473, 476, 480, 481, 482 and 493 are all operational. Britney, From early May through October, the railroad transports passengers to and from Silverton, a visit thats like stepping back in time to the days of the Wild West and when gold and silver mining in the area was at its zenith. It worked around Durango until 1949. 5 was built with a 1928 Pierce-Arrow limousine body and running gear, and was rebuilt in 1946-47 using a World War II surplus GMC gasoline truck engine and a Wayne Corporation school bus body. The railroad is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and is also an . In 1968 the Woodmoor Corporation purchased the Magic Mountain property and in 1969 put engine 42 on display in Monument, Colorado, at the entrance to its Woodmoor subdivision. It was restored in 2001 at a cost of $250,000 by the D&SNG. Built in 1878, the Nomad was originally named Fairplay. William Jackson Palmer (18361908) was a former Union General (serving in the American Civil War) who came to Colorado after managing the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railway into Denver in 1870. In 1981 it was purchased by the D&SNG and converted to a parlor car and seats twenty-five people. The remainder of the route entered the narrow Animas Canyon, which has steep granite walls. 6 hour trip reasonable priced, oil fired steam engine still authentic (coal sends out too much ash , could ignite ground fire)). The museum is open every day the train runs. Beautiful colors on the way to Silverton on October 25, 2012, On the Highline above the Animas Canyon on October 25, 2012, Along the Animas River to Silverton on October 25, 2012, Approaching Silverton on October 25, 2012, The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad currently operates over 50 pieces of rolling stock. It also had a baggage compartment and restroom. Abandoned on a standard gauge flatbed behind the. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Our family is dedicated to the preservation of history and there is no greater American historical treasure than the D&SNGRR. Narrow Gauge Railroad preservation & legacy. Throughout the year this space is available to rent for your special occasion! Terms of Use In 2009 it became a family upscale coach. We want to see the views from the train, but a 9 hr day and 7 hrs of sitting still does not sound like our "style". After the Silver Vista was built in 2006, it became open observation car 410. On October 5, 1980, The Silverton made its last run under D&RGW ownership and, after operating a work train the following day, the railroad finally concluded its 3ft (914mm) narrow-gauge train operations,[11] bringing to a close an era that began 110 years earlier with its narrow-gauge railroad from Denver to Colorado Springs. In 1938, it was sold to Warner Bros. and was used in many films. For this reason, the D&SNG traded #497 to the C&TSRR in exchange for K-36 class #482. [9], By the 1960s, a modernized D&RGW did not see the Silverton Branch as worthy to maintain and a petition was filed with governmental agencies to abandon it. In July 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande reached Durango and started building the final 45-mile stretch up the Animas River to Silverton. Visit the Mayflower Mill, Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour, be deputized by the Silverton Gunfighters, or take a listen to the Silverton Brass Band; all offered May to October. Or maybe just go to Cascade Canyon and back. Note: Historic Narration coach is currently unavailable due to COVID-19. It was changed to car 403 in 1885. No. No matter where you are riding on the train, the views of the Colorado back country are always truly stunning. 257 Shenandoah, built in 1880, originally numbered 267 until sold to the, 503 Crazy Woman Creek, acquired in 2019. Enjoy some sightseeing, shopping or dinner in Durango prior to your transportation via van back to Silverton. The winter train, which is Durango to Cascade and back, is 5.25 hours round trip (this includes an hour at cascade to walk around and have lunch - they even have a covered pavilion with a fireplace). Of course, there are always those couple of people who feel the rules don't apply to them so it is up to you to steer clear of those, if I dare to say it, idiots. Beginning May 7, 1988, a new diesel-hydraulic motorcar and trailer railbus began making trips out of Rockwood, Colorado up the Animas canyon. It runs daily throughout the summer. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2mi (72.7km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally-designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil . However, its always good to be prepared for rain or snow any time of year! Galloping Goose No. Firing can be tricky when the engine is working hard, as the clamshell-style firedoors tend to pull into the backhead of the boiler due to the draft, and if any flues in the boiler are leaking, the loss of draft on the fire is much harder to work around than on the K-36 locomotives. 18 was to return to the D&SNG from April, 2021 to October, 2021, and on April 11, it departed for Durango, Colorado via truck. The last point of highway access between Durango and Silverton is the Rockwood Station. