For those of you who have experienced the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during your summer vacation to Durango, this may come as a surprise, but the train operates year round! (For those of you who haven’t, you’ll understand as soon as you take in those breathtaking views of the Animas River plunging deep below the canyon edge!) How on earth does that train make it through the San Juan Mountains covered in snow, you may ask?
Well, beginning in late October the Cascade Winter Train schedule starts up; which offers an abbreviated trip up to Cascade Canyon and back. This allows for beautiful views and avoids the mountainous sections that would be impassable when covered in snow. But the real treat comes around mid-November and lasts through Christmas: The Polar Express!
The classic children’s story comes alive each year as the Polar Express engine emerges for round trip journeys from Durango to the “North Pole”! Just like in the story, kids dress in their pajamas and board the evening train where hot chocolate is served and the story of the Polar Express is read in each car. Once you reach the North Pole, Santa comes aboard the train and visits each child to give them a special gift (If you haven’t read the story, spoiler alert!), a bell! Then on the journey back to Durango, the attendants aboard the cars will lead you in Christmas Carols. This magical journey is not one to be missed! So if you’re looking for a weekend getaway with the family or planning a ski trip to Durango Mountain Resort this winter, don’t miss your chance to take a ride on the Polar Express!