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Durango Silverton Narrow Gage Railway Trip
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Mar 27, 2019 12:39:34   #
David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA
 
I did the trip in 2012 and chose the one using the train to Silverton and a coach coming back to Durango. The 2 methods do not use the same path and you see different scenery each way. My photos here https://www.flickr.com/photos/8712554@N02/sets/72157631543439819/.

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Mar 27, 2019 12:53:25   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
If you are considering a one-way ride, I'd say this...If you want a TRAIN RIDE, with the chance to watch and hear the locomotive really work, create a lot of smoke and steam and noise, ride from Durango to Silverton and sit in the front half of the train...preferably as far forward as possible or in one of the open cars. This will provide the best railroad experience as well as the best opportunity for photographs and video.

If you just want to ride a train, socializing with your trip mates and occasionally snapping a picture out the window, then I'd say that the suggestion to ride the afternoon train in the last car with no cinders, no smoke, and no cold wind would be the choice.

For full disclosure, I am a rail fan and a rail history buff. The first time I rode this train, it was still operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western, and I rode in the first car, spending most of the trip outside on the front platform of our car right next to the back of the tender. (That was 1972, and you could get permission to do that then. Don't even ask now.) Emptied about half a cup of cinders out of my shirt and hair when we all got back and loved every minute of it.

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Mar 27, 2019 12:55:27   #
Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.
 
David in Dallas wrote:
I did the trip in 2012 and chose the one using the train to Silverton and a coach coming back to Durango. The 2 methods do not use the same path and you see different scenery each way. My photos here https://www.flickr.com/photos/8712554@N02/sets/72157631543439819/.


Really good photos Dave!

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Mar 27, 2019 14:12:32   #
marklevisay Loc: Central Virginia
 
Took this trip many years ago and really enjoyed it. Super scenic. There is a book, probably available at the gift shop in Durango, which details the route mile by mile. Well worth the cost!

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Mar 27, 2019 14:12:39   #
RichardSmithTaylor
 
There are loads of pictures and video and their Web site: http://www.durangotrain.com/. You can also find some awesome YouTube videos. This trip is a railran and photographer favorite, which has just recovered from from the severe fires from last year, some of which crossed the tracks and closed down the line for a period of time last summer.

As a railfan photographer myself, I envy you. There are great photo ops around every turn and sometimes they may even stop and let you out to shoot the whole train. Make sure you have plenty of memory cards. You will need them. You can also find info at Trains Magazine: trainsmag.com. Enjoy!

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Mar 27, 2019 14:22:27   #
LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey
 
I took that trip about 40 years ago. I think the trains are pretty much the same, and the mountains are probably still there.

Seriously, one of the great train rides in the world. If my memory serves me, you could ride on open cars. Nice if the weather cooperates.

Bring gear that suits your photo interests. There are incredible vistas, lots of wildlife, the unforgettable train, and interesting towns.

You won't forget this one!

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Mar 27, 2019 14:35:55   #
Bill P
 
blue-ultra wrote:
Mike,

While I have not taken the train to Silverton, I have driven the road that follows the river and the train takes the same route. Awesome views. I think the train has the better route, be prepared for the wow factor. The base height on Main St Silverton is around 11,000 ft above sea level, and the mountains go up from there. There was another Hog member that posted photos from Main St.


Bob


It's a great trip, I've done it a half dozen times and hope to do it again this summer. The real advantage is that ti for most of the trip, does not take the same route as the road. The lions' share of the trip is totally isolated. Soon after your departure from Durango, you will pass a camp, where the only way to get there is the train. Soon after the train goes into a totally isolated area from the rest of the trip into Silverton.

Above all, take a coat. It gets COLD

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Mar 27, 2019 14:50:24   #
adamsg Loc: Chubbuck, ID
 
mpawl wrote:
We are just about ready to book a trip at the begining of June on the Durango Silverton Railway. Has anyone taken this trip and how did you like it? It has been years since we were last in Colorado and looking forward to taking the camera. Just wanted to get some thoughts from others on this trip.

