Like the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a remnant of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad started by General William Palmer in 1870. The railroad arrived in Durango in August 1882 and eleven months later it had been extended to Silverton. While the line was constructed to serve the mines around Silverton, from the beginning it was also a scenic route for tourists. After World War II the line came under threat but it was kept alive by promoting it as a tourist attraction, a task made easier by the line featuring in several Hollywood movies. In 1961 the line was registered as a National Historic Landmark, so when the narrow gauge lines closed in 1969 the Durango & Silverton survived although the tracks south of Durango were removed. The line still operates using its original 1920s coal powered steam locomotives.
Needleton Tank
The line follows the Animas River all the way to Silverton and journey involves a climb of 849 metres (2,785 feet). This is thirsty work for a 1920s steam locomotive, so there are several stops to take on water. The second stop for water is at Needleton although the tank shown in this picture is no longer in use. The water spout in current use is slightly further up the track, hidden behind the tank.
Durango & Silverton Railroad
Locomotive No 481 in 12th Street, Silverton
The train does not deposit its passengers at a station in Silverton, instead it chugs up 12th Street and stops just short of the end of the track at the junction with Blair Street. You are given just over 2 hours in Silverton before the train leaves for the return journey, enough time to browse the tourist shops and have lunch. There is more information about Silverton on the Colorado page. Click Tab 2 to see the Alamosa Parlor Car in 12th Street awaiting the return journey.
Train on the High Line
For the first 18 kilometres (11 miles) the line is relatively flat and it runs alongside Route 550. From Hermosa the line begins to climb and just south of Rockwood it finally parts company with the road. This picture shows the line cut into the cliff above Rockwood Gorge, a section known as the High Line. The reason why the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad used a 0.91 metre (3 foot) gauge is clearly visible here as it allowed the line to follow the twists and turns of the gorge. The Animas River is just visible flowing through the gorge on the bottom right of the picture.
Train near mile 487
As the journey progresses the valley gets narrower and high mountains loom over the train as at chugs alongside the Animas River. To the right here is the Grenadier Range of mountains.
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Train leaving Durango
A journey on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad starts at the station in downtown Durango. This picture shows a train hauled by Locomotive 481 leaving the station when we visited in 1988. The same locomotive pulled our train when we returned in 2008, but we have kept the older picture because there is now a large McDonalds by the station and it rather spoils the picture. The return trip to Silverton takes just over 9 hours, so you need to schedule a whole day for the trip.
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Disused railroad bridge across the Animas River near mile 490
Although the line crosses the Animas River several times, for much of the journey to Silverton the river is on the right hand side of the train. However for almost 9 kilometres (6 miles) near Silverton the river is on the left. The line originally crossed the river on the bridge shown in this picture, but it has now been replaced by a new bridge that is higher and stronger than the old one.
Train & Animas River near mile 494
As the train approaches Silverton the valley becomes very narrow before it widens out at Silverton. The Animas River has also become noticeably narrower, and the rocks each side of the river are stained orange as a result of intensive mining activity in the area. Shortly before arriving at Silverton, the remains of the Detroit Mine can be seen from the train. Click Tab 2 to see the Detroit Mine near mile 495.
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© Mike Elsden 1981 - 2025
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