The Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railroad was established in 1881. The railroad has been in continuous operations for just over 125 years. The track to Silverton was completed in 1882 by a workforce of five hundred men and was one of the most challenging railroad operations undertaken. Originally constructed to carry gold and silver ore from the San Juan Mountains, it quickly became a hot spot for tourists due to the gorgeous scenic along the route.

With a mostly immigrant labor (Irish and Chinese for the most part), construction of the Durango & Silverton railway began in 1881 and was completed in 1882, an amazing nine months considering the terrain. Due to the terrain, this span was one of the most arduous railroad projects undertaken, ranking in difficulty with the Central Pacific’s trek through the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in California. The difficulties were compounded due to a very harsh winter of 1881-1882. The boxcars that were provided as sleeping quarters for the workers proved to be inadequate and caves were dug by some of the workers in order to get out of the extreme weather conditions.

The most expensive portion of the track was the ledge that was created above the Animas River. Many tons of explosives were used to blast a ledge wide enough for the train, and was the most expensive portion of the span costing one hundred thousand dollars per mile in this stretch. Due to the Herculean effort that went into building the railroad, it was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering landmarks in 1968.

Mining was the most important major industry in the town of Silverton. Up until the Sunnyside mine closed in 1991, mining was still an integral part of the community. With the arrival of the railroad in 1882, the town had a growth period for over twenty years that was the epitome of “Boomtown” and still has that same feel even today.

The essence of Colorado really comes out in this area with the majestic peaks and gorgeous scenery, which the Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railroad has to offer. With breathtaking views that have gone almost untouched for well over 100 years, the railroad has something to offer to everyone. Steam powered locomotives have enchanted people because of the raw power that they produce, but the narrow gauge has a special place in the hearts of everyone here in the West. Experience firsthand the Colorado that has inspired so many people to want to live the Western dream.