The Durango and Silverton Railroad takes commuters through Colorado's San Juan National Forest. The Durango area boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. When leaving we had to turn completely around to leave. In 1928 and 1930, ten of the C-41s boilers were used to build the Rio Grande's K-37 class of steam locomotive. If we ever do another ride we will be sure to pack rain gear. Enjoy the trip we found it wonderful. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. We rode the train up to Silverton and back and it was too long - in our opinion. The railroad is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and is also an . 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Each locomotive engine has two-wheel pilot truck, eight drive wheels and two wheels trailing truck behind the cab. Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. Some of the cars are the oldest passenger cars in existence. Travel is through some of the most scenic areas in Colorado. If youre driving in Colorado, you can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportations Web site at COTrip.org At Cascade Creek the train stopped for about an hour so you can get out, stretch your leg and have lunch. This is an option offered on their website. It was originally known as D&RG No. As the train turns around. Several folks did what you are thinking. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad announced this week it has purchased four new diesel engines, including these being . The museum is located in the Durango roundhouse. Sold to private individual in 2020 for eventual restoration. 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. 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! Looking for the Durango train schedule? Built in 198788 winter, motorcar 1001 was named Tamarron. Trains hauling passengers and freight began immediately. It does not matter which side you sit on because the train stops in Cascade Canyon and then turns around back to head back to Rockwood Station so you get to see the scenery on both sides. K-37 steam locomotive #493 on display before its restoration to operation, Silverton, October 2012. Mail baggage car No. After arriving in Denver, he formulated a plan to build a 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge railroad southward from Denver to El Paso, Texas[5] (see Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad). 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. Guests are encouraged to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. In 1981 it was purchased by the D&SNG and converted to a parlor car and seats twenty-five people. In 1971 engine 42 returned to Golden as a restaurant display at Heritage Square. Whitewater trips for more experienced adventurers. 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. No. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. At the time, American Heritage Railways was headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. 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. In 1957 it was converted for coach service. She made it the most delightful trip weve taken. D&RGW No. 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. Currently out of service. Thank you! [9], By the 1960s, a modernized D&RGW did not see the Silverton Branch as worthy to maintain and a petition was filed with governmental agencies to abandon it. Its called Durango, a little town nestled in the Animas canyons and hills, And theres a little train that goes up to Silverton, which is 45 miles long, Its worth every penny to take a trip on the iconic Silverton Train, What is so neat about this railroad? You may ponder, To many people its difficult to express to others, For someone it could be the astonishing views that are on the high line, Maybe its the employees that work there that make them happy, But for many people, including me, of course, it has to be the steam trains, All of them are well-preserved and taken care of, in their little Roundhouse, And their fun museum telling you about the history of the place, So I tell you, I beg you, to stay a while and enjoy the train. It was converted to a coach-snack bar by the D&RGW in 1963 then reconverted in 1979 to a coach. Galloping Goose No. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was named the NUMBER ONE NORTH AMERICAN TRAIN TRIP by National Geographic Traveler in 2010 and was named one of the World's Top Ten Train Rides by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2009. Not even once or twice. The Yellow Carrot. The General Palmer is exclusively used by owner Allen Harper, his family and guests. We decided on the 5 hour Cascade Canyon and I am glad we did. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) owns Nos. It originally was owned by the Eureka and Palisade Railroad, and was later sold to the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company. Eureka and Palisade No. Make sure to check out our deals for kids, seniors, military and frequent riders before booking and special discounts on select departures. Also, throughout the year there will be Durango train packages that offer special experiences, so check the website! [citation needed] No. If this is your first time taking a journey with us, we invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the unparalleled scenery along the way. #493 ran under its own power for the first time on January 24, 2020, and has been the D&SNG's primary piece of motive power throughout 2020 and 2021. I called to see how people managed and was told that people who booked the one-way trip had someone who was not taking . Standard class steam excursions available every dayMay 28 - Aug 11, 2022 and Sep 2 - Oct 15, 2022. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil . The 40-square-foot (3.7m2) grate surface in the firebox is among the largest built for a narrow-gauge locomotive and is fed by hand-firing. 476 and 478 saw an extensive service on the San Juan passenger train, which ran between Durango, Colorado and Alamosa, Colorado until 1951. Be sure to stop by the Silverton Museum, Jail and Mining Heritage Center and uncover many artifacts of San Juan Countys past. In July 2015, the D&SNG and C&TSRR had announced an engine-trade propasal by which locomotive 478 would go to Chama, New Mexico, and, in exchange, the D&SNG would get K-36 class No. Nicknamed the "Hotshot". Magazine. Silverton. It runs during the summer time. We did the morning trip and opted for the diesel locomotive over the steam engine as it was 5 dollars per person cheaper. The original northsouth plans of the D&RG eventually expanded to include extensions throughout the booming mining country of central and southwestern Colorado. The trailer 1002 could seat 48 in longitudinal seats. How long does it take to ride the train from Silverton to Durango? They directed us to park at an angle. It was finished in ash and seated forty-six. 18 has been a vital resource serving as a helper. Cost of ticket for Durango to Silverton train ride, We did the regular ticket and it was about $50 per person, Difference between steam and diesel trains, Not a big difference in riding experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. "K-36" and "K-37" class locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition, and these larger classes of engines operated to Silverton for the first time ever following bridge and right-of-way improvements to the line. Enjoy some sightseeing, shopping or dinner in Durango prior to your transportation via van back to Silverton. In 1942, 215 had been sold to a Mexican railway. In 1938, it was sold to Warner Bros. and was used in many films. 