One Of America's Best And Oldest Train Routes Is A Scenic Journey In The Rocky Mountains

Traveling by train is an incredible way to enjoy stunning natural scenery without sacrificing your comfort. If you aren't interested in spending hours behind the wheel of a rental car, or hiking for miles and miles to reach remote destinations, taking a train ride could be your best option. In the rugged and wild state of Colorado, a historic train route from Durango to Silverton allows you to journey deep into the majestic Rocky Mountain range without ever having to break a sweat or navigate hairpin turns on winding mountain roads.

When you take a ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad you'll feel as though you've journeyed back in time. It's one of America's oldest train routes, and one of the country's best. It has been in operation for over 140 years, and the railroad is a National Historic Landmark. You'll wind through craggy mountain canyons, cross bridges that will make your heart speed up, and enjoy breathtaking views of the remote parts of San Juan National Forest.

The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers travelers a glimpse at what life might have felt like during one of the most iconic periods of growth and expansion in the American West. The railroad was constructed around the same time that the Colorado Gold Rush was in full swing. During the Gold Rush, around 100,000 people made the harrowing journey west in the hopes of striking gold and making a better life for themselves. Whether you're traveling with a multi-generational family and searching for activities that everyone can enjoy together, looking for an adventurous way to connect with your partner, or traveling solo — the Durango and Silverton Railroad is well worth checking out during your trip to Colorful Colorado.

The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was built to transport silver and gold ore that was mined in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado. It transported both passengers and cargo via steam locomotives. These days, it transports curious tourists. The full journey on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes around nine hours. It departs from Durango. 

Travelers who are taking the entire trip in a single day will get to explore Silverton, a charming mountain town, for around two hours before getting back on the train and traveling the same route back to Durango. You can also opt to spend the night in Silverton before making the return trip. There are two different types of trains for you to choose from, a steam train and a diesel train. Tickets cost $110 – $313 per adult depending on which train and ticket class you select. If you don't have all day, the Silverton Express offers a shorter 5.5-hour journey that travels to Silverton via motorcoach and then lets you hop on the train back to Durango.

There are few different ticket options to choose from. The standard Coach Class features forward-facing bench seats and windows that open. There is also an open-air gondola option with seats that face the sides of the train. The Deluxe Class tickets offer more comfortable and spacious seating. The First Class tickets have table-and-chair-style seating in restored vintage train cars, and passengers receive a complimentary snack and beverages. The Presidential Class tickets are only available for passengers over the age of 21. It is the most expensive and the most luxurious option, with spacious seating areas and a private open-air viewing platform.

The epic journey along the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad begins and ends in Durango, a scenic town where foodies will thrive. There are plenty of great places to stay, like the Strater Hotel. The historic hotel is almost as old as the railroad itself and was originally constructed in the late 1880s. Today it has 88 uniquely decorated rooms that are decked out with charming antique details. For the ultimate relaxing vacation, consider visiting the Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa, where you can enjoy soaking in the mineral-rich waters before your train journey. There are also some delicious restaurants, quaint cafes, and fun bars where you can enjoy a great meal, a craft beer, or a cocktail while you're in town. Durango is one of Colorado's underrated mountain towns for a scenic outdoor getaway, and it's worth spending a few days there on either end of your train trip.

If you choose to break up your train journey by staying overnight in Silverton and you want to continue immersing yourself in Colorado's history, consider booking a room at either the Alma House Inn or the Grand Imperial Hotel. The Alma House Inn was constructed in 1898 for Gold Rush miners. The Grand Imperial Hotel is a lovely choice that originally opened in 1883 and underwent a major renovation and restoration in 2015.

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the closest international airport to Durango. The drive takes about three and a half hours. Denver International Airport, which is considered the most sustainable airport in America, is about six and a half hours from Durango by car. Renting a car is your best option for reaching the railroad, and you should expect to pay around $40 to $70 if you rent a car at either of the international airports.