By Railfan & Railroad Staff

SILVERTON, Colo. — The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad will resume regular excursions to the historic mining town of Silverton, Colo., for the first time in a year this spring. Regular season excursions between the railroad’s two namesake towns will begin May 22 and run through Oct. 31. 

Last year, both the virus and a washout deep in the Animas River Canyon prevented regular excursions to Silverton. Instead, the railroad ran shorter Cascade Canyon Express trains between Rockwood and Cascade Canyon. The trips took about two hours and would appeal to visitors who want to ride the train but not dedicate an entire day to it. In years past, the D&SNG would operate two round trips between Durango and Silverton, but this year it will run one daily round trip on the entire line and three Cascade Canyon Express runs. The Cascade Canyon trips will depart at 9 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. and run from May 1 to Nov. 7. 

“The D&SNG is ready to safely and warmly welcome families and vacationers to the Four Corners region with a comprehensive slate of excursions and flexible riding options for the summer of 2021, and we’re even more excited to resume daily passenger service to Silverton in late May after navigating and overcoming several challenges last year,” said Allen C. Harper, head of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and chairman and chief executive officer of American Heritage Railways. “Whether guests choose to ride all the way to Silverton this summer or take one of the railroad’s shorter scenic trips to Cascade Canyon, the D&SNG delivers top-notch service and lifelong memories for a unique and enjoyable world-class experience unlike any other.”

Tickets for the D&SNG’s excursions are now on sale online or by calling the railroad’s reservations hotline at (877) 872-4607.