473, 476, 480, 481, 482 and 493 are all operational. SP No. 241243, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Register of Historic Places portal, List of heritage railroads in the United States, "DurangoSilverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad", Cutting through Obstacles: The DurangoSilverton Narrow Gauge Branch of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, by T.R. 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. My husband and I wanted to do a one-way trip on the Durango-Silverton Railroad in June. Glide along the track past the dense forests, rocky ridges and rushing rivers of the Colorado back country. We arrived at the Rockwood Station around 8:30 and were surprised by how many people were already there. 480, 481, 482 and 486, all of which are operational. 473 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. It is on display in the museum. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. The train operates on different schedules seasonally and sometimes there are even exciting events taking place on board or in Silverton. The line was an extension of the D&RG 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge line from Antonito, Colorado, to Durango. If you call the Rail Line they can answer any questions The route along the Animas, which begins high in the San Juan Mountains and ends in a confluence with the San . Book your ticket on a historic narration coach and be entertained by tales from historic narrators dressed in period clothing and regaling you with tales from the fascinating and colorful history of the Durango and Silverton area. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. They both feature historic railway equipment used on the D&RGW line. In 2009 the cars were converted with overstuffed seats. It runs daily throughout the summer. The Casey Jones was restored and is owned by the San Juan Historical Society[23] in Silverton Colorado. All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! There is some plastic elements on the cars that could be upgraded with metal for more realistic look and feel, but that will reflect the final price. Along the way, youll be treated to stunning vistas beside the pristine Animas River San Juan Forest through wilderness inaccessible by roads. It worked around Durango until 1949. 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. Yes, its a long day but we had a ball with our host/ attendant Delaney. 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. For a more information on our year-round recreation log on to www.silvertoncolorado.com or call 1-800-752-4494. 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. People of all ages enjoy riding through the stunning mountain and forest scenery on train. Caboose No. I chatted with one family before boarding and they say the ride every year and prefer the open cars. $$$$ American Steakhouse Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Italian Pizza Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, $$ - $$$ American Southwestern Cafe, $ Quick Bites American Vegetarian Friendly, $$$$ American Contemporary Vegetarian Friendly. Throughout the year this space is available to rent for your special occasion! Our Silverton offroad tours travel along the scenic byway from Durango to picturesque Silverton, Colorado. Silverton diesel train runs from May 21 - October 15. The 480s were the last ten narrow-gauge locomotives constructed for the D&RGW. of tractive effort. Your train adventure can be even more affordable than you might think with Durango train coupons and Durango train specials. Originally built as flat car No. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. 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. 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". The price is just $15.00 and as with all of our merchandise, all proceeds go to benefit the Durango Railroad Historical Society. So, book a ticket to ride on this historic railway and see some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer! Isaac also sold maps, hats, souvenirs. We experience the iconic Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge and all of the Animas River Gorge including all of the spectacular views from the High Line. Trackage between Chama and Durango was removed by 1971. 31/2 hours! I'd previously traveled on the DSNGR in winter, and took another 4 inexperienced passengers with me this time. In later years it fell into disrepair. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 478 is placed on display in the D&SNG Museum awaiting an overhaul in the distant future. Schedule and fares are subject to change. The seats did well to seat 2 people in them and it was tight. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. D&SNG W0473 and D&RG 3543 on display, Silverton, October 2012. IMHO you can only make small talk with strangers for so long - Ha! [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. They were later dismantled for scrap in 1946. On October 5, 1980, The Silverton made its last run under D&RGW ownership and, after operating a work train the following day, the railroad finally concluded its 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge train operations,[11] bringing to a close an era that began 110 years earlier with its narrow-gauge railroad from Denver to Colorado Springs. Half the roundhouse is used for the steam engines and the other half is for the museum. There are three classes, K-28, K-36 and K-37, which are all based on wheel arrangement and pulling power of the locomotive. Arrive Durango. Due to the COVID-19 reduced capacity requirements, the railroad is currently only offering 2 hour train rides out of Rockwood station that travels an hour to Cascade Canyon (18 miles) and back. The General Palmer was built in 1880 as a business car for the D&RG. The answer is there isnt a bad time. Concession car 212 was originally D&RG coach 20 built in 1879. The railroad purchased some of the property around the depot, cleaned-up the block extending north to Sixth Street and facilitated the opening of gift shops and other tourist-friendly businesses. