As part of our epic Southern Colorado summer road trip, riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was a major highlight. After an exciting week that included exploring Ouray, Silverton, Bar D Chuckwagon Suppers, and Mesa Verde National Park, we were ready for an unforgettable train adventure. We chose the Cascade Canyon Express option, which turned out to be the perfect way to experience the famous Durango train with kids. Here’s everything you need to know about this historic railroad and why it’s an absolute must-do in Durango, especially for families.
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A Brief History of the Durango Train
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been a beloved part of Colorado’s history since 1882. Originally built to transport silver and gold ore from the mines in Silverton to Durango, this narrow-gauge railroad quickly became an essential part of the region’s economy. Its rugged mountain routes and stunning views have made it a National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular attractions in Colorado.
Today, the train is a bucket-list experience for travelers from around the world. With vintage steam locomotives and historic passenger cars, the Durango train offers an unforgettable journey through the San Juan Mountains. For families, the Cascade Canyon Express route is the ideal option to enjoy the magic of the Durango train with kids.
Why We Chose the Cascade Canyon Express
We love trains and have enjoyed riding the Georgetown Loop Railroad near Denver multiple times. However, the Durango train is on another level. Spanning incredible landscapes and remote wilderness, it offers an experience that feels much more immersive and adventurous.
For our family, the Cascade Canyon Express was the perfect choice. Here’s why:
- Shorter Duration: At just over 5 hours round trip, this ride is significantly shorter than the full-day journey to Silverton (which can take 8-9 hours). With young kids, 5 hours was plenty, and by the end, we were ready to explore downtown Durango before continuing our road trip to Pagosa Springs.
- Cost-Effective: The shorter route is more affordable, making it a great option for families looking to balance their budget.
- No Need for Silverton: Since we had already visited Silverton earlier in the week, stopping at Cascade Canyon instead was perfect. It gave us a completely new experience without repeating the same destination.
The Cascade Canyon Express Experience
The Cascade Canyon Express route takes passengers from Durango to the beautiful Cascade Canyon, where the train stops for a 45-minute break by the Animas River before returning to Durango. Here are the highlights of our ride:
Stunning Views from Both Sides of the Train
The train winds through breathtaking landscapes, including dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and the rushing waters of the Animas River. We loved that we could see from both sides of the car, making every moment of the journey picturesque. If you miss something on one side or don’t get a good view, don’t worry—the train turns around at Cascade Canyon, and you’ll be sitting on the opposite side on the way back. This ensures everyone gets to enjoy the incredible scenery. Sitting in the end car was a fantastic choice for our family. Being at the back gave us a little extra space and the opportunity to snap incredible photos of the train as it curved around the mountains.
Pro Tip: Book seats as far back from the engine as possible. It’s quieter, there’s less smoke, and you’ll have a chance to capture stunning shots of the locomotive and train cars.
Peaceful Stop at Cascade Canyon
The break at Cascade Canyon was a highlight of the trip. Nestled deep in the wilderness, the canyon feels completely removed from civilization. We found a small, quiet spot by the river to enjoy our snacks and let the kids stretch their legs. While most of the passengers stayed near the train, we ventured a short distance along the river and enjoyed the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Pro Tip: Bring your own food! While the snack bar on the train offers options like popcorn and pulled pork sandwiches, we were glad we packed extra snacks and drinks. Eating by the river was a peaceful and memorable part of the day.
What Makes the Durango Train Great for Kids
Riding the Durango train with kids is an incredible experience for several reasons:
- Engaging Scenery: The constantly changing views kept our kids entertained throughout the ride. From waterfalls to towering cliffs, there was always something new to see.
- Historical Charm: The vintage train cars and steam locomotive sparked endless questions and curiosity from our kids. It felt like stepping back in time.
- Manageable Duration: At just over 5 hours, the Cascade Canyon Express is the perfect length for families. Any longer, and our kids would have been too tired to enjoy it fully.
- Freedom to Explore: Sitting in an open-air car allowed the kids to move around a bit, which helped keep them engaged and happy.
- Interactive Break: The stop at Cascade Canyon gave the kids a chance to explore, throw rocks into the river, and burn off some energy before the return trip.
Tips for Riding the Durango Train with Kids
Here are some practical tips to make the most of your experience:
- Book Early: The Cascade Canyon Express is popular, so book your tickets well in advance to secure the best seats. Book Here!
- Choose Seats Wisely: Opt for seats in the back of the train to avoid engine noise and smoke. Plus, the views of the train itself are better from the rear.
- Pack Snacks: While there is a snack bar onboard, bringing your own food ensures you’ll have plenty to eat during the ride and at Cascade Canyon.
- Dress in Layers: The open-air cars can get chilly, even in the summer. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Bring a Camera: The views are stunning, and you’ll want to capture the memories. Don’t forget to take photos of the train as it rounds the bends!
- Plan Ahead for Younger Kids: Five hours is a long time, so pack activities or small toys to keep younger kids entertained.
Comparing the Durango Train to the Georgetown Loop
As a family who loves trains, we couldn’t help but compare the Durango train with the Georgetown Loop Railroad. While the Georgetown Loop is a fun and quick experience, it’s a much shorter ride and doesn’t offer the same level of scenery or adventure. The Durango train’s journey through the remote San Juan Mountains felt like a true escape, far removed from highways and civilization. If you’re in Durango, the train ride is a must-do and far exceeds other train experiences we’ve had.
Reflections on Our Train Adventure
Our day on the Durango train with kids was everything we hoped it would be: scenic, relaxing, and filled with memorable moments. The Cascade Canyon Express gave us just the right balance of adventure and downtime, and it was the perfect length for our family. While the ride is long, it’s an experience we’ll never forget and one we highly recommend to other families visiting Durango.
Visiting the Durango Train Museum
After our train ride, we made a stop at the Durango Train Museum, and it turned out to be an incredible experience that we highly recommend. Best of all, admission is included with your train ticket! The museum is packed with fascinating exhibits that showcase the history of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and its importance to the region.
Our kids loved exploring the historic train cars, viewing the antique locomotives, and learning about how steam engines work. The museum also features interactive displays, rare artifacts, and an impressive model train setup that kept our little ones entertained for quite a while. It’s the perfect add-on to your train ride, giving families a deeper understanding of the history and legacy of this iconic railroad.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the museum after your train ride—it’s a fun and educational way to round out the experience!
Exploring Downtown Durango
After the train ride, we spent some time exploring downtown Durango, which was the perfect way to wind down. We treated ourselves to much-needed ice cream at Cream Bean Berry, a local favorite offering delicious and creative flavors. The kids were thrilled, and it was just what we needed after a long day.
We also enjoyed walking up and down Main Avenue, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic mountain town. The charming shops and bustling vibe made for a fun and relaxing evening.
On our way out of Durango toward Pagosa Springs, we stopped for dinner at Zia Taqueria, a local Chipotle-style Mexican restaurant. The food was fresh and delicious, and it was the perfect way to cap off our time in Durango before continuing our road trip. With so much to offer, Durango left us with incredible memories and excitement for what was to come.
Next on our Southern Colorado road trip was Pagosa Springs. After an incredible day riding the Durango train and exploring downtown Durango, we were eager to see what adventures awaited us in this picturesque mountain town. Pagosa Springs promised to be the perfect next stop, and we can’t wait to share more about our unforgettable road trip!
