Historic Trains

ride the rails

HISTORIC TRAINS WIND THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD

A familiar whistle echoes from canyon walls as train passengers travel across the valley along the winding Animas River and through the San Juan National Forest. Though this historic railroad was once constructed to haul precious ores from the mountains in the 1880s, today it is promoted as a popular scenic route for locals accessing wilderness areas and visitors seeking the scenic route. And the experience is like being transported in time to the infamous Wild West.

The train chugs along at 18 mph carried by vintage locomotives, and climbs nearly 3,000 feet in elevation between Durango and Silverton in the summer. The train passes by ranches in the valley and old mining camps in the mountains. The trip is 45 miles of spectacular views, and passengers can explore the outdoors, enjoy a meal and browse downtown shops in both locations.

In the winter months, D&SNGRR cuts service to Silverton and travels just 26 miles north of Durango to Cascade Canyon and back. Passengers ride in comfort on heated coaches complete with restroom facilities. Concessions are also available on every train.

D&SNGRR also hosts many special events and experiences for people of all ages year round. For departure times, tickets and more information, visit the website www.durangotrain.com.

CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is also product of the mining era in Southwest Colorado. In 1880, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad wanted to create an extension to the south of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This line of narrow gauge track was built to transport goods and mineral resources from the San Juan Mountains to the southern communities in the Wild West. The 64-mile excurision is named for the 10,015-foot-tall Cumbres Pass and the 600-foot Toltec Gorge.

In 1890, the narrow gauge tracks prevented the railroad from changing cars with other railroads, so the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad began converting the tracks to standard size. But when the mining industry slowed three years later, the conversion project was abandoned. Though the railroad remained mostly stagnant throughout the 1900s, a natural gas boom boosted its use in the 1950s. In 1970, this long forgotten route was revived by preservationists and began hauling tourists the next year.

Today, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad operates daily from May to September. As the train travels over steep mountain passes, passengers can view ranch lands, rolling meadows, cascading creeks and wildlife along the grassy hills. The excursion includes lunch in historic Osier, Colorado.

For more information on excursions, visit the webstie www.cumbrestoltec.com.