{"id":22667,"date":"2024-02-27T10:57:53","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T15:57:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveling-cook.com\/?p=22667"},"modified":"2024-02-27T11:15:38","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T16:15:38","slug":"durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveling-cook.com\/durango-silverton-narrow-gauge-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Train<\/span><\/h2>\n

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A ride on a magical steam tourist train. A ride on a steam train, through amazing mountain landscapes, has even more magic. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train<\/em> is one of the relics of the United States railroad, a train that runs about 45.2 miles precisely between Duranto and Silverton<\/strong>, in the state of Colorado<\/a>. The entire route, and even the trains themselves, have been declared a Historic Monument of Civil Engineering in the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Train<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The\u00a0Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad<\/b>, often abbreviated as the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad<\/b>, often abbreviated as the\u00a0D&SNG<\/b>, is a\u00a03 ft\u00a0 narrow-gauge\u00a0heritage railroad<\/a> that operates on 45.2\u00a0mi of track between\u00a0Durango\u00a0and\u00a0Silverton<\/strong>\u00a0is a\u00a03 ft\u00a0 narrow-gauge\u00a0heritage railroad that operates on 45.2\u00a0mi of track between\u00a0Durango\u00a0and\u00a0Silverton<\/em>, in the U.S. state of\u00a0Colorado. The railway is a federally-designated\u00a0National Historic<\/a> Landmark\u00a0and was also designated by the\u00a0American Society of Civil Engineers\u00a0as a\u00a0National Historic<\/a> Civil Engineering Landmark\u00a0in 1968.<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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When was the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train built?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

The railway<\/a> was built between 1881 and 1882 to communicate and transport personnel and extractions from the mining activity in the region. Currently the entire original route does not work, but it is a good memory of other times, although as a tourist walk<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The line has been operating continuously since 1882 with the curious fact that it is the only train that has operated continuously with steam locomotives<\/a> since then. Even part of the rolling stock has been in operation since 1880.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The route was originally opened in 1882 by the\u00a0Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad\u00a0(D&RGW)<\/strong> to transport\u00a0silver\u00a0and\u00a0gold\u00a0<\/em>ore mined from the\u00a0San Juan Mountains<\/a>. The line was an extension of the D&RG\u00a03\u00a0ft<\/span> \u00a0narrow-gauge\u00a0line from\u00a0Antonito, Colorado\u00a0to\u00a0Durango. The last train to operate into Durango from the east was on December 6, 1968. The states of\u00a0New Mexico\u00a0and\u00a0Colorado<\/a>\u00a0purchased 64 miles of track between Antonito and\u00a0Chama, New Mexico\u00a0in 1970, which is operated today as the\u00a0Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad\u00a0(C&TSRR)<\/strong>. Trackage between Chama and Durango was removed by 1971.<\/span><\/p>\n

Samsung Store:\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
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A bit History<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The line from\u00a0Durango\u00a0to\u00a0Silverton\u00a0<\/strong>has run continuously since 1881, although it is now a tourist and heritage line hauling passengers, and is one of the few places in the U.S. which has seen continuous use of\u00a0steam locomotives. In March 1981, the\u00a0Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad\u00a0(D&RGW<\/strong>) sold the line and the D&SNG was formed Today, the D&SNG, along with the C&TSRR, are the only two remaining parts of the former D&RGW narrow-gauge network. The railroad has a total of nine narrow-gauge steam locomotives<\/strong> (eight of which are operational) and soon-to-be eleven narrow-gauge diesel locomotives, six of which were acquired within the last three years, on its current roster.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Some rolling-stock dates back to the 1880s. Trains operate from Durango to the Cascade Wye<\/em> in the winter months<\/a> and Durango\u2013Silverton during the summer months. Durango depot was built in January, 1882 and has been preserved in its original form.<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Train<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

