Durango, Colorado
The Narrow Gauge Railroad
Arriving in Silverton
The steam train pulls into Silverton's historic depot at the north end of Greene Street after a 3.5-hour journey through the Animas River gorge. Stepping off the train into Silverton for the first time is genuinely disorienting — in the best possible way. You're at 9,318 feet, surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks on every side, in a town that looks almost exactly as it did in 1890.
The train stays in Silverton for roughly 2 hours before departing on the return journey. Here's how to make the most of your time.
Day Trip vs. Overnight
Day Trip (most common)
You get about 2 hours in Silverton. Enough for the highlights: walk Greene Street, grab lunch, see the depot and mining displays. But it goes fast — the town is distracting.
Overnight (highly recommended)
Stay a night in Silverton and the entire experience changes. After the day-trippers leave, the town becomes something quieter and more real. Catch the train back in the morning. Book lodging well in advance.
Two-hour strategy
If you are riding back the same day, spend the stop like it is short
First 20 minutes
Get oriented on Greene Street, confirm your return time, and decide lunch before everyone from the train makes the same move.
Middle hour
Choose lunch, a mining-history stop, or a focused walk. Do not pretend two hours can hold the whole San Juan backcountry.
Final 30 minutes
Drift back toward the depot early. Photos, restrooms, and altitude all take longer than the schedule makes them look.
Tips for the Train
- →Sit on the left side: Heading from Durango to Silverton, the left side of the train faces the canyon wall and river gorge — the most dramatic views. Coming back, switch to the right.
- →Book early: Summer weekends and fall foliage weeks sell out months ahead. Go to durangotrain.com as soon as your dates are set.
- →Bring layers: The open gondola cars are beautiful but cold at altitude, even in summer. Bring a fleece. The steam engine also produces soot — wear something you don't mind getting a little dirty.
- →Don't miss the train back: Seriously. The train will leave without you. Set an alarm 30 minutes before departure.
The Starting Point
Explore Durango First
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad departs from Durango — a full-service mountain town worth a night or two of its own. Great restaurants, craft breweries, mountain biking, and the historic depot are all waiting.
Explore Durango →Rail-trip choices
Decide whether the train ride, Silverton layover, or Durango base is the real main event
Train ride
Protect the scenery, narration, and slow rail rhythm when the journey itself is why you came.
Silverton layover
Use the endpoint deliberately for food, photos, and mining-town wandering instead of treating it as a platform break.
Durango base
Stay honest about lodging and logistics: many trips work best when Durango carries the overnight comfort.
What to Bring
Lined Journal Notebook for Women Men,256 Pages A5 Hardc…
Osprey Sportlite 20L Unisex Hiking Backpack, Dark Charc…
Bushnell H2O Xtreme Binoculars_FullyMultiCoated_Waterpr…
Columbia Steens Mountain 2.0 Full Zip Fleece Jacket Cha…
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight 7075 Aluminum H…
The Colorado Trail, 10th Edition (Colorado Mountain Clu…
Silverton Railroad Arrival FAQ
A few practical notes for making the most of a Narrow Gauge stop in Silverton.
How much time do day-trippers usually get in Silverton?
That depends on the specific ticket and season, but many visitors should think in terms of a few concentrated hours rather than a full leisurely day unless they are staying overnight or using a different return option.
Can I do a jeep tour on the same day as the train?
Sometimes, but it can make the day feel rushed. If off-road alpine scenery is a major priority, staying overnight in Silverton usually creates a much better pace.
What should I pack for a Silverton arrival day?
Layers, water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes are the basics. Even in summer, mountain weather and altitude can make the day feel cooler and more intense than visitors expect.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pair these guides with your Silverton, CO plans so the next step is easy.
More things to do in Silverton, CO
Round out this trip with more attractions, tours, and local experiences.
Where to stay in Silverton, CO
Choose where to stay before the rest of the itinerary starts to harden.
Restaurants in Silverton, CO
Plan food stops so the best parts of the day do not turn into last-minute searches.
Getting to Silverton, CO
Dial in airports, drive time, parking, and arrival logistics before you go.
Before you go
Official details to check for Narrow Gauge Railroad
Use these official and public sources to confirm the details that change: hours, maps, tickets, reservations, road access, weather, and seasonal timing.
Official source
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Check official schedules, fares, route options, and seasonal train departures before building the day around the railroad.
Open official source →Official source
Visit Silverton
Use official visitor information for events, lodging, restaurants, and high-country access.
Open official source →Planning detail
Colorado road conditions
Check road conditions before driving mountain passes toward Silverton.
Open official source →
