The Colorado Train Ride That Feels Like a Winter Movie Scene

Imagine riding through towering mountains on a train powered by coal and steam, just like people did over 140 years ago.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers one of the most exciting and scenic train rides in America, winding through remote wilderness that you cannot reach by car.

Whether you love history, adventure, or breathtaking views, this journey through the Colorado Rockies promises memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Ride a National Historic Landmark

Since 1882, this railroad has been chugging along the same tracks, making it one of the oldest continuously operating trains in the United States.

The federal government recognized its importance by designating it a National Historic Landmark, which means it represents a significant piece of American history.

When you climb aboard, you are stepping into a genuine piece of the Old West. The train cars, the route, and even the steam engines have been carefully preserved to show what travel was like during Colorado’s mining boom. This is not a replica or a theme park ride, it is the real deal, offering an authentic window into America’s pioneering past.

2. Travel by Coal-Fired Steam Locomotive

Nothing compares to the powerful rhythm of a coal-fired steam engine as it builds momentum through the mountains. You will hear the distinctive “chug, chug, chug” echoing off canyon walls, feel the rumble beneath your seat, and smell the coal smoke drifting through the air.

These sensory experiences transport you straight back to the 1880s. Modern trains are quiet and smooth, but this locomotive offers something far more thrilling, a connection to the past through sight, sound, and smell.

Every whistle blast and puff of steam reminds you that you are experiencing transportation history in its most authentic form, exactly as miners and settlers did generations ago.

3. Witness an Engineering Marvel

The most famous stretch of track, called the Highline, clings to sheer cliff faces hundreds of feet above the rushing Animas River. Workers in the 1880s carved this route into solid granite using only hand tools, dynamite, and incredible determination.

Looking out the window at this section feels both thrilling and slightly terrifying as you realize how narrow the ledge is.

The engineering challenges were enormous, how do you build a railroad through mountains with almost vertical walls? Yet these 19th-century builders succeeded, creating a route that still operates safely today and stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

4. Explore the Historic Mining Town of Silverton

When the train reaches Silverton, you will have two hours to explore this preserved mining town perched at 9,300 feet in the San Juan Mountains. The main street looks like a movie set from an Old West film, complete with saloons, museums, and century-old storefronts.

Walk the wooden sidewalks and imagine what life was like for miners who lived here during the silver boom. You can grab lunch, browse unique shops, or visit the mining museum to learn about the town’s colorful past.

Silverton has resisted modernization, keeping its authentic character intact, which makes your visit feel like genuine time travel rather than a tourist attraction.

5. Unparalleled San Juan Mountain Vistas

The San Juan Mountains form one of the most rugged and beautiful ranges in all of Colorado, and this train ride takes you straight through their heart. Towering peaks, some reaching over 14,000 feet, surround you on all sides as the train winds through two million acres of protected national forest.

Every turn reveals a new spectacular view, jagged ridgelines, alpine meadows, and forests stretching as far as you can see.

These mountains have a wild, untamed quality that makes you feel small in the best possible way. Photographers love this route because the scenery changes constantly, offering endless opportunities to capture Colorado’s natural beauty at its finest.

6. A View Inaccessible by Road

For much of the journey, the railroad follows the Animas River through terrain so rugged that no highways could ever be built there. This means you are seeing wilderness that most people will never experience except from this train.

The tracks hug the riverbank, offering views of cascading water, smooth boulders, and pristine forests completely untouched by development.

There are no power lines, no buildings, and no roads, just pure, unspoiled nature. This exclusivity makes the experience even more special because you are witnessing landscapes that remain as wild and beautiful as they were centuries ago, accessible only by rail.

7. Spot Wildlife in Protected Wilderness

Because the railroad travels through remote, protected wilderness areas, wildlife sightings are common and always exciting. Passengers frequently spot deer grazing near the tracks, elk moving through meadows, and river otters playing in the Animas River.

If you are lucky, you might even see a black bear foraging on a hillside or bighorn sheep navigating the rocky cliffs above.

Keep your camera ready and your eyes scanning the landscape, especially in early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active. These encounters remind you that you are traveling through genuine wilderness, not a tamed tourist corridor, making each sighting a special moment.

8. Enjoy Open-Air Viewing from Gondola Cars

For the ultimate sensory experience, choose to ride in one of the open-air gondola cars where nothing separates you from the mountain air and scenery.

These cars have no windows or roof, giving you completely unobstructed 360-degree views. Photographers especially love the gondolas because there is no glass to shoot through, and you can position yourself for the perfect angle.

Feel the cool breeze on your face, smell the pine trees, and hear every sound of the wilderness around you. Just remember to bring sunscreen and a jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly, and you will be fully exposed to the elements throughout the journey.

9. Experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

During the holiday season, the railroad transforms into a magical recreation of the beloved children’s story, complete with pajama-clad passengers and festive decorations.

Conductors punch golden tickets, serve hot chocolate and cookies, and lead everyone in Christmas carols as the train travels to meet Santa at the North Pole.

This theatrical experience brings the classic tale to life in ways that delight children and adults alike. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the costumes to the music to the storytelling. Families return year after year to make this a cherished holiday tradition, creating memories that last long after the season ends.

10. Variety of Special Themed Rides Year-Round

Beyond the standard scenic journey, the railroad offers numerous specialty excursions designed for different interests and seasons.

The Cascade Canyon Winter Express provides shorter trips with snow-covered scenery when the full route to Silverton is not available. Music lovers enjoy the Durango Blues Train, featuring live performances as you roll through the mountains.

Wine enthusiasts can book the Wine & Rails events, which pair gourmet tastings with spectacular views. These themed rides ensure that repeat visitors always find something new to experience, making the railroad a destination worth visiting multiple times throughout the year for completely different adventures.