Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Really cool trip to a few remote backpacking spots. Makes for an amazing adventure. The ride it's self is fun and has nice amenities. Many cool sites along the way. The train also always seems to be on time. Gondola is the best way to ride.

I love this train ride through some of the most beautiful country in our nation. The prices are a bit expensive but worth it if you only do it once in your life. I got off at Elk Station and hiked a 40 mile loop back to Needles Station. It’s a tough five day hike, but I highly recommend it. Make sure you’re physically prepared to do some very strenuous days.

I took the Durango & Silverton train with my dad, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever shared. We rode the train up and took the bus back, which gave us the best of both worlds. I honestly thought it might be a little boring at first—but I ended up having the time of my life. The staff were incredibly friendly and made the entire journey enjoyable from start to finish. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with views that look like they belong in a movie. The bar cart was a fun surprise, offering a great selection of snacks and drinks to enjoy along the way. If you’re even considering this trip, do it. It far exceeded my expectations and gave us memories that will last a lifetime.

This experience was and always is phenomenal and unforgettable! The first time I rode this train I was 10 years old and it’s still just as magical over 20 years later. Beautiful scenery through the mountains and we booked the Silver Vista car since we’ve never been in that one before. I don’t think I’ll ever want to ride in a different car now, that one was incredible! I want to also mention our attendant, Sean. I was dealing with a bad migraine and the sun was making it worse… he brought an umbrella for me and it helped immensely! My husband and I were very grateful for his thoughtfulness and it made our ride much better. On top of that, he was just amazing at his job!! My brother really enjoyed talking with him and he made the trip fun. My brother then proposed in front of the train at Silverton which made everything even more special! On our way back we took the bus and it was very smooth. The driver, Charles, reminded me of my grandpa and you could tell he loved his job! He gave us lots of interesting facts on the way back to Durango and made us feel at ease. I highly recommend this experience, you wont regret it!!

An Unforgettable Journey Through Colorado’s Majestic Scenery! The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! From the moment we boarded the vintage train in Durango, we were transported back in time. The historic steam engine, the authentic cars, and the friendly, informative staff all added to the charm and nostalgia. The ride itself was absolutely breathtaking — winding through lush forests, deep canyons, and alongside the roaring Animas River. Every turn revealed stunning mountain views and untouched wilderness. We couldn't stop taking photos! If you’re anywhere near Southwest Colorado, don’t miss this! It’s a perfect adventure for families, couples, or anyone who appreciates nature and history. Truly a 5-star experience from start to finish! 🚂🌲🏞️

My husband had talked about how much he wanted to go on this train. We decided to build a vacation around this experience. I’m so happy that we did. The scenery on this train ride is so amazing that it’s hard to truly capture in a picture or video. What took us by surprise is how much of the ride we were right next to the river while the mountains towered above us. We chose the ride that goes all the way up to Silverton. The elevation in Silverton is over 9000 feet and when you aren’t used to that, you can definitely feel it. I loved that we were given an hour and a half to enjoy the small town. It looks like a charming Hallmark town. We enjoyed lunch at a burger restaurant and it did not disappoint. Walking around the shops was also very enjoyable. One thing to know is that you do have to pay for parking at the Durango train station. It is a nice large lot so there is plenty of parking. According to CHTgpt, this is the #1 train ride in the US and I can see why. The Rocky Mountains are a site to behold! If you are able to take this train ride, do it!

Absolutely Unforgettable Experience – 5 Stars All Around! We had the absolute pleasure of taking the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Silverton to Durango, and it was nothing short of magical. We rode in the Alamosa First Class Parlor Car, and from start to finish, the service was outstanding. Mike and Abby, our hosts onboard, went above and beyond—friendly, knowledgeable, and so attentive. The drinks were top-notch, and the historical insights and stories they shared made the journey even more special. We especially loved the little outdoor viewing deck—it gave us the perfect chance to soak in the breathtaking scenery in the fresh mountain air. We booked the Trails & Rails tour, which included a van ride to Silverton and a 3-hour Jeep tour with Jay from Mild to Wild. Jay was phenomenal! He customized the tour just for us and shared so many interesting details about the area. His passion and professionalism made the adventure even more memorable. I honestly can’t say enough positive things about the entire experience. From the exceptional service to the stunning landscapes, this was an unforgettable day. Highly, highly recommend!

I highly recommend taking this train all the way to Silverton in the silver Vista. In the summer months. Best seats in the house. Seats flip-flop so you get the whole experience there and back. Breathtaking views. It’s definitely a must ride. It might seem out of your way to go there and back but it’s worth it.