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was named the NUMBER ONE NORTH AMERICAN TRAIN TRIP by National Geographic Traveler in 2010 and was named one of the World's Top Ten Train Rides by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2009. From leisurely rides to and from Silverton to . Because of its popularity, there has been speculation that the D&RGW destroyed it on purpose to drive revenue down so they could abandon the line from Silverton to Antonito. Concession car 212 was originally D&RG coach 20 built in 1879. It was scrapped for parts thereafter; however, some accessories, running and valve gear were salvaged and used on other locomotives. It runs daily throughout the summer. We were not told this and thought the main road was the first road and had the worst lunch EVER at a place there were there looked like much better places on the tarred road. SP No. For recorded phone information call: 303-639-1111 or instate toll free 877-315-7623. In 1957 it was converted for coach service. All fares listed below are subject to an 8% historical preservation fee. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. [citation needed] To help continue service, motorcar 1001 now RB-1 and trailer 1002 now 313 took people out to Elk Park from Silverton. On the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad youll have an amazing opportunity to take a journey back in time and experience the sights and sounds of yesteryear. As ridership continued to grow, the D&RGW operated a second train to Silverton on certain days.[10]. [4] During the late 1970s, the D&RGW was actively trying to sell the Silverton branch and, in 1979, Charles Bradshaw, a Florida citrus grower, offered the railroad a legitimate opportunity to divest itself of the now-isolated route. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad (C&TSRR) owns Nos. Cost of ticket for Durango to Silverton train ride, We did the regular ticket and it was about $50 per person, Difference between steam and diesel trains, Not a big difference in riding experience. Freight traffic, however, continued to decline, and during the 1950s The Silverton operated as a mixed train. There were 12:30p.m. and 6:00p.m. trips to Cascade Canyon. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet to Silverton and the high mountain airwill be on average about 10 degreescooler than in Durango. Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. *The first class Silver Vista car on the Silverton steam train is available May 21 through September 23, 2022. Book your ticket on a historic narration coach and be entertained by tales from historic narrators dressed in period clothing and regaling you with tales from the fascinating and colorful history of the Durango and Silverton area. The steam engine was just refurbished last fall, so it has only been offered for rides starting in 2020. Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! Depart Durango. This results in the draft being forced through the fire bed in the thinner areas towards the flue sheet, which usually is hindered by the lack of draft between the grates and the arch brick. Its called Durango, a little town nestled in the Animas canyons and hills, And theres a little train that goes up to Silverton, which is 45 miles long, Its worth every penny to take a trip on the iconic Silverton Train, What is so neat about this railroad? You may ponder, To many people its difficult to express to others, For someone it could be the astonishing views that are on the high line, Maybe its the employees that work there that make them happy, But for many people, including me, of course, it has to be the steam trains, All of them are well-preserved and taken care of, in their little Roundhouse, And their fun museum telling you about the history of the place, So I tell you, I beg you, to stay a while and enjoy the train. In 1942, 215 had been sold to a Mexican railway. It has a hydraulic lift for passengers in wheelchairs. In 1958 the 42 was sold to Magic Mountain Amusement Park in Golden, Colorado, where it was converted to burn fuel oil and operated for a short time. Hear about what it took to build the railroad, interesting facts about the scenery and the historical significance of the area and what life was like in the old days in the Durango and Silverton area. These engines are outside- frame Mikados, and all drive wheels have counterbalancing outside of the frame, resulting in the utilitarian look the engines are known for. Prospector: January 8 - April 3, April 24 - May 6Red Mountain: March 4 - May 6Cinco Animas: January 8 - January 30Knight Sky: January 1 - April 23Yankee Girl: January 1 - February 27, April 9 - May 6Alamosa: February 5 - May 6. It runs daily throughout the summer. Looks Very good and locomotive is heavy and well made. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Prospector features comfortable table and chair style seating. After a rebuild in 1937 it became a parlor-buffet car named Alamosa. We will stop at our office in Silverton for . The workforce grew with the railroad, and Durango's tourist image expanded as new businesses and revamping of the old railroad town continued to take shape. [8] A short time later, the railroad adorned a locomotive and four coaches with a colorful yellow paint scheme and launched modest public promotion. Then the D&RGW realized that it was larger than another combination car 212. Trains operate from Durango to the Cascade Wye in the winter months and DurangoSilverton during the summer months. They both feature historic railway equipment used on the D&RGW line. The Yellow Carrot. Used as the Durango shop switcher. The route to Silverton aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an unforgettable journey along the spectacular Animas River. 