New road trip idea.
Apr 6, 2024 22:36:04 #
Thinking about going for a ride on a narrow gauge train in Durango, Colorado in late May. Wondering if anyone here has "been there done that" ? Any do's or don'ts advice would be much appreciated!
Apr 6, 2024 23:19:31 #
boomermet
Loc: Edmond, OK
Been there with our kids late 70s. It was a hoot. Would sit away from engine. Ouray is just up the road from Durango . Lots to do there
Apr 6, 2024 23:39:48 #
usnret wrote:
Thinking about going for a ride on a narrow gauge train in Durango, Colorado in late May. Wondering if anyone here has "been there done that" ? Any do's or don'ts advice would be much appreciated!
Since you will be traveling that far from home...do take the Durango/Silverton train, it is a fun trip/ride. Also, since you are so close by, consider visiting/riding the Cumbres & Toltec narrow gauge RR in Chama, NM, or Antonito, CO. Taking either or both is worth the trip. Carefully check the Cumbres/Toltec schedule.
I've taken both several times, and have enjoyed each trip.
Apr 6, 2024 23:59:10 #
Was there in the 90s. Train ran out of water (it's a STEAM engine), won't go back. The road has better views, but if you're a train guy, it's a must see, along with Mt Washington in NH.
Apr 7, 2024 07:28:54 #
PoppieJ
Loc: North Georgia
i did this last fall, only one way. the views were not what i expected. the drive up was pretty spectacular as was the drive on across the pass to Ouray
Apr 7, 2024 08:51:12 #
You can drive to Durango, take a bus to Silverton and the train back to Durango. Durango per se has lots of photo ops especially since the train comes straight into down town in the center of the road. Some local folks are picturesque but a bit testy about being photographed. I got one nice shot of 3 locals on a front porch after chatting them up for a while with my camera slung at my side.
Apr 7, 2024 09:47:52 #
usnret wrote:
Thinking about going for a ride on a narrow gauge train in Durango, Colorado in late May. Wondering if anyone here has "been there done that" ? Any do's or don'ts advice would be much appreciated!
My wife and I took that ride back in 1974. Made reservations; but, can’t remember how far ahead. Very interesting; enjoyed it. If I remember there was quite a bit of smoke from the engine. They allowed a little time to check out Silverton before the return to Durango. Hope you enjoy it
Apr 7, 2024 10:01:30 #
Apr 7, 2024 10:03:15 #
maxlieberman
Loc: 19027
usnret wrote:
Thinking about going for a ride on a narrow gauge train in Durango, Colorado in late May. Wondering if anyone here has "been there done that" ? Any do's or don'ts advice would be much appreciated!
I did a Narrow Gauge Railroad trip in Colorado years ago, but not that one. I regretted that I did not have a camera with me because there were interesting things to photograph outside the window of the train. Abandoned mines, and such like that.
Apr 7, 2024 10:07:04 #
Minitman
Loc: Centreville, Virginia
Sit in covered car. Take round trip unless you have transportation waiting in Silverton
Apr 7, 2024 11:32:10 #
usnret wrote:
Thinking about going for a ride on a narrow gauge train in Durango, Colorado in late May. Wondering if anyone here has "been there done that" ? Any do's or don'ts advice would be much appreciated!
Yes I have been there. If you can take the motor car ride. I agree with the person that said Ouray. Go to Mouse's Chocolate and get the scrap cookies. Best cookie on the planet!
Apr 7, 2024 15:48:41 #
We did the Durango-Silverton back in early 90s. Happened to catch the very last train of the season. Not too many passengers so we got to roam from open to closed cars and it was a total hoot. The advantage of the late fall trip was most of the leaves had fallen from the trees except for evergreens, so the mountain views were spectacular. This was late October. I figure a couple of weeks earlier would have found some fall color and still left much of the wonderful views. The weather was Colorado nippy and being able to go out to the open cars let us experience that nippy along with getting some soot on us from the coal fired steam engine. We did the full round trip so it took all day. The only negative was most of the shops in Silverton had closed for the winter. We were still able to grab a nice lunch at a little restaurant.
Ron
Ron
Apr 7, 2024 17:31:29 #
usnret wrote:
Thinking about going for a ride on a narrow gauge train in Durango, Colorado in late May. Wondering if anyone here has "been there done that" ? Any do's or don'ts advice would be much appreciated!
2012, in Ushuaia for a Cape Horn rounding trip. It took 40 hours traveling from door to hotel, and waiting for a third fellow to show up who missed his flight out of Buenos Aires. We watch his plane come in down the Beagle Channel from the hotel room, and drive over to the airport to pick him up. What to do?
Gary and Bill are both train enthusiasts, so I propose The Train At The End Of The World, narrow gauge, about 10 miles west of town, and we order box lunches. Total win.
Apr 7, 2024 18:44:54 #
cahale
Loc: San Angelo, TX
usnret wrote:
Thinking about going for a ride on a narrow gauge train in Durango, Colorado in late May. Wondering if anyone here has "been there done that" ? Any do's or don'ts advice would be much appreciated!
Yes, and it is well worth the trip. If you can stand the weather, get seats in one of the open-sided cars. Much better sight lines (and site lines) and ability to get a camera in the clear. Several places in Silverton to eat (overpriced of course, but several have edible food).
Apr 7, 2024 19:24:35 #
Take the train up and a bus down. Great views along the way. I prefer the open car but be aware that you will have a coat of soot so wear a hat.
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