The Train is a "must do" when anywhere Durango. The views are spectacular and the daylong (9 hour) trip is worth considering. We preferred the steam engine which gave the trip that old time feel. The railroad has been bought and sold several times since I last visited. This time there are serious signs of mismanagement and neglect. I say that because I experienced several troubling things on a recent trip in which I paid for the premium VIP over 21 train car, the Yankee Girl. I recommend you do not select this car. When I spend $200+ on a ticket, I expect a working functional and comfortable train ride. - Safety. Our steward, or train car attendant, Maria, wore a sweatshirt and looked like most other passengers on the train. Had there been an accident or emergency, no one would have recognized her as a train employee, who should be charged with the safety and well being of passengers. A train uniform would help. When asked, she stated, it was cold on the train and she preferred the sweatshirt. I know why, read the next paragraph.. - Comfort. On the Yankee Girl train car, the front door opened every time we hit a bump, which was about every 30 seconds. It's really cold on October mornings. Everyone was very cold - it was not clear that there was any heating, but it would not have helped with the wind whipping through the car. I asked Maria before lunch to have maintenance fix the latch on the door during our 2 hour lunch break. She dismissed my request. When I questioned her on the return trip she said, nothing had been done and there was no maintenance personnel in Silverton to do anything about it anyway. On the return trip it started to rain ...and the roof leaked...a lot. Several passengers held anything they could to keep from getting drenched. Now we were not only cold with the open door, we were also wet and that equates to miserable.

This was a bucket list item for me, and it didn't disappoint. I took the coach up and the train back, which I recommend for a little bit shorter day and a change of scenery. Such a beautiful trip! Silverton is a cute town, but I could've stayed there for a little less time. On the train, I was in the very back which I enjoyed because you can step out of the car for great view. There is also a full bar in that car. The host in our car gave a lot of color commentary which I appreciated. It was a great day!

This is a trip that is worth repeating. I took my Mom on a getaway and we had such a great time and took amazing photos. The scenery is beyond superlatives. There's great eats and shopping. It's a weekend or more away to completely recharge and reset.

Robbed this train back in 1899. Had to jump onto the train and use explosives to blow it up. Mr Cornwall got mad and shot at us after. Was a successfully robbery though.

This train ride is amazing and full of breathtaking views. The train cars are well maintained and the train conductor and break-men and welcoming and nice. If the weather was nice I would strongly recommend the open car option because the views are much more enjoyable there. This is a must if you enjoy epic views of the Rocky Mountains or love trains. Plus the 2 hours you get to experience Silverton is a great time! I will be doing again in the future and will be recommending it to all of my friends and family!! I can't say enough great things about this train ride that is an awesome experience for everyone of all ages!

I just didn't enjoy this experience. I'm tall so the seats are really uncomfortable in the gondola and in coach. First class would have been 800.00 plus tax for our family of 4. It was over 7 hours and I was in pain most of the time. That being said, the views were great. The employees were friendly, the all you can drink cup was awesome.

The Durango & Silverton National Railway is a great activity for all ages and a wonderful family outing. You can call the station for departure times. The day I was there it was the time of year that the leaves change color, so they were running 3 steam trains a day from Silverton and 3 a day from Durango. There is a small gift shop in the depot with train items for sale. Hope you enjoy your ride!

A must do trip! The scenery is amazing. Service is outstanding. And the train is incredible. Reserve a seat on the right side of the train for the best experience. And maybe you will get lucky and have Liam attend your train car. We got great service, tour guide points of interests and funny stories!! Would recommend for everyone!!

Love love loved our time on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad!!! Inside Cinco Animas Train Car ... it was the last car on the train, adults only and with only 12 people riding on the car. Families and other options abound, but the essence of the experience is the same: stepping back in time and experiencing the world from the unique perspective of rising on a train. If you haven't tried it, I strongly recommend the trip!!!

Embarked on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Cascade Route and was captivated by the breathtaking scenery throughout the journey. The historic train ride offers a nostalgic charm, and the route itself showcases the beauty of Cascade Canyon. We had booked the Knight sky cab it was glass all around. It gives you unobstructed view almost in any direction. We had a small hiccup, one of the coach got separated and they were able to rectify it fairly quickly and was able to continue to our destination. A must for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike - an unforgettable experience!

Gorgeous views but just not for me. I hike a lot so it was sort of taunting me seeing the nice views while not getting to be in them. 3 and a half hours one way is a LONG time and I was about done after 1. Also was sickeningly shaky at times. Not as good as some make it seem. Curtis made the trip somewhat enjoyable. Could've driven back to the valley for the amount of time we were in the train.

