The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Historic Railroading Through Southwestern Colorado

Of the classic fallen flag systems that had rail lines in Colorado, the Rio Grande is by far the state’s most celebrated and recognized, mostly due to its fabled and sprawling narrow-gauge system, which lasted until the late 1960s. It’s narrow-gauge operations, or what remained of them anyway (over the years the once almost exclusive narrow-gauge system had been converted to standard gauge), was centered primarily in the southern part of Colorado and northern New Mexico. It was originally built to serve coal, timber, silver, and gold although most of this (particularly the latter) had dried up by the 20th century and in its final days the narrow-gauge operations were mostly a tri-weekly service carrying mixed trains of people and freight.

One of the Rio Grande’s narrow-gauge operations did survive, however. The Silverton Route survived abandonment and today continues on as the very popular Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Along with the Silverton Route the Rio Grande’s narrow-gauge line between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado also survived. Today this line is home to the likewise famous Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.

Here is a little more history of the line courtesy of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Finally, in 1969 the Interstate Commerce Commission granted the Rio Grande’s request to abandon its remaining narrow gauge main line trackage, thereby ending the last use of steam locomotives in general freight service in the United States.

Most of the abandoned track was dismantled soon after the ICC’s decision, but through the combined efforts of an energetic and resourceful group of railway preservationists and local civic interests, the most scenic portion of the line was saved. In 1970, the states of Colorado and New Mexico jointly purchased the track and line-side structures from Antonito to Chama, nine steam locomotives, over 130 freight and work cars, and the Chama yard and maintenance facility, for $547,120. The C&TS began hauling tourists the next year.

Today, Durango & Silverton’s passenger trains are pulled by vintage and authentic (to the railroad line itself) narrow gauge steam locomotives that operate over a 45-mile route between Durango and Silverton. Below is a complete roster of the railroad, which includes several steamers and diesel both:

· #1 – General Electric 44-tonner

· #7 – General Electric 87-tonner

· #9 – General Electric 92-tonner

· #11 – General Electric/US Steel 98-tonner

· #473 – American Locomotive Company K-28

· #476 – American Locomotive Company K-28

· #478 – American Locomotive Company K-28

· #480 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #481 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #482 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #486 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-36

· #498 – Baldwin Locomotive Works K-37

So, if you’re interested in a different type of vacation or want to ride on one of the most scenic and historic tourist railroads in the country you must take a trip to see the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, it is certainly an experience you won’t forget!

For more information on tourist railroads like the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad you might want to consider the book Empire State Railway Museum's Tourist Trains 2006 from the Empire State Railway Museum. Given excellent reviews this guidebook covers nearly all of the tourist railroads and museums operating in the country in fine detail. So, if you’re interested in locating a tourist train or railroad near you, or simply want to know more about a particular one, you will certainly not be disappointed in Empire State Railway Museum’s guidebook to tourist railroads and museums. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".