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.
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 →