3681 is an ex-D&RGW boxcar. The train will cross the riverfivetimes on its journey to Silverton, offering spectacular views from both sides of the train. It was originally known as D&RG No. They were built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1925. If you take a trip to Colorado, there is one place worth your while. The last train to operate into Durango from the east was on December 6, 1968. Operating year-round, the Durango Train is a wonderful way to witness the changing of the seasons, learn about the rich history of Durango and the states railroading industry, and experience the dramatic alpine landscapes of southwest Colorado. 315. Locomotive No. As others have stated, read the website thoroughly as it explains in detail everything you need to do to have an enjoyable experience. We will pass fertile farmlands, old stagecoach roads, the breathtaking Highline, the remote Tacoma Power Plant, old mining camps, and be in the shadow of peaks reaching over 14,000 feet, often with year-round snow! Here are the current train destination routes and times for the Summer and Fall. [14] The railroad's coal-burning steam locomotives were suspected of sparking the "416 Fire" blaze,[15] and some area businesses and residents filed a civil lawsuit against the railroad and its owner in mid-September, 2018. The car had a closed vestibule, with steam heat, electric lights and seats for fourteen passengers. Make sure to check out our deals for kids, seniors, military and frequent riders before booking and special discounts on select departures. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorados mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. It depicts a narrow-gauge railroad similar to the D&RGW. Ride the train on 45 miles of rails originally laid in 1882 between the historic mining town of Silverton and the railroad-built town of Durango, Colorado. Like most of the coaches on the D&SNG, the concession cars are good examples of how coaches were renumbered and rebuilt several times by the D&RGW. The Durango Silverton train ride journey is available on over 300 days of the year and it departs from Durango, Colorado with a round trip, full day excursion. The train journey offers incredible scenic views such as Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and all of the Animas River Gorge giving you an unforgettable Rocky Mountains experience. The trailer 1002 could seat 48 in longitudinal seats. Choose from a 9-hour round trip tour, a train/bus combination, or a train & adventure package to fit in as much fun during your trip as possible! So, book a ticket to ride on this historic railway and see some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer! McCall.[26]. It originally was owned by the Eureka and Palisade Railroad, and was later sold to the Sierra Nevada Wood and Lumber Company. We took the Express optionand thank goodness we did! The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad announced this week it has purchased four new diesel engines, including these being . It runs during the summer time. Silverton isn't much of a 'destination'. The route is varied throughout the year and offers both winter excursions and summer excursions. All aboard! It originally was owned by the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad as No. Yes, its a long day but we had a ball with our host/ attendant Delaney. Each locomotive engine has two-wheel pilot truck, eight drive wheels and two wheels trailing truck behind the cab. Its modern amenities include internet service and a twenty-inch flat paneled television. The bus ride backs saves you about 2 hours and I thought was the best part of the trip although it rained the whole way so the views were not there. The Casey Jones railbus was built in 1915 out of a Model T and is a debatable predecessor of the Galloping Goose. 315 has been operating on special excursions and charters at the C&TSRR on loan by the DRHS until at least 2025. There are bathrooms and a concession car that people were using. Both are smooth rides. The labor crew, made up of mostly Chinese and Irish immigrants, blasted the canyon cliffs off and left a narrow, level shelf to lay the tracks on. To save it from being scrapped, it was leased by the City of Durango as a display. [citation needed], The observation car on the Silverton route in 1951. My wife loved hearing the train whistle. This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind historic steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. We really enjoyed the River at the Cascade Canyon stop where we packed a lunch. Today, nearly 140 years later, the Durango train is just as an essential part of the city's livelihood and culture as it was in its founding days. It was stored from 1992 to 1997, until it was rebuilt as an open observation car 313. Our conductor was Kyle, who was informative and entertaining at times. In 1993 it was acquired by the D&SNG and was restored to its original condition. A new roundhouse was constructed on the same site, opening in early 1990, and its facade made use of bricks salvaged from the original building.[4]. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. In the 2021 summer season the locomotive has been in helper service for the 15-car Silverton Train, doubleheading from Hermosa to Rockwood, and then from Tank Creek all the way to SIlverton. Glide along the track past the dense forests, rocky ridges and rushing rivers of the Colorado back country. The General Palmer was built in 1880 as a business car for the D&RG. What restaurants are near Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum? Free shipping for many products! Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing, Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose #5 Excursions, K-28 100th Anniversary Fall Photo Special, Ghost Crawl: Haunted Durango Train Museum Experience, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. 473 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. Looking for the Durango train schedule? In 1887 it was rebuilt into a combination coach-baggage car and numbered 215. Join us for your ultimate train adventure! Finally, it was bought by Dan Markoff and restored to operating condition. #499 was later traded for K-36 class No. Also, throughout the year there will be Durango train packages that offer special experiences, so check the website! The 470 series, or "K-28" class 2-8-2 "Mikado" type locomotives, were ten engines designed for freight service along the D&RG. We enhance vitality, evolve one's spirit and plant a fire of opportunity in one's . 480 has been converted to an oil burner and is operational. The Animas River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire western United States. No. The D&RG reached Silverton on July 10, 1882. Then, in July, 1998, the railroad was sold again, to American Heritage Railways. It was then bought by D&RG and became No. 315 is a C-18 locomotive, built in 1895 by Baldwin Locomotive Works. Hop aboard a coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the Old West used over a hundred years ago. We were served soft drinks (free) and were offered mixed drinks (for a fee). In response to the 416 fire, the D&SNG announced their plans to restore #493 publicly and that the locomotive was their first candidate for an oil conversion, with more to come in the future. It was reconverted to a full concession car by the D&SNG in 1982. Following the ICC's ruling, the railroad reluctantly responded by investing in additional rolling stock, track maintenance and improvements to the Durango depot. 483, which had not seen operation in several years. During all four seasons, the train travels to Cascade Canyon which lies deep in the wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. Browse different rides & seasonal events. Due to their smaller size, these engines are often used on the D&SNG for shorter trains, usually the first or last on the schedule, and often for helper service or sectioned trains. We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. Once there, you'll have 2 hours to explore the historic mining town of Silverton before the 3.5 hour train ride back to Durango. Thank you! (The Silverton route is a bit lengthy, and you get all the scenery you're looking for on the shorter Cascade Canyon route. Rail camp car No. The D&S add-on route requires the Train Simulator 2016 game platform, . Today it is the oldest private railroad coach still in service in the United States. Silverton Steam Train Schedule 2022. In 2009 the cars were converted with overstuffed seats. At the time, American Heritage Railways was headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida. Downtown Silverton along Greene & Blair Streets boasts of a bold past and is designated as a National Historic District. For others who have traveled with us before, and are familiar with our train and western hospitality, we want to thank you for coming backwere glad to see you again! Highlights included canyon and creek views, and watching the train travel over a wooden bridge. You can find the complete train schedule and associated classes of service offered for both of these Silverton trains at Durangotrain.com. It was rebuilt by the D&SNG in 1984 with a kitchen, a bathroom and beds. The only downside was the parking. The numbers of the car were switched and the smaller car was sent to. After RGS was scrapped in 1953, Galloping Goose No. From May 27 through September 15 Elk Park trips ran at 7:30a.m. and 3:30p.m. Browse different rides & seasonal events. Isaac also sold maps, hats, souvenirs. The scenery is majestic (especially if you sit on the right side of the train) with the train going around cliffs with tracks very close to the edge. They had breakfast nachos, hotdogs and coffee and other drinks. The seats did well to seat 2 people in them and it was tight. We found this train ride to be very relaxing and enjoyable and just the right length of time for our schedule, about 2-1/2 hours. Ballantine Communications, Inc. Our iconic 5-hour excursion offers breathtaking views of the Animas River, highline, and miles upon miles of rugged wilderness vistas as you travel through the Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado. If you take a trip to Colorado, there is one place worth your while. 