xWe had the fun experience of
riding an old fashion locomotive train through the Rocky Mountains with beautiful
scenery visible only by train. This trip has been on Christa’s "Bucket
List" for years. The route from Durango to Silverton aboard the Durango
& Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad became an unforgettable journey along the
spectacular Animas River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the entire
western United States.
The adventure was like
stepping back into the 1800s. With the Durango depot, the vintage train
equipment, the staff wardrobe, the sites (and sights) along the way, and
Silverton, we hardly remembered we were in the 21st century. The DSNGR train crossed the
river five times on its journey to Silverton, offering unbelievable views
from both sides of the train. We passed fertile farmlands, old
stagecoach roads, the breathtaking "Highline" steep canyon, the
remote Tacoma Power Plant, old mining camps, and were able to be in the shadow
of Rocky Mountain peaks reaching over 14,000 feet, many with year-round snow.
Click for a train video clip 
The train climbed nearly 3,000 feet in altitude from Durango to Silverton at 9200 feet. A few miles into the trip, the train was deep in the Colorado mountains with snow capped peaks surrounded by forests, cliffs, the Animas River, and finally arrived in the old mining town of Silverton with structures that were built in a bygone era.The train layover for two hours in Silverton allowed for a chance to walk the old mining town to take photos, buy a few rocks and minerals off some youngsters with little red wagons at the train wayside, enjoy seeing the old stores and buildings, and grab a bite to eat for lunch at Grumpy’s Saloon as piano player Lacey Black livened up the place with old time miner tunes.
Click the video clip
When the train locomotive approached around a bend with steam hissing, the whistle blowing and the smokestack billowing, it was absolutely a blast to witness. The weather was perfect so we opened the windows for good photo opts and simply enjoyed the thrill of riding the train through one of the most gorgeous Rocky Mt. canyons ever.
When the train locomotive approached around a bend with steam hissing, the whistle blowing and the smokestack billowing, it was absolutely a blast to witness. The weather was perfect so we opened the windows for good photo opts and simply enjoyed the thrill of riding the train through one of the most gorgeous Rocky Mt. canyons ever.
Oh my, what a great adventure to be remembered sitting on the right side of the train going up and being right on the edge of the cliff at the highline section along the tracks. Looking down into the deep Animas River gorge below literally had everyone on board in a state of awe catching their breathe. One can’t help but love a good train ride anytime with such grand views.