The train itself was great, the retelling of the story good and the in board entertainment was excellent. A really great experience for the grandkids.

What an amazing experience. We splurged and did the first class panoramic views in February, so it was about 5 hours all together. Our attendant was super attentive. He gave great history while also catering to our every needs. We brought a just under 2-year old with us and were worried he wouldn't sit still. He loved the experience, as well! The stop over was cold and not too much to explore, but if you want time off the train, it's worth the jump off. A little area to eat with a fire pit, but most people were just taking pictures , as the scenery was spectacular. I didn't give the experience 5 stars only because of the food. We preordered lunches ahead of time and preferred the hot dogs and chips. The cider was also subpar. We would do this train ride again in a heartbeat, knowing we would bring our own food or eat the more snack foods. Hot cocoa was amazing, though and my parents loved the drinks.

What a fun experience from Durando to Silverton, CO. I wish there was better transportation and a longer stay at Silverado to visit the museums and have time to eat. Besides that, it was a fun expo and would recommend to my friends and family. I also recommend their concessions.

Buyer Beware! First, let me say that our car attendant, Jessie, was great! She was very attentive, very knowledgeable, and very sweet! However, I was greatly disappointed in our car. We booked a first class car. By the time we bought a parking pass and paid fees, it was nearly $500 for two of us. The picture on the booking site is very different from the actual first class car. I was expecting a car that looks like what they show on their website...with tables and chairs. The first class car actually only has seats and no windows that close. It is an open air car, so if it rains, you are gonna get wet!! We only got to go to Cascade Canyon due to a landslide. Of our $205 ticket, we got like $35 back due to the shortened trip. Truth be told, I would have opted out of doing the shorter trip at that price. They offer a Cascade Canyon Express trip for around $89, so I feel we were ripped off and taken advantage of. Is the train trip nice? Yes!!! Was our attendant the best? Yes!!! But I just feel the company is very misleading with their pictures and what you actually get.

My partner & I recently were in Durango & the train there has been on his bucket list so it was a must do for us. We booked tickets on the Yankee Girl which is a VIP car but not the top one because tickets were already sold out for that one. By the time my sister & brother-in-law checked on buying tickets only the open air car was available but they were smart enough to pass on that. There ended up being rain & the people in that car looked miserable all buying $50 blankets in an attempt to stay warm. Most of them did not return on the train and instead found buses back to Durango. I got a little motion sickness but it was beautiful views and we got the best tour guide - Delaney! She was so knowledgeable & such a great storyteller. If you go I recommend trying to get in her car if at all possible. I've got to admit due to the weather Silverton was kind of awful. If I had to do it again I would've worn my Uggs, gloves, beanie, and had a better raincoat on but I just didn't realize it was up in the mountains much colder than Durango. I'd also have stayed the night in Silverton so as to have had more time to stay and explore. I love cold weather when I'm equipped for it. Something I also wanted to bring up was that my boyfriend, the train enthusiast, was so happy he got to go outside of the car onto the platform while the train was moving. He got some beautiful photos & videos out there and the last train we were on did not allow that.

We did a one way bus ride up to Silverton and the diesel train back to Durango, skip it, it was hot and loud with a lot of children and no history on the train ride back. The bus ride up was a little more enjoyable and our driver shared a lot of history. This is way too expensive for what it is, this might be worth $30 if you like suffering in a train, not $125/person. If for whatever reason you ignore my warnings and have hundreds of dollars to blow, PLEASE get the gondola (open air) car, the regular car is very hard to see anything out of. Sit on the left side from Silverton to Durango, there are a couple good sights on the way back.... I'll attach the photos to save you and your family $1000, feel free to Venmo me a little if you find it in your heart... joking. By the way the ride was 3.5 hours.

Rode the 480 old steam engine and it was a beauty. The scenery and the fresh air out by Silverton was every bit as pretty as advertised. Staff was great, especially conductor Frank and concessions gal Nevada. Hope to come back someday

We booked the Yankee Girl. Adult only enclosed car with soft and hard beverages. Our host was Toby. The three and a half hour ride up to Silverton was a bucket list event for us for sure! Our host made the trip up to Silverton and back to Durango one of the most enjoyable experiences of our lives! Thank you!

Solid 4. A must do one-way only. Very pleasant staff and interesting local history about mining in the area. It's very expensive though and could be a budget issue for a family. The bus driver on the way home was informative and nice. He plays in the local cowboy chuckwagon and show.

