For being such a small book, i found this tome easily exceeded my expectations. The silverton railroad, now defunct, was an american 3 ft 914 mm narrow gauge railroad constructed between silverton, colorado and mining districts near red mountain pass, colorado the silverton railroad is remembered for the innovative solutions to difficult engineering problems presented by the steep, mountainous terrain which were devised by the railroads chief locating engineer. The best way to preserve history is to make its presentation so interesting and exciting that people will pay a fair price for. S places to live by outside magazine, and one of the top us wonders to visit by usa today, durango is a longstanding, awardwinning travel destination. Experience the adventure of traveling by a historic coalfired, steampowered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of. This historic steam railroad has been in continuous operation since 1881. So youve decided which durango train ride youd like to book. Listen to live music and enjoy a westernstyle barbecue during the cowboy poetry train. Chapters 3 through 5 gather steam pun intended on the climax of the railroad arriving to the area.
The line was originally created to haul silver and gold ore from southwestern colorado, but its true value was the scenery it passes through to this day. Awardwinning scenic train ride through the majestic san juan mountains of southwest colorado. Durango train packages strater hotel durango colorado. For decades, the line hauled ore from silverton down to durango, but after world war ii its business shifted to tourism. By july of 1882, the tracks to silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.
Many locals told me the mustdo activity in durango is riding the durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad train. Durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad wikipedia. Relive history with the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a truly spectacular journey through the animas. In continuous operation since 1882, the silverton branch today is a lasting remnant of the denver and rio grande.
The silverton railroad, now defunct, was an american 3 ft 914 mm narrow gauge railroad constructed between silverton, colorado and mining districts near red mountain pass, colorado. Chapters 3 through 5 gather steam pun intended on the climax of the. Colorado train tour rocky mountains and scenic heritage. Combine a scenic train ride with an exhilarating zip line adventure or whitewater rafting trip. Stay at the leland house and rochester hotel in durango, colorado near the train station and. It continues to be a major tourist attraction in southwest colorado and has been named both. The railway is a federally designated national historic landmark and is also designated by the american society of civil engineers as a.
Running on original equipment, a swaying, scenic ride on this 1880s steam engine is a reallife peek into american history. Durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad and museum. The durango railroad, the historic durango and silverton narrow gauge. These durango train packages save you time and money when you combine adventures such as rafting, 4x4 tours, and rzr rentals with a ride on the train. Ride a historic steam engine train through the mountains and canyons near durango and silverton in southwestern colorado yearround. This runs roundtrip on a varied winter schedule departing at 9. The journey begins at the historic 1882 train depot in durango and climbs over 3,000 feet of elevation before. By july of 1882, only 11 months after construction began, the tracks to silverton were completed and the train began hauling both passengers and freight.
Stay at the leland house and rochester hotel in durango, colorado near the train station and enjoy a quick 5minute walk to this. In durango, colorado adventures start with the durango. The depot itself is a lot of fun to see, but the coalfired, steampowered train is definitely the main attraction. You own a copy of the original video movie depicting the romance and history. We were warned to wear glasses or at least sunglasses as the.
During this time, our museum will remain open until further notice between 10. This historic train route has been in operation for over years. In the interest of historical accuracy, this photo was taken during the heyday of the denver and rio grande western. Smith does a fine job of building up the setting on the need for a railroad in chapters 1 and 2. One way train ride from durango durango river trippers. The land, the people, the events included in this book bring the colorful history of railroading in southwest colorado to life, and provides a way to.
The railroad arrived in durango on august 5, 1881 and construction on the line to silverton began in the fall of the same year. Browse the amazon editors picks for the best books of 2019, featuring our favorite reads in more. Family friendly activities in durango, colorado travelingmom. Hop aboard a coalfired, steampowered locomotive that travels along the same railroad tracks that miners, cowboys and the early settlers of the old west used over a hundred years ago. The locomotives used to pull todays train remain 100% coalfired, steamoperated. The mp2000ng locomotives will feature 2,000 horsepower cat engines with general electric 764 traction motors capable of pulling a loaded, eightcar train along. Get your trip planned and book your nights at the strater hotel. Book now at 1 restaurants near durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad and museum on opentable. Most of the equipment on the railroad is original, with a few. A stunning scenic journey through soaring colorado rocky mount. Hope on the durango silverton train in the car of your choice. Travel by coal burning, steampowered locomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the old west took over a century ago. The land, the people, the events included in this book bring the colorful history of railroading in southwest colorado to life, and provides a way to relive yesterdays train ride today, traveling. Why you should hop aboard the durango and silverton narrow.
Your ticket to breathtaking views of the colorado wilderness is just one block from our hotel in durango, co. Experience the adventure of traveling by a coalfired, steamlocomotive on the same tracks miners, cowboys and settlers of the old west took over a century ago. The durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad has been in continuous operation since 1882, just a year after durango itself was founded. The railway is a federally designated national historic landmark and is also designated by the american society of civil engineers as a historic civil engineering. The stop includes a pavilion with a bon fire and picnic tables. Yearround excursions including adventure and tour packages, special event trains, group celebrations and more. The durango silverton train winds through spectacular, breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two million acres san juan national forest. An american classic features original photography that visually captures one. Adventure packages that include tickets on the durango silverton narrow gauge railroad.
By july of 1882, the tracks to silverton were completed, and. Ive never ridden a real, oldfashioned train before. The dsngrr will be annulling spring excursions and event trains effective march 18th, 2020 and will remain closed through may 22nd, 2020 or until further notice. Once again, were teaming up with operation lifesaver inc. The official site of the strater hotel book direct. Durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad durango. History buffs and nature enthusiasts will have an unforgettable adventure aboard this rare threefoot narrow gauge heritage railroad which has run continuously since 1881. An american classic features original photography that visually captures one of the worlds premiere railroads in all its grandeur. Book your 2019 polar express reservations today return. Although the denver and rio grande is long gone, the durango and silverton narrow gauge railroad preserves the memory of that rocky mountain railroad empire. Prior to my familys visit, i heard from several people that it ranks up there as one of the most scenic train rides in the united states, if not the world. Today the railroad continues to provide yearround train service, operating an authentic, vintage train. With the continued responsibility to support the community and regulatory agencies amidst evolving restrictions due to the covid19 pandemic, we will extend the dates of our closure.
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