Durango & Silverton Train

Last Saturday Julie and I decided to be real touristy and ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train. Naturally, it goes from Durango to Silverton along the beautiful Animas River, which is about a 3.5 hour trip each way. Fortunatly, a friend told us not to bother going all the way to Silverton so we were let off in the Weminuche Wilderness at Elk Park, about 15 minutes before Silverton. We hiked for a couple hours then flagged the train down as it came back.

At the Station

We opted for an open car so we could take better photos. The train was built in 1880's and was used to transport gold and silver from the San Juan Mountains. The narrow gauge railroad was finished in only 9 months and because of the terrain that was quite a feet. Shortly after it opened they started transporting passengers too, mostly because people were so interested in the incredibly scenery.

Durango Cows

This one is for our Wisconsin friends. Julie took this shot just a few miles north of downtown. The grass color was really that bright - no color editing on this one. There is more grass and greenery here than I expected, especially as you head north or east of Durango. Durango is considered the gateway to the Southwest, so if you go south or west it's more dessert-like.

The shaded left side of the train

We signed up to ride the train the day before so we didn't have much choice in seats. We wanted to sit on the right side, but only left side seats were left. Because you sit on the same side each way and the train turns around in Silverton you get to see the scenery on both sides. However, the right side is better for photo-taking because of where the sun is in the sky in the morning/afternoon. Unfortunately, we were always on the shady side. I was able to sneak over to the other side a bit for photos though.

Coming 'round the mountain

The trip offered amazing views! It was a lot of fun to ooh and aaah over the scenery.

Moon over mountains (see the little white spec)

San Juan Mountains

One of the great views from our hike in Elk Park.

Goodbye train!

Here's Julie as the train pulled away. It was a little eerie to be left in the middle of nowhere by ourselves, but it was also neat that way.

Julie hiking in Elk Park

Me hiking in Elk Park

The sun is very intense up here. I was wearing long pants, long sleeves, and a bandanna under my hat to cover my neck and ears and of course, sunscreen.

Beautiful Colorado!

Julie sitting at Elk Creek

We made the hike pretty leisurely since we didn't want to get too far in and risk missing hte train (wow, that would have been a bummer!). We ate lunch here at Elk Creek. I love this photos of Julie, it might have to go in my office.

Walking the tracks to the trail

The train stop

This was taken as we hiked back to the tracks. The golden yellow comes from a plant that actually looks a bit like corn. The leaves were turning yellow brown and created this golden field.

Playing in the Animas River

As we waited for the train we played in the Animas River. The water was so cold (about 35 degrees F) it took your breath away, even just sticking your feet in. Well, at least that was my experience, but then again I am a Floridian.

The L.L. Bean pose

Julie was taking photos and made me do an L.L. Bean pose. Of course, I was making fun of her for that, but then the photo actually turned out pretty good. What do I know!

Engine 481

The train slowing down to pick us up at Elk Park. To flag down the train you have to wave your hands across your knees. That way they don't think you're just waving to say hi.

Train smoke along the Animas

The train uses 6 tons of coal a day and we got a good portion of it on us. At the end of the day our clothes and belongings were all covered in a layer of soot. When we blew our nose it came out black! I don't know how those guys that work on the train can do it.

The Animas River

I really want to raft this in the spring. It's so beautiful. A friend of mine who lives here kayaked it this year and said it's really fast with non-stop rapids. Makes for a tiring day, especially in a kayak!

Julie leaning out

There were spots were you had to be careful about leaning out. A couple times the train was only a few inches from a rock wall. One of the train guys told us that about a month ago someone was leaning out with a long telescope camera lens and he didn't see a wall coming up. The camera hit the wall and the big lens was smashed to pieces.

Just north of Durango

Riding the train made for a great day, but a long one too. We left around 8am and got back about 6pm. It's one of those things you should do at least once in Durango. I am so glad for the opportunity to live here. It's awesome!