Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Construction on this historic railroad began in the 1880s, and when finished in 1882, it transported tons of gold and silver from the mountains to the towns. People used this train to travel between towns, and they quickly discovered that the scenery along the way was nothing short of breathtaking. The railroad winds through the San Juan Mountains and chugs up Cascade Canyon, a popular tourist destination.

The train ride from Durango to Silverton takes less than four hours; passengers can spend two hours exploring Silverton before returning for the train ride back. The train, which is now a National Historic Landmark, departs Durango twice daily for the quaint mining town of Silverton. Tickets must be reserved in advance, either online or by phone. There are coach, deluxe, first-class, and open-air seating options available. You can take the steam train, the diesel train, or the Cascade Canyon Express, which is faster.