Day 9 Tuesday May 14: Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad The Trip

This was such a great experience (plus the fact I took over 800 photos!), I'm breaking it down into three sections: The Trip, The Train and for you more avid train enthusiasts The Track, Cars and Structures.

All train buffs have heard of the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and we were certainly no exception: this was a must do for both of us on this trip; so much so that we splurged and reserved seats on the Cinco Animas restored first class club car with VIP Presidential service – definitely a superb decision!

In addition to traveling in style, we had a fine group of fellow travelers on board with us. Many were fellow train enthusiasts and we enjoyed their tales  travels on other trains. Several with also avid photographers who shared the rear open air platform with Elizabeth for a great deal of the trip.

We even went one step further and bought the "official photograph!"

The route follows the Animas River from Durango to Silverton, a distance of about 50 miles taking some 3.5 hours one way. The train passes through an incredible range of scenery that includes hillside valleys, escarpments, vast canyons, narrow passages, snow capped mountains and one spectacular waterfall. Words are totally inadequate so you'll have to rely on my pictures:

The Animas River Gorge was so spectacular, I have to include several photos. We especially thought of Thomas' sons James and Thomas who would be crazy enough to do the raft trip here!

Waterfall: note the ice and snow; again, no words:

Silverton was once a major mining center in the late 1800's, complete with saloons and bordellos, and was the site of several armed labor disputes over the years. Today it is a charming tourist destination with still no paved roads. We enjoyed lunch at Grumpy's Tavern located in the historic Grand Hotel. 

 

They even have a cute old-time piano player:

This is probably about all you can take of the scenery so move to part 2 of this section: The Train!