After arriving in Denver,\u00a0 William Jackson Palmer (1836\u20131908). formulated a plan to build a 3\u00a0ft<\/span>\u00a0(914\u00a0mm<\/span>) narrow-gauge railroad southward from Denver to\u00a0El Paso, Texas[5]<\/sup>\u00a0(see\u00a0Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad). In 1871, the Denver & Rio Grande Railway<\/strong> began to lay rails south from Denver. Palmer and his associates had agreed that the choice of\u00a03\u00a0ft<\/span>\u00a0(914\u00a0mm<\/span>) narrow-gauge would be well suited to the mountainous country,<\/a> and relatively less expensive construction costs would enhance the viability of the new railroad. The original north\u2013south plans of the D&RG eventually expanded to include extensions throughout the booming mining country<\/a> of central and southwestern Colorado.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In July 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande<\/strong> reached Durango and started building the final 45-mile stretch up the Animas River to Silverton<\/strong>. The first 18 miles to Rockwood were completed by late November. The remainder of the route entered the narrow Animas Canyon<\/a>, which has steep granite walls. 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. Grading was completed by late spring 1882.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The D&RG reached Silverton on July 10, 1882. Trains hauling passengers and freight began immediately. The D&RG soon re-emerged as the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (1886) and ultimately began operating as the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad (D&RGW<\/strong>) on July 31, 1921, after re-organization of the Colorado lines and Rio Grande Western<\/strong> of Utah. \u00a0Eventually, the railroad became widely known as the “Rio Grande”.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Silverton branch, as it became known, struggled under D&RG ownership following the\u00a0Panic of 1893\u00a0and the end of free coinage of silver. Typical of many portions of the surviving narrow-gauge branches into the middle of the twentieth century, the line faced sagging revenue due to ever-declining mining ventures, highway<\/a> trucking competition and insignificant passenger revenue. Annual snowslides and several major floods on the branch would only continue to challenge the railroad’s ability to survive.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to make the trip on the Durango Train?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

To make the walk you have to go to the city of Durango. In winter<\/a>, the journey is shorter and reaches the Wye Cascade<\/strong>, which makes sense considering that most of it is covered in snow. In summer, the route is complete from Durango to Silverton. Also, within the line operation complex, there are two museums that exhibit historical rolling stock and equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Technical information of locomotives<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The steam-powered locomotives<\/strong> used today on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad<\/em> were built during the 1920s. There are three classes,\u00a0K-28,\u00a0K-36\u00a0and\u00a0K-37, which are all based on wheel arrangement and pulling power<\/strong> of the locomotive. Of the nine steam locomotives currently owned by the D&SNG, Nos. 473, 476, 478, 480, 481, 482, 486 and 493 are all operational. However, locomotive No. 478 is currently sitting on display in the D&SNG Museum awaiting a future overhaul.<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0K<\/i>\u00a0represents the nickname “Mikado” that describes a locomotive with two non-powered, pivoting wheels in front of eight driving wheels, which are connected to driving rods powered by the engine’s pistons and finally two non-powered trailer wheels located under the cab. The name comes from the fact that the first significant use of the type was a series built by\u00a0Baldwin Locomotive Works\u00a0for the Japanese Railways in 1887.<\/span><\/p>\n