The train car we were in was great! Our tour guide named Toby made the trip for us! It was an all day thing and a very rough ride. If did it over I would take the bus back. Too many hours in the train! 9 am get back at 6:30pm.

We rode the bus up and the train back. It is a little long of a train ride. I'm glad we did it but once is enough. We were in the open air car which was superior to the enclosed ones in the summer months. We were able to hang out of the car to get some great looks that are not able to be done in the enclosed. Food and drinks aren't bad considering you're being held captive for 3+ hours. Being whatever you want on the train because they don't care or check . The ride itself is expensive enough so save yourself some $$ on the food & drinks.

The winter train ride to Cascade Canyon was amazing. Would recommend this 5 out of 5, in fact I would recommend this ride every season as each would have a different flavor. Delaney was so entertaining on our ride, I would request her train car every time. Fabulous stories, so much rich history and funny stories.

This truly was a magical experience!! Not only was our 3 year old son mesmerized, I shed a few tears as I watched it all happen. The big steam train coming in, the show on the train, Santa walking in and sit-down with my son, the whole thing was fascinating! I would encourage anyone who lives within a doable driving distance and has kids to do this. It really is unlike anything else. They were all so great on the train and the hot cocoa and cookies were a nice touch. But the bell from Santa was magical!! My son even said he wanted "a cookie and a bell" from Santa, and he got just that.

What an experience! Not only did we have the best on board attendant (shout out to Jessie), but the views were breathtaking and the ride was fun. Jessie was knowledgeable, funny and excited to help in any way. What a great trip.

The reason for my rating being so low is multi fold. First it's important to note that we only did the Silverton to Durango trip on the old train. My discontent with this route was this: For $105 per person on a 3.5 hour ride from the summit to the base with no shades to block out the blazing hot sun and wildly uncomfortable seats was my biggest issue. But I feel like for 105, someone should have mentioned something about the train and all the things we were passing. It really feels like a missed opportunity. Also arriving back in Durango with a sunburn was a huge dissatisfier. Especially when in each of the window casings there was a clear spot where the shades used to be. Please consider this feedback for future travelers. I promise it will make future travelers inclined to come back.

We had the BEST time on the steam train ride from Durango to Silverton! We took the bus back which was also great with our driver Gary giving history and fun stories of the area. I need to give a specific shout out to our Conductor Nick B. who made the trip extra special for my toddler son. Nick remembered my son by name and stopped by our seats to chat with him frequently. As we watched the train go past (we had arrived back at our campground early having taken the bus back), Conductor Nick recognized my son from the train and called his name and waved. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic day, my son is more obsessed with trains than ever! Thank you Nick B!!!

Bottom Line: A historic fleet of locomotives and cars take guests on a scenic and memorable train ride into the San Juan National Forrest. This review covers both riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and visiting the museum in the roundhouse. Let's start with the train ride. Train Ride As a lover of history and trains we booked a round trip to Silverton under live steam. This was an all day trip but there are shorter routes as well as routes that operate with a Diesel locomotive. We booked about six months in advance and we had hoped to book the first class Parlor Car but since it was sold out we booked Knight Sky instead. Knight Sky is considered a premium car and in cooler months or under live steam it is a completely enclosed, including the ceiling, with glass. Premium cars also include unlimited alcoholic beverages, some souvenirs and a car attendant. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased as well. As much as I appreciated the service that comes with the Knight Sky, I somewhat regret not booking the open air observation gondola. However, I will say it was storming, pouring, and bitterly cold on the return trip from Silverton so the open air car would have been a real adventure! The D&SNG is an incredible train. I nearly teared up just seeing the consist in town and visiting the museum so of course I enjoyed riding the train roundtrip to Silverton. Riding any train, even the commuter train, is fun for me. I enjoyed the rocking motion of the train and of course the gorgeous scenery along the way. Our on board host, Toby, was awesome. He was attentive to a busy and hectic car of passengers and he shared interesting stories. He also called out the best photo spots which I appreciated although I missed most of the great shots. I also enjoyed the historical aspects of the train and I appreciate all of the hardworking employees and volunteers who keep this history on track. For those wanting to get great pictures, here are some tips: (1) Purchase the $6 Route Map which indicates the most photo-worthy spots, (2) book seats on the right side of the train on the way up, (3) book seats on the left side of the train on the way back (which may require two separate reservations) (4) consider booking in the open air observation gondola but be overly prepared for changes in weather, (5) use the vestibule on your car and ask vestibule-hogs, if any, to take turns. The "money shot" under live steam is when there is a double header (two locos) pulling the train around the curves at Rockwood. Overall we really enjoyed our train ride but there were a few disappointments along the way. First, we were on the wrong side of the train and we missed the best views and photos. Having traveled 2,000 to ride this train I was hoping to get the epic views that I had read about for years. We also had an issue with one of seats being broken so we weren't very comfortable for a good portion of the trip. Finally, although certainly not D&SNG's fault, we had an overly enthusiastic passenger on our car which felt chaotic at times and the weather was also misbehaving on the return to Durango. Several times I debated booking trips on two separate dates to account for any unplanned disappointments but in the end I didn't. The Museum It is free to visit the museum even if you haven't booked a ride on the train. We visited the museum the day before our ride and really enjoyed it. The museum covers the D&SNG Railroad as well as Durango transportation and life in general. I particularly enjoyed the exhibit on railroad locks and I appreciate the employee who let us know that steam locomotive 482 was coming back into station in case we wanted to watch. And of course I did! The museum is located inside the roundhouse. Also, I should note that D&SNG railroad still operates out of their historic train station.

