In May 2005, Rachelle and I took a vacation to Colorado. After visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and driving the Million Dollar Highway over the San Juan Mountains, we spent the night in Durango. And the next morning, bright and early, we boarded the train on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The first part of the ride is pretty uneventful—just leaving Durango. But once we were in the mountains, I left my seat in a covered car to brave the cold air of an uncovered car to take some photos of the beautiful scenery.
The path of the train follows the Animas River from Durango to Silverton. Over about 45 miles of track the train climbs almost 3000 feet in elevation. The original purpose of the train was to haul silver and gold out of the mountains back to the smelter in Durango. The track was laid in an astonishing eleven months and was operational immediately.
Here’s a photo of the train engine as we rounded a bend in the track.
Here’s another one. The rock wall was close to the side of the train.
All of the locomotives used by the D&SNGRR are coal-fired and steam-operated. And yes, the cinders do get on you in the open cars, but the scenery is worth it.
The Animas River is still below us.
It was really tricky to take photos on the train. The car swayed side-to-side, and the forward motion of the train didn’t give me much time to compose my shot: I had to point, click and hope for the best.