The numbers 28 and 36 designate the\u00a0tractive effort\u00a0(pulling force) of the locomotives in thousands of pounds. The tractive effort of K-28s is rated at 27,500\u00a0pounds-force\u00a0(122.326\u00a0kN) and the tractive effort of a K-36 is a 36,200 pounds-force (161.026\u00a0kN). The weight of a K-28 with a full tender is 254,500 pounds (115,439\u00a0kg) and a K-36 weighs 286,600 pounds (130,000\u00a0kg) with a full tender.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Train<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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We\u2019re excited to announce the return of this highly anticipated train excursion for the 2022 summer season, departing from the Durango Depot! Step back in time and enjoy a leisurely round trip excursion to yesteryear on board a historic train bound for Silverton, Colorado, a National Historic Landmark steeped in western history. On this train excursion, passengers can look forward to experiencing all of the most remarkable sights our railroad features, such as the Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and all of the Animas River Gorge including the spectacular views from the High Line.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DURATION<\/span><\/h4>\n
9.25-hour roundtrip journey (includes 2 hour Silverton layover)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SEASON<\/span><\/h4>\n
Spring, Summer, and Fall<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DATES OFFERED:<\/span><\/h4>\n
May 7-October 29<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DEPARTING LOCATION:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Durango Depot (479 Main Avenue)..<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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More About This Excursion<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Departing from the Durango Depot,<\/strong> this unforgettable trip takes you up into the Rocky Mountains with views of the San Juan National Forest<\/a> as you travel alongside the beautiful Animas River on your way to the historic mining town of Silverton. There will be two daily train excursions to Silverton. Steam Excursions run 5\/7\/22-10\/29\/22 daily. Diesel Excursions run 5\/21\/22-10\/15\/22. The Silverton Diesel Train departs at 8:15AM daily and is the only train excursion offering wilderness access for backpackers. The Silverton Steam<\/strong> Train departs at 9:00AM daily. On both of these train excursions, you will experience the iconic Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge and all of the Animas River Gorge including all of the spectacular views from the High Line. These trains include a concession car with a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Train<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Skyway<\/a> Tour\u00a0(bus\/train or train\/bus) service options are available for the 2022 Silverton summer season excursions. There are two departures available daily. The first deluxe motor coach departs Durango at 9:30am and arrives at Silverton at 11:00am. It then departs from Silverton at 2:00pm and arrives in Durango at 3:30pm. The second deluxe motor coach departs from Durango at 10:15am and arrives in Silverton at 11:45am. It departs from Silverton<\/strong> at 3:00pm and arrives in Durango at 4:30pm. The bus\/train service costs $25 (plus 8% historic preservation fee) per person and is added to the roundtrip or one-way train price. There is no additional cost for Cinco passengers who choose the Skyway Tour. The bus service is available 7 days a week May 21st through October 15th.<\/span>
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2022 Booking Information<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Schedule and Departure\/Arrival Times<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe Silverton Steam Train
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Official Site Steam Train<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Cascade Canyon Express<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Experience the world famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad\u2019<\/em>s iconic canyon<\/a> views along the highline on our shortest excursion offered. This 5.25 hour scenic steam train excursion is perfect for families with small kids, late risers, or anyone looking to experience the historic D&SNGRR<\/strong> with only a half day to spare. If you are coming into town the day of your ride or needing to leave Durango the day of your ride, this train is the ideal experience! The Cascade Canyon Express excursion departs from the Durango Depot at 479 Main Avenue in Durango.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DURATION<\/span><\/h4>\n
5.25 Hour Roundtrip Journey<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SEASON<\/span><\/h4>\n
Late Spring, Summer, and Fall<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DATES OFFERED:<\/span><\/h4>\n
May 28-August 11 & September 2-October 15<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DEPARTING LOCATION:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Durango Depot at 479 Main Avenue<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Cascade Canyon Winter Train<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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This unforgettable excursion transports passengers to and from Cascade Canyon<\/strong>, offering magnificent views of the Animas River and the surrounding snow clad peaks. Departing from the Durango Depot<\/strong>, this trip takes you up into the Rocky Mountains<\/a> with views of the San Juan National Forest<\/a> as you travel alongside the beautiful Animas River while relaxing in heated coaches. Cascade Canyon<\/em> is a destination like no other and is the perfect setting for a fire-side lunch in the pavilion, photo opportunities or a walk along the Animas River during your 60-minute layover.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DURATION<\/span><\/h4>\n
5.25 -hour Roundtrip journey<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SEASON<\/span><\/h4>\n
Winter and Early Spring<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DATES OFFERED:<\/span><\/h4>\n
November 19- May 5<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DEPARTING LOCATION:<\/span><\/h4>\n
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Durango Depot<\/span><\/p>\n

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Durango & Silverton<\/span>\u00a0Special Events & Excursions<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Our event programming is designed to embrace the best of each season, giving you a special way to experience the outdoors whenever you decide to visit. Browse through our full event calendar to learn more about our unique seasonal experiences. Be on the lookout for upcoming news about our signature events, such as THE POLAR EXPRESS\u2122<\/strong> Train Ride, Winter Photographer\u2019s Special, and Brew Trains.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DURATION<\/span><\/h4>\n
Varies by event<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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SEASON<\/span><\/h4>\n
Year-round<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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DATES OFFERED:<\/span><\/h4>\n
Events are held throughout the year!<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Related Post<\/strong><\/h4>\n