Durango Silverton Train

Since 1882

About The Durango Train

The Durango Silverton train is one of the most scenic and historic railroads in America. When it was built in 1882, the route was nailed and blasted through an undeniably dramatic stretch of the Rocky Mountains, all for the purpose of moving passengers and ore from Silverton’s thriving mines to Durango’s smoky smelter.

Today, the locomotive continues to chug through the largest wilderness in Colorado, following its original imposing route along high line cliffs, dramatic gorges, and lush forests of the roaring Animas River Canyon. A ride on this 140-year-old narrow gauge is an absolute must for anyone who visits Southwest Colorado.

How to Get the Most out of a Durango Train Ride

Things to Know for Your Durango Train Ride:

One Way Train Options:

Most folks who have ridden the Durango train say a one-way ride is enough to get the full experience.

Many prefer to use the scenic Skyway Shuttle to or from Silverton, or the Trails & Rails package for a fuller experience of the train’s amazing history and the San Juan Mountains.

Trails & Rails Package:

This package combines a scenic shuttle to Silverton, a Silverton Jeep tour, and a one-way train ride back to Durango. Your shuttle guide will provide a wealth of insight about the area, as well as your Jeep guide, who will take you into the mountains that surround Silverton and up to the mines that created the town in the first place. Trails & Rails Trips

Lasts from 8 AM to 6 PM. See the full itinerary and details below!

Scenic Roundtrips:

A roundtrip from Durango to Silverton is approximately 9+ hours. The train ride itself is around 3.5 hours, with 2 hours to enjoy Silverton. Scenic Roundtrips

Steam Train (early May – late October) : Departs 9 AM, Returns ~6 PM

Diesel Train (late May – early October) : Departs 8:15 AM, Returns ~5:15 PM

Cascade Canyon Express:

For those who want to take a shorter roundtrip journey on the Durango Train, the Cascade Canyon Express is a great option as it takes just over 5 hours. Cascade Canyon Trips

May – August: Depart 9:45 AM, Return 3:00 PM

November – May: TBH

Best Seats on the Train:

When riding the train from Durango to Silverton, you’ll want to sit on the right side for a front row set to the expansive views. Alternatively, when you’re chugging back to Durango, sit on the left side.

For the car options, locals and previous train riders tend to favor the Open Air Gondolas for better views, fresh mountain air, and the powerful sounds of the train.

Train Car Options from Least to Most Expensive:

Coach Class: The standard option in an enclosed coach with functional windows to open and close as you please.

Open Air Gondola: Highly recommended! The option comes with bench-style seating facing out to the vistas. Bring layers for high-elevation temperature changes and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the soot. Also, consider wearing dark colors!

Deluxe Class: An enclosed coach that features extra roomy, overstuffed and face-to-face seating. Enclosed deluxe cars offer face-to-face seating (flippable to forward-facing on the San Juan).

Deluxe Rio Grande Gondola: Open-air car that features outward-facing extra-padded row style seating with waist high side walls that are open from waist to ceiling and a full roof to protect you from the elements.

First Class (All Ages): All first-class cars include an onboard attendant, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, morning pastry, souvenir mug, and one Durango & Silverton tote bag per couple/group. Seating options vary by car and include either table and padded chair configuration or overstuffed forward-facing (flippable) seating.

First Class (21+): Same as the first class option for all ages, but with adults only!

Trails & Rails PAckage

If you want to fully experience the extraordinary scenery of Silverton and the wild mining history that built the Durango train, we recommend combining a morning Silverton Jeep tour with a one-way train ride back to Durango in the afternoon. This package comes with quite a few perks, including:

A scenic shuttle to Silverton on the San Juan Skyway
An off roading tour to Silverton’s historic mining sites, waterfalls, and mountain meadows
Time to shop and grab lunch in Silverton
A 3 1/2 hour train ride through the Animas River Canyon to Durango (in lieu of spending 7+ hours on the train)

Schedule:

8 am: Meet your Mild to Wild shuttle driver in the Railroad parking lot located west of McDonalds on College Drive (All day parking is available in the DSNGRR parking lot).
8:15 am: Shuttle leaves promptly.
10 am: Arrive in the historic, Victorian town of Silverton.
10:15 am-1 pm: Explore the high country and ghost towns with your guides on customized 4×4 tour vehicles.
1 pm: Return to Silverton to enjoy shopping and lunch on your own.
2:30 pm: Board train for 2:45 train return to Durango.
6:15 pm: Arrive in Durango.

This package is available from May – October (Monday – Saturday). Please note that you will have to book your Durango train ticket individually, as well as your Shuttle & Jeep Tour. We make it easy with instructions of how to book here!

Starts at $264

Reviews from our Guests

    
 
 
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   Jim Wade 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was an amazing experience.Jared the guide stopped along the way and explained all the amazing sights that we came to. Highly recommend this trip to everyone.
  
 
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   Christopher Teaf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent in every respect
  
 
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   Cindy McCullough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide was Jay. He was great. Lots of beautiful views and a history lesson along the way. Thank you 🥰
  
 
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   Kimber R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic!!! The experienced guides made it especially enjoyable. Anthony D. went above and beyond to help coach and encourage me as a first time white water kayaker. He is awesome!! Highly recommend! Highlight of my trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Joyce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Peyton and Dillon were our guides for our trip. They were friendly and professional. We had a great time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deanna Myers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide, Miles, was very knowledgeable. It was a great trip. Would give it 4.5 stars only because it wasn't a jeep and there were 11 people.  We were all compatible, but that is not always the case with a group that large. Overall, the trip was great.
  
 
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   Mr. Debatable 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such an amazing trip today our tour guide miles was beyond amazing he answered every single one of my questions even though I had about 10,000. He was extremely knowledgeable and courteous and made our trip that much more memorable. I would highly recommend to anyone going to the area and I will definitely do another tour next time I visit
  
 
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   Melody Urso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did the Mesa Verde Tour with lunch and Ann Rapp, our guide, was the best! She not only provided us with in-depth information, history and theories about the sites we were seeing, but also took a lot of time at some of the less “popular” dwellings so we could understand the varied communities. I can’t speak highly enough of our tour and I think this is an ideal way to experience a broader picture of Mesa Verde and its history.
  
 
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   Krystal Folsom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim paid close attention to our conversation on the way to the trail from Durango to Silverton Colorado and used what he learned about us to create the perfect off-roading experience. The route was exciting, scenic, and perfectly suited to our interests—a personal touch we truly appreciated. Even the snacks arrived at exactly the right moment! Tim made us feel comfortable, cared for, and completely immersed in the adventure. It was a memorable experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend both Tim and Mild to Wild!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Phillips 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an absolutely great time! Tim was our tour guide and he was awesome! Tim was very personable, very informative and super nice. He made sure to keep us hydrated and was always at our need. I highly, highly recommend this tour, this guide and this company!

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

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Durango Museums and Cultural Centers – 4 Great Places to Visit On Your Next Trip – Adventure Vlog

Meet Location & Directions

Mild to Wild Packages

Mild to Wild offers a large selection of half-day tours that make it easy to mix and match adventures for those who are short on time. If you don’t see a combination listed here that you’d be interested in, give us a call! Guests who book at least two of our trips that include Rafting, Jeep Tours or Mesa Verde receive 7.5% off of each trip!