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The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Destinations

Victorian elegance on rails through Colorado’s wild heart

A historic steam train journey threading Durango to Silverton across dramatic canyons and mountain terrain. A legend in motion.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a living piece of Colorado’s mining legacy—a steam-powered train that climbs 45 miles through the rugged wilderness between Durango and Silverton. The route threads through canyon walls, crosses trestles over roaring rivers, and climbs to more than 9,000 feet of elevation. With vintage railcars, open-air viewing platforms, and panoramic windows, the journey feels timeless. Many excursions offer first-class service, gourmet dining cars, and curated narrations from engineers and historians. It’s not just a ride. I’s a rolling, immersive chapter of the San Juan Mountains.

Insider Insight

For the ultimate ride, book Presidential Class aboard the Cinco Animas, an adults-only car that channels Gilded Age luxury. Its two lounge compartments are dressed in polished wood, velvet upholstery, and brass accents, leading to a private outdoor viewing platform reserved exclusively for Presidential guests. Champagne service, light bites, and attentive hosts elevate the journey to an indulgent, old-world experience. For the best light and views, select a morning departure from Durango and return by luxury coach. This allows you to enjoy both the magic of steam travel and the full panorama of the San Juan backcountry by road.

More than a journey, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is time travel in motion—steam, steel, and Victorian elegance winding through Colorado’s most spectacular mountains. The Presidential Class transforms adventure into artistry, proving that luxury isn’t just about arrival, it’s about how you travel.

Where the rhythm of the rails meets the elegance of a bygone age.
The Smalls