All Aboard! From Durango to Silverton

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 to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad"

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.



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32 thoughts on “All Aboard! From Durango to Silverton

  1. Leigh

    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.

    1. Cathy Post author

      No, I haven’t ridden the railway at Idaho Springs, but have been to that town. Hopefully, on a future visit.

  2. Marlys

    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. 😉

    1. Cathy Post author

      Racing the train sounds like fun. And of course, a pair of UGG boots is a nice addition to the wardrobe.

  3. Lisa

    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.

    1. Cathy Post author

      I’ll make a note of the Skagway train, in case I ever get to Alaska (as I hope to do)!

    1. Cathy Post author

      Haven’t had the experience of taking trains in the Balkans, but would love the opportunity.

  4. Nancie

    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.

    1. Cathy Post author

      A train ride through the Canadian Rockies is definitely on my list of must-dos — has been for a long time.

  5. Dick Jordan

    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.

  6. Sabrina

    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!

  7. Charis

    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.

    1. Cathy Post author

      I do remember that it was very exciting to ride the train around the curves right on the edge of the mountains!