FAQs
FAQs
Passenger Information
What kind of weather should I expect?
The Durango area boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. However, it's always good to be prepared for rain or snow any time of year! Except for severe weather conditions, the D&SNG runs trains as scheduled.
What should I wear?
With the high elevation and brilliant sunshine, always have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen handy. When traveling on the D&SNGRR, we suggest you wear layers of clothing. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet to Silverton and the high mountain air will be on average about 10 degrees cooler than in Durango. Sunglasses are highly recommended to protect eyes from possible cinders in the air. Safety glasses are available for purchase in the gift shops and onboard the train.
What about altitude?
Durango's elevation is 6,512 feet above sea level and Silverton sits comfortably at 9,305 feet elevation. Guests are encouraged to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Whenever possible, try to acclimate to the altitude by arriving a day early. If you have any health concerns, check with your physician for advice.
Will I have any difficulties driving to Durango?
If you're driving in Colorado, you can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportation's Web site at www.COTrip.org
For recorded phone information call: 303-639-1111 or instate toll free 877-315-7623.
How do I find my Car and Seat?
To find your car, refer to the numbers on the small, black tags at the end of each car (look for two-digit numbers only). The large number painted on the car (usually three digits) is the number assigned to the car by the manufacturer. All seats in all car classes on the train are assigned. Seat numbers are located above the Coach seats and in front of the Gondola seats.
Can I walk through the train and sit where I want?
Passengers may walk through the train to travel to the Concession Car and restrooms after tickets are collected. All passengers have their own reserved seating.
Are there restrooms?
Yes. Restrooms are located in the rear of each of the enclosed coaches and are accessible for all passengers.
Are there refreshments?
Yes. Refreshments are for sale in our Concession Car located toward the center of the train. The breakfast menu includes breakfast burritos, sausage and egg muffins, hot coffee, hot chocolate and other drinks. Lunch menu includes hot dogs, cheese burgers, bean & cheese burritos, chips, and snacks. A wide selection of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic beverages is available in the Concession car.
Where are the D&SNGRR and the Silverton Freight Yard Museums?
The D&SNGRR Museum is at the south end of the roundhouse in Durango.
The Silverton Freight Yard Museum is located at the Silverton Depot.
Admission is good for two days prior to or two days following your ride on the train.
Without a train ticket purchase, the cost to visit our Museum is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children.
Train and Locomotive Information
What is the difference between a coach and gondola?
Coaches are fully enclosed with windows and doors that open and close. Seats face forward. Our gondolas have full roofs, open sides, and seats that face outward. We encourage passengers on gondolas to bring jackets (jackets, ponchos and fleeces are also available for purchase in the gift shop).
How many people does it take to run the train? Who is in charge?
Five people: Conductor, Head Brakeman, Rear Brakeman, Engineer and Fireman. The crew also includes attendants in the Concession Car and the Private cars. The conductor is in charge! The brakeman assists the conductor.
How narrow is the narrow gauge? Why was it used?
Narrow gauge rails are three feet (36 inches) apart, while standard gauge rails are four feet, 8 1/2 inches (56 1/2 inches), which is a standard based on Roman chariot wheels. The D&RG chose to build narrow gauge because the construction was cheaper, the equipment cost less and the narrow gauge was better suited to the sharper curves of the mountain terrain.
Is the steam locomotive fueled by coal?
Yes. For a round trip to Silverton a fireman shovels six tons of coal per day. On a round trip, ten thousand gallons of water are used to produce the steam to power the locomotive!
How fast does the train go?
The train travels at a top speed of 18 mph (regular speed with all the coaches).
What is the weight of the heaviest locomotive?
Our K-36s weigh 143 tons when loaded with coal and water. The K-36s are numbered in the 480 series.
Does the train operate any diesel locomotives?
The D&S purchased "Hot Shot 1" which was put into service in July of 2002 primarily as an emergency and fire prevention vehicle. The D&S purchased four additional diesel locomotives in September 2002, which have been restored to operating condition and are now used for switching in the yard, maintenance along our right-of-way, fire prevention and emergency use. In May 2003, "Big Al" an 87 ton G.E. Center cab locomotive was put into service to be used to pull trains if drought conditions might dictate the need. The diesel locomotives are used for daily train switching once the steam locomotives return for the night.
What is the oldest D&SNGRR locomotive?
No. 42 (on display in the D&SNGRR Museum) was built in 1887. The locomotives used for daily service are from 1923 and 1925.
Who owns the D&SNGRR?
Since 1998 the D&SNGRR has been owned and operated by American Heritage Railways; Allen and Carol Harper, principal owners.
Prior to that, Charles E. Bradshaw, Jr. purchased the line from the D&RGW in 1981, renamed it the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and expanded the passenger service.
Which movies has the train "starred" in?
Colorado Territory (1949), Ticket to Tomahawk (1950), Denver & Rio Grande (1952), Viva Zapata (1952), Three Young Texans (1954), Run for Cover (1955), Maverick Queen (1956), Around the World in 80 Days (1956), Night Passage (1957), How the West Was Won (1963), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Support Your Local Gunfighter (1970), Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (1984), The Tracker (1987), Rebirth of a Locomotive (1992), Tracks Through Time (1999), Durango Kids (1999), Golden Dreams (2000), and The Claim (2000).
The Excursion
How long did it take to lay the tracks between Durango and Silverton?
The Denver & Rio Grande arrived in Durango in August, 1881. In November of that same year crews began building the tracks to Silverton. The tracks were completed in July 1882, just shy of nine months later!
When did the train start offering leisure rides?
Established in 1881, the train began offering scenic tours in July 1882.
Why are the milepost markers numbered 451.5 (Durango) through 496.9 (Silverton)?
This mileage is marked as the distance traveling westbound from Denver, CO. These tracks were once part of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad (D&RG) which reorganized in 1921 as Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW). Most of the line between Durango and Denver was abandoned in 1970.
How far is it to Silverton from Durango, and how long does the train ride take?
At top speed of 18 mph, it takes the train 3 1/2 hours to travel the 45 miles by rail from Durango to Silverton.
How much time do we have in Silverton?
There is a layover in Silverton of two hours and fifteen minutes. Your train will turn around before departure. However, if you take our motorcoach service to Silverton, you have approximately 3 hours in Silverton before your train departs.
Don't miss your return train!
