive closed-vestibuled coach from 1887 features roomy, reversible, overstuffed seating in a wide three-across arrangement. For ages 12 and over.
Choose between vintage coach seating or open-air gondolas. Seat width in Standard-class is equal to the industry standard of an economy-class plane seat.