Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Season

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates year-round and remains one of Durango's most iconic visitor attractions, with the busiest travel and lodging demand in summer and fall as ridership peaks. Vintage coal-fired, steam-powered locomotives pull passengers along the same 45-mile route built in 1882, climbing through the Animas River gorge to the historic mining town of Silverton — a trip that reliably fills downtown hotels and inns from Memorial Day through the fall color season.

Trains depart daily from the historic depot on Main Avenue, and the railroad also runs seasonal specialty trips, including winter excursions, that create smaller but steady demand outside the main season. Member properties should plan front-desk and housekeeping staffing around peak departure days, and can expect walk-up and same-day booking spikes tied to train schedule changes and fall foliage forecasts.