Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
From Adventure Inn: about 2 miles
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has carried passengers between Durango and the old mining town of Silverton since 1882. Coal-fired steam locomotives pull vintage coaches 45 miles north through the Animas River canyon and into the San Juan National Forest, on track that is now a National Historic Landmark.
The full trip to Silverton is a full day: roughly three and a half hours each way with a layover in Silverton for lunch and a wander down Greene Street. If you want a shorter day, some departures let you ride one way and return by motorcoach. In winter the train runs a shorter route to Cascade Canyon.
The depot sits at the south end of downtown Durango, about 2 miles from Adventure Inn, so you can be on the platform in a few minutes and back in the hot tub that evening.
Know Before You Go
- Distance from Adventure Inn
- About 2 miles
- Travel time
- About 5 minute drive
- Best time to go
- May through October for the full Silverton route; winter trains run to Cascade Canyon
- Best for
- Families, history buffs, photographers, and anyone who wants mountain scenery without a hike
Things to Do
- Ride to Silverton and explore the historic mining town during the layover
- Book an open-air gondola car for unobstructed canyon views and the sound of the river below
- Visit the railroad museum at the Durango depot before or after your ride
- Take the winter Cascade Canyon train for snowy river views on a shorter trip
- Ride one way and return by motorcoach to save a few hours
Getting There From Adventure Inn
Head south on Main Avenue (US 550) from Adventure Inn for about 2 miles to the depot at 479 Main Avenue, at the south end of downtown. The drive takes about 5 minutes. Paid parking is available near the depot; give yourself extra time on summer mornings when lots fill up before departures.
Practical Tips
- Book tickets early for summer weekends and fall color season, usually late September into early October
- Silverton sits above 9,300 feet and is often much cooler than Durango, so bring a warm layer even in July
- Open cars catch some cinders from the steam engine; sunglasses and clothes you don't mind getting a little sooty help
- Arrive well before departure to park and board without rushing
- Pack water and snacks; the full Silverton round trip takes most of the day
Make Adventure Inn Your Basecamp
27 rooms on Main Avenue in Durango with free parking, a fire pit, an outdoor cedar hot tub, and an in room bike and ski rack in every King room. Spend the day at Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and come back to a soak under the stars.