This week’s Travel Photo Thursday picture was taken by another member of the Traveling with Sweeney family. Cousin TWS, Thomas Holt Ward, took this shot of the historic Durango to Silverton train as it passed near his home in Durango, Colorado.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
In operation since 1882, the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was originally built to transport silver & gold ore from the San Juan Mountains. However, even in its earliest days of operation, passengers have been riding the line specifically for the scenic views. Today, it gives travelers a feeling of the old west as they take in the spectacular beauty of the Colorado Rockies. I rode this train many years ago with a sense of adventure as we wound around curves and climbed nearly 3,000 feet on our way to the old mining town of Silverton, Colorado.
The train runs at a maximum speed of 18mph and takes 3-1/2 hours to reach Silverton, 45 miles from Durango. The railroad is a National Historic Landmark and is in service year-round.
Thanks for the photo, Cousin TWS!
For more information: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
This is my contribution to this week’s Travel Photo Thursday originated by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to check out other contributions on her website.
Somehow we never made time for the trip when I lived in Boulder – and now it’s an even bigger haul to get there. One day when I have an extended period of time planned for Colorado I’ll give it a go. Did you ever ride the narrow gauge railway near Idaho Springs?
Your cousin’s photo is beautiful.
No, I haven’t ridden the railway at Idaho Springs, but have been to that town. Hopefully, on a future visit.
Love train journeys…especially through the mountains! Gorgeous photo my friend.
I’ll pass that compliment along to my cousin. Thanks, Jeff.
I love this! It does indeed remind me of the Old West. Beautiful picture. Cousin TWS did a great job!
It really does evoke the Old West, like much of Colorado, I think.
Durango was one of our stops on our last US holidays. Pretty well-off town. We “raced” the train from Durango to Silverton. And what makes it memorable for me was that I bought my first and last pair of Ugg boots there. 😉
Racing the train sounds like fun. And of course, a pair of UGG boots is a nice addition to the wardrobe.
I’d love to take this train from Durango.
I’d like to take it again. It was a long time ago when I took the ride.
Great photo! I love train trips – this train reminds me of the one that we took out of Skagway, Alaska a few years ago. Trains are perfect for admiring the scenery.
I’ll make a note of the Skagway train, in case I ever get to Alaska (as I hope to do)!
18 mph – reminds me of a few train rides through the Balkans. 🙂
Haven’t had the experience of taking trains in the Balkans, but would love the opportunity.
What a great trip this would be. Love the photo. I went traveled through the Canadian Rockies many many years ago by train, and loved it.
A train ride through the Canadian Rockies is definitely on my list of must-dos — has been for a long time.
I rode this train about a dozen years ago when I spent a couple of weeks on a loop trip from Albuquerque to Aztec in NW New Mexico, over to Durango, around the San Juan Parkway counterclockwise to Telluride, down to Mesa Verde National Park and Gallup, and back to Albuquerque.
The train ride is well worth taking and the San Juan Mountains are spectacular.
Great trip you took, Dick! Gorgeous and interesting part of the country.
Love the thick smoke your cousin captured in the picture. A friend of mine took a ride on this train once and loved it. Must be so much fun!
I agree! 🙂
Make reservations early. The Narrow Gauge operates during the summer and autumn and since the interest in this unique ride is high, reservations should be made soon.
Good point. Thanks for the tip!
It’s beautiful! Scenic train rides like these make for a relaxing trip. We’ve been trying to get to this part of Colorado so hopefully soon. Great photo!
3-1/2 hours well-spent, I’d say, for a trip like this!
I’ve been dreaming of some train travel, and this certainly looks like a great train to ride. Beautiful photo! 🙂
I love train travel — scenic routes or just for transportation.
I’ve never taken the train in the USA. This sounds like it would be an interesting little trip 🙂
It’s a great trip — much fun and gorgeous scenery.
Isn’t it scary to ride an old train? Would like a try at that though. And you’ve taken a great shot! My moving pics always look blurry haha (Dropping by from Nancie’s TPThursday!)
I do remember that it was very exciting to ride the train around the curves right on the edge of the mountains!
I love train trips! This pictures looks amazing! thanks for sharing!
My pleasure. Thanks to my awesome cousin for letting me post this photo!