This is a must do if you can make it to Durango! It's well worth the cost! We had a party of 15 which included all ages, from 1-70. We sat in the open air gondolas and the views were breathtaking!! Everyone had a tremendous time. The staff were awesome! Give yourself time to park and get on the train as it takes time and they are punctual (like an airport). You can take snacks/drinks and you should. No glass or alcohol but anything else is fine. Take a jacket as you are going up in elevation and Silverton is colder. We rode the train both ways which is amazing if you have the time (they also offer a return on a bus which is faster).

Durango & Silverton NG Railroad 8/22 I debated about doing this, but I am very happy I/we did. Train rides from Durango to Silverton, Co. up and back. Altogether it took about 7 hours. Travel is through some of the most scenic areas in Colorado. They had breakfast nachos, hotdogs and coffee and other drinks. They empty the trains for 2 hours at Silverton so people can have lunch and walk around the town to visit shops and businesses. I would recommend it very much and I hope we get a chance to do it again!

I cannot state this strongly enough - only go one way on the train! Do not go both ways! Take the bus back, get an Uber or find another way back. The views are amazing and one way is 3.5 hours which is enough. It is fun to do this and I would recommend it. Silverton is a very fun and nostalgic town to hang out for a couple hours. But everyone who did the round trip was miserable on the way back. Coach seating is fine and I preferred it over facing sideways.

You'll technically see both sides regardless of where you sit, but I think I would have preferred to sit on the right side to see the High Line on the way there. On the way there, the brakesperson/non-conductor guy was happy and energetic, and actually pointed out when we were approaching the High Line, which was the main feature. On the way back, he didn't give a heads up on approaching the High Line and was swearing about hating his job (lol). Plus, if you get to see the High Line (which is on the right the way there) on the way to Silverton, then you can rest/relax on the way back to Durango. It was still absolutely beautiful sitting on the left side of the gondola, but I think it would have been even more enjoyable had we had seats on the right.

Trees? Yes Rocks? Yes Water? Yes If you want to see a lot of these things without having to hike or drive, it's worth taking the trip. And it is a trip. 3.5 hours each way. About two hour stop in Silverton. Silverton was very disappointing to me. Mostly restaurants near the depot, and not much time from ordering, eating, and looking around. They do have "masks required" signage in the cars, but it is not enforced at all. They also have a concession car. Items include hot dogs, burritos, fountain sodas, bottled water and juices, chips, candy, popcorn and adult beverages. However, I recommend bringing your own food unless you are ok standing in line for at least 30 minutes rocking back and forth against other passengers. Personally, I don't think I'll do it again. I can see the draw, but it's a whole day of looking at the same scenery. I'll still recommend to others, but once was enough for me. Also, if you are bringing kids that are not used to long trips, I didn't have cell service for most of the train ride. Keep that in mind if you need to bring something to keep the kiddos interest.

The train is for tourists and goes through the mountains where you will enjoy some beautiful views. It can be fun to watch the train travel on the ledge and you can look directly down into the abyss. Staff were very friendly and if you are a train buff you will love the steam engine and historic cars.

A few photos from our July Durango to Cascade Canyon trip on Steam Engine 482. Super fun & perfect weather; be sure to get the open air gondola this time year; right side if you can! We had Caleb as our brakeman; he told us he thinks he may have been born in the wrong era; he loves that ole train& the history surrounding it!! Bring some tipping money for these guys! Cash & card are accepted at concessions; it can be a little tricky to get to that car, and it does get crowded at times. Don't miss one of these excursions.. Views and fun for days!!!

