By Railfan & Railroad Staff

DURANGO, Colo. — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will resume excursions out of its hometown for the first time since this spring starting on Nov. 20, the railroad announced this week. The railroad will operate its popular Cascade Canyon excursions until early January. 

The railroad shut down back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed shorter trips between Rockwood and Cascade Canyon, which only covered the middle part of the railroad, back in June. The shorter trips allowed for the railroad to run more trains and thus allow for better social distancing on board. 

“As we transition into our traditional fall and winter Cascade Canyon season, the D&SNGRR remains committed to providing guests with safe, scenic, and enjoyable experiences through the beautiful, majestic scenery of the San Juan Mountains,” said Jeff Johnson, vice president and general manager of the railroad. “For all passengers who’ve never seen the Animas River Canyon during this time of year, they’re in for a real treat and a breathtaking journey through an incredible winter wonderland.”

While the pandemic has impacted nearly every tourist railroad, 2020 has been particularly hard on the D&SNG, which has had to deal with washouts and lawsuits stemming from a 2018 fire. However, earlier this week, it received some good news that it was receiving a $2 million federal grant to replace a trestle near Silverton. 

The D&SNGRR’s dates of operation are Nov. 20-25 and 27-29; Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 18-24, and 26-31; and Jan. 1-3, 2021. All excursions depart at 9:30 a.m. and return at 2:30 p.m., and have limited passenger capacity. Visit DurangoTrain.com for more information.