The Most ‘Scenic Train Ride’ in the U.S. Added a New Golden Hour Excursion — and It Can Be Enjoyed From an Open-air Car

"Running since 1882 and recently voted the “best scenic train ride” in the U.S. by USA Today readers, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad traverses the rugged San Juan Mountains, ascending two mountain passes over 10,000 feet and running along the Highline — a 400-foot cliff that drops to the Animas River — and the tight Horseshoe Curve where passengers can watch the locomotive in action. In July it added the Highline Express, a shorter golden-hour excursion that departs the Durango Depot at 4:30 p.m., reaches the Highline around 6:00 p.m., and returns after the Horseshoe Curve to arrive back shortly after 8 p.m.; the Highline Express runs Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays through July 31, doesn't go all the way to Silverton but includes most of the historic route's main highlights, and is a great option for travelers who don't want a five- to seven-hour ride or for photographers seeking alpenglow. The excursion offers coach and open-air gondola seating (a half-open car with bench-style, outward-facing seats), the option to request a boxed meal or buy snacks and light meals from a concession car, a strolling musician playing Western tunes, and fares of $81/$57 (adult/child 4–11) for coach and $89/$65 for gondola, plus an 8 percent historical preservation fee; children under four ride free." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines