For 130 continuous years coal-fired steam engines have powered up the narrow gauge tracks that connect Durango, Colorado to Silverton. Originally constructed to haul workers to, and precious metals back from, gold and silver mines in the San Juan Mountains, the line now operates exclusively for the benefit of tourists.
Pulling restored 1880-era passenger cars, the locomotive winds along 45 miles of the Animas River as it climbs to Silverton’s 9,035 feet elevation. During its three-hour trip, the train clings to canyon walls, passes waterfalls, and gives views of 14,000 foot peaks that are often topped with year-round snow.
Is it any wonder the Society of American Travel Writers chose it as one of the World’s Top 10 Train Rides.
Everywhere Once 
Wasn’t the Durango & Silverton part of the set for “Support Your Local Gunman”?
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I don’t know. I recall hearing that the “Polar Express” was modeled after it though.
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I’m surprised that the Cumbres de Toltec didn’t make it. It was once part of the same line. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumbres_and_Toltec_Scenic_Railroad
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I thought that was still operating? http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/
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It is. I left Chama a few days before the fire.
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Wow, what a gorgeous photo! And I’d always wondered where Durango was, ever since first hearing the Bob Dylan song “Romance in Durango”, back in the 1970s! Thanks for solving that one!
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Given all the Spanish verse in that song, I always thought he meant Durango, Mexico. Although he is trying to escape to Durango, and the one in CO is a pretty great place to escape to. 🙂
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Oh, I did wonder if there was another one! I’d always thought it sounded a hotter place too! Of course, if I’d have first heard the song nowadays, I’d have just Googled it and found out – how times have changed since my teenage Dylan days!
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I love this part of the world … my favorite (and scariest) ride in Colorado is the Million Dollar Highway (it’d be a billion now) from Ouray to Silverton … I sure wouldn’t want to try it in an RV but it’s a breathtaking journey!! Have fun, you guys!!!
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Stay tuned 😉
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Cool amazing pic!
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They have some awesome train rides in Washington State like this one as well. My hope is to take Amtrak from Washington to New York this January.
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The song I remember as a kid, The Silverton by C.W. McCall.
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