Make no mistake! This is an exhilarating adventure filled with nostalgia for a simpler time. The scenic views afforded are awe inspiring. But I will not recommend this ride because it seems to me to border on recklessness as it meanders around the rim of a canyon with a sheer drop off of thousands of feet. The rails are merely a foot from the canyon's edge. A razor edge from disaster. No doubt (one hopes) the system undergoes intense scrutiny and tests from structural engineers and the like, but this just felt wrong. If you do go, take the bus back to Durango. There is no need to see the same scenery twice, and it will save you at least 2 hours.

The scenery was amazing. Our car had a dedicated guide who served beverages. Lovely time.

My husband and I rode the train on July 2, 2024. We were in the Alamosa car at the end of the train. our guide/bartender was J.Lee and she was wonderful. Although we were not able to go all the way to Silverton, we enjoyed every part of the ride.

Dream Crashing and Soul Crushing is how I would describe the "Polar Express Train Ride" Because of strict Covid-19 restrictions they should have canceled the so called train ride to the North Pole instead of crushing the dreams of meeting Santa Clause at the North Pole. This was an expensive joke, heartbreaking, and in some places spooky, to see the look on my grandson's face when he realized there was no North Pole, and a fake Santa whose beard was crooked on his face. The train left the station, and crawled out of town very slowly....it runs parallel with the Animas River. We took the 4:55pm train. There was still daylight when we left the station. Looking out the window of the train we could see some people lining the banks of the river, when all of a sudden, a large heavy man pulled his pants down, and mooned us. My grandson yelled out loud and said "That man pulled his pants down" I know this to be true because I saw it myself. I couldn't believe it. Our conductor said it happens occasionally. Then shortly after that, the train stops right in the middle of the tracks, and starts backing up. Heading back to the train station! My grandson said "What is going on? Why are we going backwards? Aren't we going to go to the North Pole?" He could see out the window that we were going back to town, past our hotel, and not going to the North Pole. :( After months and months of anticipation looking forward to seeing Santa at the North Pole, it was such a let down when they corralled us into the maze of the Military Museum. Who wants to walk into a building being greeted by military mannequins, military vehicles, military/train stuff.....nothing to do with Christmas. When we were able to finally see Santa he was perched on a sleigh so high off the ground the little kids had to kink their neck to see him. Not much of a conversation with the kids as they were trying to get everyone in and out quickly for the next train. Bells were handed out at the exit of the museum with the bell attached to a 10 foot pole, literally! You then walk outside to a booth to pick up your small cup of hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was really good. This is where you would pick up your bag if you bought the extra merchandise. We bought tickets for a first class cabin at $62 each which I was happy to pay for the "FULL" experience. When I booked the tickets to ride the Polar Express the following information was NOT on their website like it is now, or I never would have booked the tickets this year. NOW THEY HAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE ON THEIR WEBPAGE: 1. The train ride itself will be shorter and will be about 35 minutes in duration but the overall event duration will be longer. 2. The entire event will last a little over an hour. 3. The North Pole will be located on the back lot of the depot. 4. Santa will be seated at a distance from guests but will be available for socially distanced photos. 5. Hot Chocolate and cookies will be served at the end of the event but not on the train. 6. The first gift of the season (Christmas Bell) will be distributed at the end of the event. 7. The event dances will be performed outside on the platform or on a stage. A conductor will lead the event in each car. 8. Some of the windows in each heated coach will be open to promote the circulation of air flow. #mydurangotrainmoment #polarexpress #mypolarexpressmoment #durangotrain

This is a must do attraction when you are in Durango! I did the Cascade canyon winter train which departs from Durango going to Cascade Canyon passing through the Rocky Mountains with views of the San Juan National Forest. Total trip time round trip is 5 hours (with a 45 mins layover alongside the Animas river for lunch). Arrive early for parking. Once you park, you will walk down to the Durango train depot for check in which is about a long block. There is a gift shop there which sells many Polar express items, clothing, books, pocket watches, and you can buy a lump of real coal (for those naughties!!). We purchased an souvenir spoon and board the train at Coach 1. Unfortunately first class was quickly sold out so I ended up in a vintage coach train which wasn't bad. It has a small restroom near the end. Lots of spaces to sit with vintage brown leather benches. It was unassigned seating just make sure you social distance! There weren't many people so everyone was far apart. Windows are opened so dress warm. I can't stress this enough as it was much much colder in Cascade depot than Durango. The conductors Kyle and Riley were friendly and kept us in the loop on stops, time and managed concession stand purchases. If you do purchase food you have to move to the next car (open air) to eat or drink. The train ride itself was beautiful like a winter wonderland. It was sunny but it snowed yesterday and was powdery soft everywhere. We saw lots of ducks and horses along the way. Lots of different landscapes from mountains to trees to a 200 foot drop down below. You are on the edge of the mountains looking downward which is pretty amazing! It was a peaceful ride that rocked side to side. Made me sleepy at some point since it was so calming. We stopped for lunch at Cascade depot overlooking the Animas river. It was so bone chilling cold!!! Dress warm!! I ordered a box lunch from yellow carrot in advance and lined up to pick it up (came with a sandwich, cookie, apple and chips). Ate lunch and took a bunch of photos. Some people just don't listen! It was mentioned several times to bring all your trash on board since it's a national forest. I saw sodas and drinks all over the tables! Clean up after yourselfs!!