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Like most of the coaches on the D&SNG, the concession cars are good examples of how coaches were renumbered and rebuilt several times by the D&RGW. In 1950 it was sold to Bob Richardson, then again in 1987 to a business in Cripple Creek. Available seven days a week from May 22 - October 31. Be sure to watch for a glimpse of the wildlife that, although often elusive to train travelers, abounds in the area. The Durango Train is a must-do when visiting town. We booked a 9 AM steam engine train in an open air gondola car. 486 at Royal Gorge Park, including the tender from #498. 119 was built in 1882. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Tall Timber Legend 631 & Tall Timber Legacy 632. Ownership of 315 was changed from the Chamber of Commerce to the City of Durango. The original Silver Vista was destroyed by a fire in Alamosa in 1953. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. The museum is open every day the train runs. The price of a ticket also includes admission to the D&SNGRR Museum and the . While youre at the Durango Depot, dont forget to visit the free D&S Roundhouse Museuma 12,000 square foot facility situated in the railyard that houses a carefully curated collection of artifacts and exhibits that paint a picture of Colorados rich railroading and mining histories. 1991, the railroad's own track was featured in a, This page was last edited on 30 April 2023, at 17:31. Built in 1880, it was originally named the Hildago as Horton chair car number 25. 480 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. 315 is a C-18 locomotive, built in 1895 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. It runs daily throughout the summer. The price of a ticket also includes admission to the D&SNGRR Museum and the Silverton Freight Yard Museum. This railway is truly stunning throughout the year and will offer you a beautiful scenic journey during any season. Make your experience even more memorable by adding an overnight stay to your Silverton excursion. It saw limited service and acted as a backup concession car. You dont even have to go on a trip. Used as the Durango shop switcher. And Silverton is a bunch of tourist shops and didn't appeal to us. It was renumbered 350 in 1959. 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. When I travel I don't let the weather dictate my plans. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. 18 later arrived to Durango on lease from the Eastern California Museum in November, 2018 and it stayed until October, 2019. At first the D&SNG operated only one K-37: #497, which was rebuilt in 1984 and operated for seven years, being the first K-37 to go to Silverton, and under its own power. The seats were padded and comfortable. There were 12:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. trips to Cascade Canyon. 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 . The train makes it easy to have a perfect, painless trip. That turned us off so they lost a sale. Considering Train from Durango to Silverton and the coach bus option back from Silverton to Durango. This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind historic steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. Silverton Take the railroad into this old mining town next door. The K-28s have 28,000lbf (124.550kN). [citation needed]. Excellent day trip to Silverton or Cascade in original passenger car or open window gondola. Maintenance of way train in Silverton on October 25, 2012, Maintenance crane in Silverton on October 25, 2012, Speeder #9002 in Silverton on October 25, 2012. We have spent a few weeks in Durango, which is an awesome town with lots of history, beautiful scenery, and outdoor activities. In 1953 the engine was sold to the Narrow Gauge Motel in Alamosa. In 1958 the 42 was sold to Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Golden, Colorado, where it was converted to burn fuel oil and operated for a short time. more. River Rafting & Tubing 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours, Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company, River Rafting & Tubing Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. Except for severe weather conditions, the D&SNG runs trains as scheduled. 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. 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. Many of these pieces run during the railroad's annual Railfest held every August. Our family is dedicated to the preservation of history and there is no greater American historical treasure than the D&SNGRR. 499 was traded to the Royal Gorge Park in May, 1999 and is placed on display. If you take a trip to Colorado, there is one place worth your while. All Rights Reserved. The United States Transportation Corps. View the Skyway Tour schedule & fares. The schedule for the Animas River Railway remained the same. In 1986 it was put on display at Santa Rita Park. 2:45 pm. The locomotives are 470 series Class K28 engines with a 2-8-2 wheel arrangement. Concession car 126 was originally D&RG baggage car 27. But a huge part o. If you go up and back you see both sides. durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad. Dan privately owns the engine, and on occasion brings it to various railroads to operate, including the D&SNG. All rights reserved. 425 and, after the railroad was reorganized into D&RGW in 1924, it became No. 18 is a narrow-gauge 4-6-0 "Ten Wheeler" type locomotive built in 1911 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. Gondolas 403405 were built for the 1967 season on The Silverton. also had a six-axle narrow-gauge diesel locomotive (#3000) for trial use in Durango in the 1950s, which saw limited use. It was turned into a business car in 1913. Included in the sale were former D&RGW locomotives and rolling stock that had not seen service in Durango for many years. Theres no bad time of year for a Durango train ride, this journey offers scenic views for all ages, all throughout the year. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. With this effort, "The Painted Train" officially started a new era of tourism that continues to this day. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. We are happy to help you find the best Durango train deals. 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. Its modern amenities include internet service and a twenty-inch flat paneled television. Vestuable ends, train-line steam heat, electric lights, and deluxe Heywood-Wakefield reclining coach seats for 24 passenger were installed. After RGS was scrapped in 1953, Galloping Goose No. For the safety and protection of guests and employees, the D&SNG suspended all operations until at least June 23, 2020. You can find the complete train schedule and associated . With the high elevation and brilliant sunshine,we recommend youhave a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen handy. 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. Two departures daily from the Durango Depot: the diesel train departure at 8:00 am; the steam departure at 9:00 am. Join us for a magical excursion onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride!
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