Thank you very much

Mike


You will not regret a minute of this spectacular trip. I rode the train to Silverton way back in 1968 and it was a real trill for a railroad fan. The scenery, especially during the stretch where the right-of-way clings to the side of the Rio Las Animas canyon it stunning - you will be well advised to take an extra SD card or two. The coaches are nice, but the best views are from the open gondola cars. However, be prepared for the possibility of some cinders and ash flying around, as the locomotive has to work pretty hard on some of the grades along the trip. The motive power is 100% authentic, as build by Baldwin in the 1920s, and not "dressed up" to look like something it isn't - they are working locomotives and wonderful examples of a by-gone era. Be sure to have a good wide angle lens to capture the great panorama unfolding. Silverton is a fun little place, but more touristy, while the railroad is not. Enjoy.

If you like the trip I strongly recommend the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It is the old narrow gauge main line running from Antonito, Colorado into New Mexico via Cumbres Pass (I have had a brain freeze on the name of the New Mexico terminus). The locomotives are just as authentic, but bigger since this was a main line freight AND passenger line. the scenery is wonderful and I urge you to give it a try.

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Mar 27, 2019 15:03:23   #
roxiemarty Loc: Florida
 
adamsg wrote:
You will not regret a minute of this spectacular trip. I rode the train to Silverton way back in 1968 and it was a real trill for a railroad fan. The scenery, especially during the stretch where the right-of-way clings to the side of the Rio Las Animas canyon it stunning - you will be well advised to take an extra SD card or two. The coaches are nice, but the best views are from the open gondola cars. However, be prepared for the possibility of some cinders and ash flying around, as the locomotive has to work pretty hard on some of the grades along the trip. The motive power is 100% authentic, as build by Baldwin in the 1920s, and not "dressed up" to look like something it isn't - they are working locomotives and wonderful examples of a by-gone era. Be sure to have a good wide angle lens to capture the great panorama unfolding. Silverton is a fun little place, but more touristy, while the railroad is not. Enjoy.

If you like the trip I strongly recommend the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It is the old narrow gauge main line running from Antonito, Colorado into New Mexico via Cumbres Pass (I have had a brain freeze on the name of the New Mexico terminus). The locomotives are just as authentic, but bigger since this was a main line freight AND passenger line. the scenery is wonderful and I urge you to give it a try.
You will not regret a minute of this spectacular t... (show quote)


It is Chama. We rode the other way from Chama to Antonito. Absolutely loved the trip and our stay in Chama.

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Mar 27, 2019 15:09:26   #
David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA
 
Rich1939 wrote:
Really good photos Dave!
Thank you.

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Mar 27, 2019 15:10:21   #
hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico
 
rehess wrote:
If you have the time, you might also consider the Cumbres and Toltec, which is south of there, but originally part of the same line. I believe that trip is much greener, so a different experience.


Very good suggestion. Goes from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado. Hauled many truckloads of coal to both Chama, and Antonito.

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Mar 27, 2019 15:51:46   #
Lemon Drop Kid Loc: Greeley, CO
 
Be prepared for a great view early in the trip as the train hugs the mountainside with the river far, far below. With a wide angle, you can include the train with the canyon bottom. Be on scene early and get shots of the engines puffing around. Crewmen are very helpful -- I got a video from inside the cab of a fireman scooping coal into the firebox to show preparation for the trip. At Silverton the train goes by the station before it stops, but it's a short walk back to get a photo of one of the other two trains coming in.

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Mar 27, 2019 16:30:25   #
adamsg Loc: Chubbuck, ID
 
roxiemarty wrote:
It is Chama. We rode the other way from Chama to Antonito. Absolutely loved the trip and our stay in Chama.


Thanks for jogging my memory. Northern New Mexico used to be a regular vacation haunt for our family and I am surprised I forgot.

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Mar 27, 2019 17:16:58   #
Flying Three Loc: Berthoud, CO
 
Good suggestions thus far. One mentioned taking the train up and the bus back. Also my recommendation.

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Mar 27, 2019 17:17:21   #
Flying Three Loc: Berthoud, CO
 
Good suggestions thus far. One mentioned taking the train up and the bus back. Also my recommendation.

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