Durango & Silverton Railroad
In 1879, as the Gold Rush and the Silver Boom were going strong in the San Juan Mountains, the Denver & Rio Grande Railway laid plans for a line which would run between Silverton and a town newly created named Durango. The railroad came to town in August of 1881 and was completed by July 1882. The incredible beauty of the mountains through which the train would run was only one part of the Durango & Silverton story. The limited amount of space on the side of steep slopes which overlooked the river and the rough and rocky terrain they would break through was best suited to a narrow gauge line.
Special teams of steady horses were sent for from Kansas and trustworthy men who really knew their business were hired for the extremely challenging job. As the teams pulled needed materials up the very narrow paths, one mistake or a spooked horse could cost lives. Some families of the workers relocated into the Ouray area to be close to the railway construction, and the Narrow Gauge Railroad began to take shape. The result of this tremendous effort is one of the most scenic and incredible railways you may ever experience. There is no other way to see these particular sights, as no roadway or other means of transportation is available in the area of the narrow gauge. Looking down deep canyon cliffs and across emerald green lagoons and sections of river, you will see the same sights that people enjoyed 128 years ago.
The narrow gauge was constructed to haul silver and gold ore out of the San Juan mountains, but the passenger train has been the truly enduring part of the railway. Vintage steam locomotives travel today between Durango and Silverton, taking 140,000 awestruck visitors per year through the canyon in both covered rail car seating and exposed seating rail cars. There is a concession car, which serves 
drinks and snacks and passengers who make their way to different parts of the moving train will appreciate what a narrow gauge feels like. The rocking motion may be a little daunting to some, and the round trip will take the better part of the day, so those of a more delicate nature may want to purchase a one-way ticket and either take the shuttle bus to Silverton, riding the train back to Durango – or ride the train into Silverton and take the shuttle back. Be aware that certain parts of the summer are known for afternoon rain showers, so the morning train ride will provide more opportunity for clear photographs.
Hollywood finds the Durango & Silverton Railway
It’s hard to imagine the Silverton line ever being abandoned, but in 1947 the tourism was not carrying the line financially. To boost the local economy, people who wanted to see Silverton succeed helped Hollywood discover Durango and the railway. When the filmmakers saw the area, they loved it and the next decade really showcased the narrow gauge. Movies in which the train was featured include: “Ticket to Tomahawk”, “Across the Wide Missouri”, “Denver & Rio Grande”, “Viva Zapata” and “Around the World in 80 Days” as well as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. The Silverton Blair Street saloons were used as 1950′s movie sets and can be seen in additional films like “Run for Cover” and “True Grit.”
As time went by, the Durango & Silverton was registered as a National Historic Landmark. When Charles E. Bradshaw, Jr. purchased the Silverton branch and restored engine #481 – it returned to service after being in retirement for 20 years. “Today the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues to provide year round train service operating a historical train with rolling stock indigenous to the line. The locomotives used to pull today’s train remain 100% coal-fired, steam-operated. The locomotives are 1923-25 vintage and are maintained in original condition. The coaches each feature bathroom facilities and are heated during the winter months for passenger comfort. Open gondola cars provide a panoramic view of the mountains. Concessions, snacks and beverages are available on every train. The Durango & Silverton is owned and operated by American Heritage Railways with home offices in Coral Gables, Florida.” For more information on the history of the line and the current running of the train, All Aboard Magazine is a great online resource.
Durango & Silverton Photo Gallery
D&SNG Train runs between Durango and Silverton
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Have you visited Silverton or Durango recently? If you had the chance to ride the rails, please take a moment to rate this Historic Narrow Gauge Train ride using our 5-Star rating system. We also encourage you to post a comment about your visit!
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