There are two ways to reach Silverton — and both are adventures in themselves. The most iconic is by steam train. The most dramatic is by car.
By Train from Durango (Recommended)
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the classic way to arrive — a 3.5-hour steam train journey through the Animas River gorge that's been running since 1882. No roads enter the canyon; the train is the only way through.
Departs: Durango depot, downtown, ~9 AM daily (summer/fall)
Arrives Silverton: ~12:30 PM
Return to Durango: ~3:15 PM from Silverton
Book tickets in advance at durangotrain.com — summer weekends and fall foliage dates sell out months ahead.
Full Railroad Guide →By Car — The Million Dollar Highway
US-550 north from Durango to Silverton is known as the Million Dollar Highway — 50 miles of some of the most spectacular (and vertiginous) mountain driving in America. Hairpin turns, dramatic switchbacks, no guardrails, and views that will stop your breath.
Distance: 49 miles from Durango · About 1 hour in good conditions
From Denver: ~390 miles, about 6 hours
From Albuquerque: ~260 miles, about 4 hours
⚠️ Winter driving warning: US-550 over Red Mountain Pass (11,018 ft) is subject to closure in winter storms. Chain requirements are common. Check CDOT road conditions before driving in winter: cotrip.org
Driving Distances to Silverton
- Durango, CO49 mi · ~1 hr via US-550
- Ouray, CO24 mi · ~35 min (Million Dollar Hwy north)
- Telluride, CO55 mi · ~1.5 hrs via Ouray
- Denver, CO~390 mi · ~6 hrs
- Albuquerque, NM~260 mi · ~4 hrs
Getting Around Silverton
Silverton is very small — the entire historic downtown is walkable in 10 minutes. Most trailheads require a car or 4WD vehicle on unpaved mountain roads. Jeep rentals are available in town for accessing backcountry roads.
