Originally built to haul gold and silver ore down from mines in the San Juan Mountains, this historic 45-mile-long railroad has been in continuous operation since 1882. Coal-fired steam locomotives pull passenger carriages on sinuous excursions through remote canyons, completing the 3,000-foot climb from Durango to Silverton (elevation 9,305 feet) in under four hours. At the train’s top speed of 18 miles per hour, riders have plenty of time to marvel at the grandeur of mountain landscapes unreachable by car.
We actually rode the train from Silverton down to Durango. And it took longer than four hours. Some of the track had been replaced during the prior week and the train had to move extra-slow over the new track to tamp it down. What a ride. The views were incredible and sometimes pretty scary. While there are lots of rocks visible in the Animas River, I was told that in spring the river provides quite the white-water rafting adventure. I love rafting, but doubt I will do anymore at this point in time. Enjoy the photos.
Blowing-down steam as we cross the High Bridge over the Animas River
400 feet above the river on a horseshoe curve. We are in the San Juan National Forest
Privately-owned Shalona Lake. We could not see any large home, just a few smaller structures.
Here are some short videos. I apologize for the blurs on the second video.
Leaving the station
High above the river. I was leaning out of the window taking the video. If you just sat in your seat it would appear that you were hanging off the edge of the mountain. Well, we were kinda, lol. Lots of nervous Nellies on board.
Unfortunately, I was too tired when we finally reached Durango and did not go back into town to visit the Railway Museum. And the next day I ate something which did not agree with me, so missed another opportunity. Such is life. Tomorrow we visit a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Hi Denise - well you've seen it ... and it's given you a glimpse of other visits if you feel so inclined at some stage: by the look of it ... another visit could easily be in order ... how amazing - I'd love to do it ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteGorgeous country! Next time you get to Utah you should go to Heber City and take a ride on the
ReplyDeleteHeber Creeper! It's fun, too.
I love train journeys through interesting places and this looks an exceptional one. Thanks for taking me along!
ReplyDeleteWe took this trip when our boys were younger. IT was a wonderful trip. If I were ever to do it again, I will ride the train up and take the bus back!
ReplyDeleteOur driver said that the road going down to Durango is worse than the road going up to Silverton from Ouray. Can't imagine. Some folks do a round-trip on the train - an all-day affair.
DeleteHow beautiful! This looks like such a great train trip that you can put in the books. The scenery reminds me of True Grit and Rooster Cogburn, films with the great John Wayne. How many train trips have you done that are considered one of the best?
ReplyDeleteThat train trip has been seen in many movies. I've also taken the Bernina Express in Switzerland. The Canadian Rockies is on my bucket list.
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