Durango to Silverton, Colorado

Sun Jul 5th
We climb out of bed early this morning, skipped breakfast, and drove 43 miles to Durango, Co. to catch a train. We had to be there to check in by 8:30 and since we arrived 10 minutes early, we decided to have breakfast at McDonald's.

We picked up our boarding tickets and climbed on the train. We opted for the San Juan car which was closed in, with good seats, and windows. We were 3rd car from the end of the train which is a good choice. This is a coal burning steam train and the soot, cinders, & smoke need time to blow away before it gets to us. Of course, as the temperatures went up, so did the windows. When we were at our highest point the temperatures dropped considerably and so did many of the windows.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is coal fired steam engine that is enjoying 128 years of service. They have several restored cars from open air coach to the Victorian splendor of the Presidential Class. We opted for the Deluxe Class of the San Juan coach. A refurbished 1887 coach, which has a closed vestibule for viewing, and reversible comfortable seating. A narrow gauge train railroad tracks are 36" vs. 56 1/2" on a standard track. This enables the train to make sharper turns.

The train ride goes through spectacular canyons with breathtaking views of the Animas River & takes about 3 1/2 hours to reach Silverton. This includes about 4 stops, two of which are for water for the train. The elevation changes from around 5200 feet at Durango to 9300 in Silverton. We spent about 2 1/4 hours in Silverton, the train was reversed, and we got to see the other side of the view on the way back to Durango.

We both enjoyed the entire day including lunch and a stagecoach ride in Silverton. Check out their website: http://www/durangotrain.com

Okay, enjoy the pictures below, and the comments. Remember, you can view the pictures in full size, by just clicking on the pictures.



Train Station at Durango, Colorado









Sharon with the train in the background. See the black smoke! The Conductor will provide eye wash if you need it.







I'm leaning out the window, ducking the tree limbs, so I could get a good picture of the train as it rounds a curve. Naturally, after many pictures like this, I had to get some eye wash before we arrived in Silverton.







Check out the white water rapids in the Animas River in the canyon below.







The river started to look a lot smaller as we climbed to higher elevations.









The Conductor, while collecting tickets, did mention that it is a long walk back if you don't have a ticket.







When you are up high there are usually places a lot higher up than you are. Check out this beautiful scenery.







Silverton Train Station - Elevation 9273 - Est. 1874
After 3 1/2 hours we arrived in Silverton. This is an old silver mining town. Mines are now worked out & closed. The train brings about 140000 tourists to the town today. There is also two ski areas in Silverton. Using the Saloons for movie sets, several movies were shot here which include, True Grit, Run for Cover, & Across the Wide Missouri.



Sharon smiling and getting off the train. A long ride and a great experience.








We decided to take the stage coach ride to see the town.









Yep! That's me getting off the stage coach.

"That's one step for mankind and one "Giant" step for the old man.





Town Square - a 126 years ago there was a lot of fun on Blair Street. (developed as the red-light district)








Here's a good picture of the horses and stage coach driver. A little bumpy, but a good ride, on the dirt streets of Silverton.










Sharon posing in front of the Shady Lady Saloon.

In the good old days, there were 22 saloons. In the 1940s, most of the saloon ladies, citing competion, left after the local girls who "gave it away", in fits of patriotic fervor during WW II.




The old car blended well with the rest of the town.









Sharon boarding the train. I think she was ready to go!








Now here's a RV owner who has found his little piece of Paradise.





I mentioned in the last update about a couple of new friends. Larry & Trudy were camping at Mesa Verde and decided to come into Durango for dinner. After dinner they went to the train station to watch the DSNGRR train come in. When they went to the parking lot to pick up their truck they spotted us at the motor home getting ready to leave. What a small world this can be. Good to see you both, again!


We left the parking lot and said goodbye to Durango. Our next trip takes us to Utah and to the Arches National Park. Until then............
Happy Trails!