It's all been said, we had seats in the Alamosa Parlor Car, first class, a bar, no children and the best views. Being the last car you can spend time out back on the train and snap photos of it winding round the bends. We went to Cascade Canyon as it was February and it was great. The snow was beautiful. We took our own lunch and little tablecloth and it was dreamy. Our guide Ellie was funny and informative (a young Carol Burnett). We were sleepy on the way back from all the excitement on the way out. Another trip crossed off the bucket list. Well worth the money for the first class ticket.

Great ride. Did the cascade run in winter in a coach car and a spring run in the Knight sky. Both were different and fantastic. Recently, the middle of 05/24, we did the Silverton run in knight sky. Maria was our attendant. Facts matter. Accuracy matters. Her discussion about Aspen was anything but factual. Which destroys her credibility on everything else. But she worked hard for all of us, otherwise.

Took this ride on the advice of a family friend who has been riding this train for years. It was SO much fun. The sights are AMAZING!!! You will find yourself constantly in awe of the wonderful views you get. I will post some pics, but they cannot do Justice to what you see. Ok, about the ride. There are a few different options depending on how long of a trip you want to take. We went all the way up to Silverton, which is three hours up and another three back. You get to spend a couple hours up in Silverton, plenty of time to eat, shop, and sightsee. Silverton is an old mining town with lots of history and a definite rustic vibe. They do have breweries, restaurants, and other things to see and do. The weather can change in a flash, so dress accordingly, even in summer. We had a combo of warm sun, mist, and heavy rain. Luckily we we in Silverton when that happened, but the earlier train got drenched. Bring a raincoat/poncho with you. Also bring a camera, cuz you are going to wish you had one. One last word of advice. There are different kinds of cars to sit in. I recommend the last car of the open air gondolas, seats 11-20. They will offer you the best views of the train and nature on the way up to Silverton. Plus it's the first half of the trip so you will be full of energy and excitement for all of the standing you will do to really take in the views. The seats are comfortable, but you will feel like standing at times. There is a food and drink car accessible to everyone, and restrooms on the train. I do warn you that as this is an authentic railroad, there is some swaying, rocking, and jostling involved. If you get motion sickness easily, be warned. There is an option to take the train up and a bus back to Durango. If you plan accordingly, this will be the trip of a lifetime that will be fun to talk about for years. I cannot recommend it enough.

A very worthy train ride. We took the bus 1 hour up to Silverton then the train 3 hours back. Very good views and a lovely ride. The train has a fill bar, food, rest rooms. This is a must-do adventure.

No trip around Christmas time would be complete with a ride on the Polar Express. The D&SGR does it right. It runs Thursday - Monday most weeks and gets more frequent as Christmas draws closer. The steam engine adds to the ride, recreating the Polar Express seen in the movies. We got there about early, to catch the full experience. After the initial skit, everyone boards the train and it pulls from the station. A variety of skits are done on board during the travel. Hot chocolate is served, and lastly Santa comes by giving each passenger a sleigh bell. Yes, this is the condensed version - but I don't want to ruin the ride. I recommend it for kids of all ages, we enjoyed watching the other kids excitement as this was taking place.

Ugh... my husband planned this terrible side trip. I'm currently sitting in a restaurant in Silverton and dreading the 3.5 hour return trip. The first thing to be aware of is that the train ride is 3.5 hours EACH WAY! Initially you think... wow, this is beautiful, but that wears off after an hour. The seats are incredibly uncomfortable and your rear end is going to be wedged into the bench seat if you sit with an adult for a total of 7 hours. There is no room and very little padding... worse than the worst coach seat. Our coach car has a bathroom, half way through the trip going one way the whole back of the cabin smelled like raw sewage every time someone opened the door. I'm praying they clean it between trips. And Silverton itself is a tourist trap with the slowest service I have ever seen in my life. All of that being said, the scenery is beautiful, but I will never come back and recommend you save your money and avoid this journey through uncomfortably stinky boredom.