473, 476 and 478 operated on the Silverton Branch from the 1950s through 1980 and are still in service today. It was a popular glass-topped observation car and the only one of its kind. 480, 481, 482 and 486, all of which are operational. II, is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #4 is a 55-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #5 is a 45-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #7, nicknamed the "Big Al", is an 87-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #9 was first acquired by the D&SNG in March, 2006 and is a 92-ton center-cab diesel built by, Diesel engine #11, nicknamed the P.B., was built by, Diesel engine #1201 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018, in response to the, Diesel engine #1202 is one of two custom-built type MP2000NG diesels acquired from Motive Power and Equipment Solutions in 2018 in response to the, Diesel engine #1203 is a type DE75CT diesel built by, In April, 2020, it was announced that four, Concession car 64 was originally D&RG mail-baggage 64 built in 1889. The train ride seemed long to me at 3-1/2 hours and ending up in Silverton for 2 hours which is a small town without much flair or things to do. The schedule for the Animas River Railway remained the same. Today, #50 is now on display at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado. I wish we would have spent our 5 hours on another excursion such as zip lining or whitewater rafting or just simply hiking. The Durango Silverton Train system is a narrow gauge railed. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The original 1881 Durango roundhouse was completely destroyed by fire in the winter of 1989. Durangos elevation is 6,512 feet above sea level and Silverton sits comfortably at 9,305 feet elevation. Engine 473 served frequently on the Chili Line that operated between Antonito, Colorado and Santa Fe, New Mexico, until the line was abandoned in 1941. It was converted to a coach-snack bar by the D&RGW in 1963 then reconverted in 1979 to a coach. There were many families with children in the open cars. All locomotives were eventually restored to operating condition. No. Being a "Narrow Gauge" railroad means that the rails are only three . When traveling on the D&SNGRR, we suggest you wear layers of clothing. Reservations: (877) 872-4607 or bookonline. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. And have dinner at the luxurious Strater Hotel, which will make your trip even better. The Durango Silverton train ride journey is available on over 300 days of the year and it departs from Durango, Colorado with a round trip, full day excursion. Athearn, Robert G. "Rebel of the Rockies" Yale University Press 1962. pp. The route is varied throughout the year and offers both winter excursions and summer excursions. All rights reserved. The current roster goes as follows: The steam-powered locomotives used today on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad were built during the 1920s. The running gear on the locomotives also tend to wear out faster than the ALCO-designed K-28s, and the resulting pounding and rough ride can take a toll on the engine crew. Get around Durango in style with rental vehicles. Due to the COVID-19 reduced capacity requirements, the railroad is currently only offering 2 hour train rides out of Rockwood station that travels an hour to Cascade Canyon (18 miles) and back. The D&SNG named coach 312 the Silverton. Patronage never met expectations and has not operated since. The D&SNG operates one combination car 213 named Bitter Root Mine, it was previously named Home Ranch and was built in 1983 by the D&SNG. The female bus driver was great and talked the whole trip giving us a tour and filling in with great stories of her life in the area and other items. We wish we had done the narrow gauge to Cascade Canyon and back. But a huge part o. The name comes from the fact that the first significant use of the type was a series built by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Japanese Railways in 1887. [citation needed]. In June, 2018, the railroad shut down for several weeks due to a wildfire, named the "416 Fire",[12] which was fought by two air tankers, six helicopters and some 400 firefighters on the ground. The route winds in and out of canyons and past open wilderness affording great views. Prior to the war, he had risen within the ranks of the Pennsylvania Railroad, serving as secretary to the president. The Interstate Commerce Commission declined to grant the request due to the continued increase in tourist patronage. Built in 1883, the Cinco Animas was originally an immigrant sleeper. [4] Today, the D&SNG, along with the C&TSRR, are the only two remaining parts of the former D&RGW narrow-gauge network. The route along the Animas, which begins high in the San Juan Mountains and ends in a confluence with the San . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Durango - Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Train Car and Seating Options. Poem: The Silverton Train. It is rugged and gorgeous! . As the train turns around. We came to Durango just for the Train Ride. Currently out of service. Whitewater rafting with professional guides. We were on the Knight Sky car. Restored back to operating condition in February, 2018. Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and WeatherKit.org, Addiction has found its way to Southwest Colorado; robust treatment services have not, Leaving friends, family and community for treatment is hard, but some have little choice, Durango Transit to expand U.S. Highway 160 west route to Crestview neighborhood, Report a paper delivery issue/suspend delivery. All Aboard! Built originally as a mining line, the scenic value of the Durango and Silverton was quickly recognized in passenger service. It was restored to operating condition from 1998 to 2007 by the Durango Railroad Historical Society with some assistance from the D&SNG. Built by the D&RG in 1887, it had clerestory roof and bullnose ends. I'd previously traveled on the DSNGR in winter, and took another 4 inexperienced passengers with me this time.
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