Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Historical landmark · Durango ·
Scenic mountain train rides with themed holiday experiences
Scenic mountain train rides with themed holiday experiences
"A heritage railroad known for scenic trips through the Colorado mountains, including the special Polar Express-themed experience." - 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'
"Set deep in the San Juan Mountains, this holiday steam train—led by a vintage locomotive built in the early 1920s that also runs between nearby mountain towns—adds a special themed night ride during the holidays (running most days Nov. 22–Jan. 4, 2025). Departing the depot at nightfall, the roughly 65-minute steam journey (about two hours including post-ride photos) features onboard chefs serving hot chocolate and cookies while performers read and act out the children's story; a brightly lit “North Pole” village with glimpses of Santa, Mrs. Claus and dancing elves welcomes guests, and Santa visits each car on the return to present every passenger with the traditional “first gift of Christmas.” Train cars are heated and have bathrooms, and three seating tiers—coach, deluxe and first-class—vary by seat type and amenities (deluxe and first-class passengers receive souvenir mugs and totes, while first-class offers table-surrounded seating and themed décor). After returning to the depot, guests can visit the adjacent railroad museum for photos and to share their wishes with Santa. Tickets for the winter journey start at $39 for adults (and children 12+) and $29 for children ages 2–11." - 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
"Modeled on the beloved holiday story, this experience serves hot chocolate and sweet treats while a conductor performs a reading as the train departs a mountain depot en route to a staged 'North Pole'; after a short ride passengers enjoy a synchronized light show and receive gifts from Santa on the return trip — the full program runs about two hours and pajamas are encouraged." - Talia Avakian Talia Avakian Talia Avakian is a lifestyle reporter based in Los Angeles with a love for outdoor excursions, off-the-beaten-path local finds, remote and historic hotels, and innovations in food. She was previously the digital news reporter for Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"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
"Riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a must — no matter when you visit. In the winter, the narrow gauge steam train departs from the downtown Durango depot and makes its way to Cascade Canyon in the San Juan National Forest. Along the ride, guests take in magnificent views of the snow-covered San Juan Mountains while relaxing in heated coaches. The train takes a 60-minute stop at Cascade Canyon, the perfect setting for a fireside lunch, photo opportunities, or a walk along the Animas River before returning to downtown." - Travel + Leisure Editors