I'm a sucker for the old timey, so this experience had me at hello. It's been running for 140 years, and you do feel a bit like you've stepped back in time. From what we gathered, the cars are the same; but one engine is steam (looks more like what you'd imagine in the 1800s), the other is diesel. Either way, the passenger experience is the same (from what I understand). Know that you are investing an entire day. We left at 8am and returned at 5pm. Each way is about three hours with a two-hour stop in the old mining town of Silverton where you can eat and shop. The first hour departing and last returning aren't particularly scenic. But the other two take you high above the Animas River and through spectacular views. There are multiple classes of cars you can buy. We had the basic version and it was fine. We were allowed to move about except in the first class section. And there is a concession car that has basic snacks and also railroad themed mixed drinks (Rusty Spike, a juice and rum concoction). My wife and I are in our early 50s but I think this would be a great activity for anyone including families. Not cheap ($100-150) but not bad for an entire day.

Even though this is a somewhat "mandatory" experience for any tourist in the Durango area, that doesn't make it an automatic 5-star experience. This is mostly due to poor seating, cramped quarters during the long ride, and a serious lack of information regarding what to expect. And that's not included the over 30-min delay due to some technical issues, which nobody communicated to the passengers. After doing a lot of "research," my wife and I decided to go with the Cascade Canyon Express, which takes you about halfway to Silverton, and back again. One of many things nobody mentioned is that your stop is just a picnic area to eat lunch, which is located next to a nice-looking river. You'll be there for an hour, and then back again. You can also bring your own food, so you don't have to pay for the super expensive meal-in-a-box or concession food. All of which is somewhat comically over-priced - yet people still line up due to the convenience. Although many passengers either had no idea what the plan was for lunch or if we'd be stopping in a town or something. For that, you'd have to opt for the longer and more expensive ride, such as to Silverton. Which we wisely opted out of since it was much more fun and flexible to drive there. Honestly, after the 5+ hour train ride there and back, we were more than done with sitting on the school-bus-style seats. Except these were more narrow than usual. Two average-size adults will result in the aisle passenger having half a cheek hanging over. There is an option to ride open car, but due to the inclement weather, we also opted to stay inside. Consider the intermittent heavy rain, we were glad we did. Although this resulted in folks closing the windows (assuming they stayed open in the first place) making the cabin very stuffy. There are also air-line style bathrooms in these cars, but they are also smelly, and somehow smaller. Overall, I wouldn't do it again. The novelty wore off quickly. It's expensive, cramped, stuffy, uncomfortable, and noisy. Unless you like the idea of riding in a crowded school bus but always felt they were too comfortable and drove too fast, then this may be for you. Otherwise, you may just want to take a drive instead. While you won't see the same scenery, it's the Rocky Mountains. There are quite literally views from the Mcdonald's. With that said, I wouldn't hold it against anybody for wanting to give it a go. I will say overall, it is still a "unique" experience.

Roger took photos of us in front of the station and the Polar Express banner while we waited to board the Polar Express train, which was the main reason our family and we came here. He and other staff members were helpful & personable. The station had lots of places to take pictures and make memories - inside and out. It was crowded inside and out - warmer inside & more action outside. The train pulled onto the station, belching black smoke & stirring up excitement. Two actors were on the platform - young boy & conductor - acting out the story before inviting us onboard. Onboard we had two bench seats one behind the other. Across the aisle, our niece/mom/wife sat with a toddler and her parents who configured the bench seats towards each other. We tried it, but it was severely cramped and uncomfortable & we are not big people. So we sat in front with nephew and great niece behind us. The Polar Express labeled bag on our seat contained a PE mug for each of us. On the ride, we each got a sealed sugar cookie, caroling book, & PE bell to add to the bag. On the 90 minute ride, we drank hot chocolate, got our golden ticket punched, sang songs, saw Santa's village at the North Pole, and met Santa & his elf, who gave us the bell. We believe! We disembarked at the museum and saw all of the differently decorated Christmas trees before entering & exiting the museum. All of the staff members were wonderful, especially Roger at the station & Chef Cocoa S'Mores, who was our hostess with the mostest, in car 30. The 5:15 ride was ideal as it was light enough to take pictures outside at the start, and dark enough for the light show at Santa's home in the middle. This was an item to cross off our bucket list, with a smile on our faces & belief in our hearts.