All Aboard 2024-25

Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The railroad arrived in Durango on Aug. 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882 (only nine months after construction began) the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers. The line was constructed to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but everyone soon realized it was the view that was truly precious. This historic railroad has been in continuous operation for 143 years, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. The D&SNGRR is also proud to be a part of the American Heritage Railways family. ©2023-2024

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Ave., Durango, Colorado 81301 (888) 872-4607 EDITOR

All Aboard!, The Official Magazine of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, is published by Ballantine

Welcome Aboard

THE DURANGO & SILVERTON

Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! We’re glad you’ve chosen to visit our historic train. Whether you are new to experiencing this legendary train or have been a returning guest for years, we look forward to offering you the best in year-round historic train adventures presented today as it was in 1882! We invite you to hop aboard and relive the “Golden Age” on our railroad which was voted “#1 Best Scenic Train in North America” by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2021-2023 and “Best Historic Railroad of the West” 2021-23 by TrueWest Magazine Readers. Other accolades include being named “Best Train Experience in the West” in 2016 by Sunset Magazine, being awarded “#1 North American Train Trip” status in 2010 by National Geographic Traveler as well as being named one of the “World’s Top Ten Train Rides” in 2009 by the Society of American Travel Writers.

Our family has dedicated decades to the preservation of history surrounding this national treasure that is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Not only is this railroad named as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service but it has also been designated an American Society of Civil Engineering Landmark.

When is the best time to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? Anytime of the year!

During the winter, we offer exclusive round-trip train adventures deep into the heart of the San Juan National Forest to Cascade Canyon as well as the premier holiday

family event train, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

If you’re visiting in the Spring, your train excursion may feature incredible waterfalls during spring thaw as you journey to Cascade Canyon.

Summer is high season at the D&S with daily Durango to Silverton excursions May through October departing from Durango. We also offer half-day excursions on the Cascade Canyon Express. These

rail adventures also depart from the Durango Depot and travel to Cascade Canyon, a perfect highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas for those with limited time.

Autumn offers you a unique way to experience peak leaf season from the comfort of the train. Connect with family and friends as you explore the Rocky Mountains by historic railway. Sit back and allow yourself to be transported through a riot of blazing fall colors featuring the spectacular golden glow of aspens.

However you choose to relax and connect on the train and whatever train adventure awaits you, we hope you have an inspiring journey where you create wonderful life-long memories! M

Photo by Anthony D'Amato

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW AND WHEN WAS DURANGO FOUNDED?

Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881, and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882 (amazingly only nine months after construction began), the tracks to Silverton were completed and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.

HOW LONG HAS THE RAILROAD BEEN TAKING PASSENGERS ON EXCURSIONS?

Those involved with the railroad were always aware of the spectacular experience it presented and they promoted these scenic opportunities very early on. It was officially promoted as a scenic attraction as early as July 1882.

HOW MANY PASSENGERS DOES THE D&SNGRR CARRY PER YEAR?

In 2023, more than 220,000 passengers rode the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

HAS THE D&SNGRR “STARRED” IN ANY FILMS?

Absolutely! The D&SNGRR has appeared in Colorado Territory (1949), Ticket to Tomahawk (1950), Denver and Rio Grande (1952), Viva Zapata (1952), Three Young Texans (1954), Run for Cover (1955), Maverick Queen (1956), Around the World in 80 Days (1956), Night Passage (1957), How the West Was Won (1963), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), Support Your Local Gunfrghter (1970), The Tracker (1987), Durango Kid (1999), The Claim (2000), The Prestige (2006), Godless miniseries (2017), IMAX film, “Into America’s Wild” (2020), and Hostile Territory (2022).

HOW NARROW IS THE NARROW GAUGE?

Narrow gauge rails are three feet (36 inches) apart, while standard gauge rails are four feet, eight and one half inches (56½ inches) apart.

WHY IS NARROW GAUGE USED?

Denver & Rio Grande Railway builder

William Jackson Palmer chose rails spread 3 feet apart when the railroad was conceived. Inspired by the use of narrow gauge he saw in visiting the UK, Palmer was attracted to the versatility of this gauge to accommodate steeper grades and sharper curves through the mountainous regions the railroad would encounter. The reduced capital expense to build narrow gauge equipment was also a large contributing factor.

WHAT IS THE TOTAL VALUE OF GOLD AND SILVER THE D&SNGRR HAS CARRIED?

Over its 143-year-old history, the D&SNGRR has transported over $300 million in precious metals.

HOW MUCH FUEL AND WATER DOES A STEAM LOCOMOTIVE NEED FOR ONE ROUNDTRIP?

The locomotives use between 800 and 900 gallons of fuel oil, and 10,000 gallons of water for a roundtrip to Silverton.

HOW FAST DOES THE TRAIN GO?

20 mph is top speed with an average speed of 15 mph through the canyons to Silverton. Slower speeds are observed on the highline.

HOW MANY MILES DOES THE TRAIN ACCUMULATE AFTER ONE DAY?

The train travels 45 miles to Silverton, making a total of 95-100 miles in one day.

HOW MANY EMPLOYEES DOES IT TAKE TO RUN THE TRAIN?

The train requires five employees plus concession and private car attendants. Two employees work in the locomotive cab (the engineer and fireman), and two brakemen and one conductor work throughout the entire train.

WHAT IS THE OLDEST PART OF THE RAILROAD?

The sand house was built in 1881 and the depot was constructed in 1882.

Photo by Bryan Burton

Photo by Bryan Burton

IS MILEAGE RECORDED?

Passenger miles are recorded but locomotive and car miles are not. Unlike automobiles, locomotives do not have odometers. Use of our locomotives is not tracked in miles but rather by days, and how those days are recorded depends on if it’s a steam or diesel locomotive. For the diesels, it’s all about the calendar. Every 92 calendar days a diesel is available for service, regardless of what it is used for, it requires an inspection. While there is the ability for “out of service credit” on the diesels, we can usually mark it on the calendar, literally, when it needs its quarterly inspection. For the steam locomotives it’s based on “service days”, or any day a locomotive has a fire, and boiler pressure above atmospheric pressure; regardless of what service it’s performing. The mechanical department tracks service days, and every 31 service days performs a boiler wash and comprehensive inspection of the locomotive. This is why our steam locomotives are used on a rotational basis to spread out the service days. All of this information, and records of inspection are filed regularly with the Federal Railway Administration.

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A CONDUCTOR? HOW DOES ONE BECOME AN ENGINEER?

Both positions require special exams and on-the-job training. To become a conductor, one must first become a brakeman and work under the conductor. It typically takes more than four years to become an engineer. One begins as a brakeman, then progresses to working in the cab alongside the engineer as a fireman. Then, one must study mechanical instruction and take student trips.

WHAT IS THE OLDEST D&SNGRR LOCOMOTIVE?

RGS #42 is the oldest and is currently on display in the museum. It was built in 1887. The steam locomotives we use daily were built between 1923 and 1928, while most of our diesels were built in 1969.

WHO OWNS THE D&SNGRR?

American Heritage Railways purchased the D&SNGRR in the summer of 1998 under the leadership of Chairman Allen C. Harper and President Carol Harper.

Become a part of our Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad family by sharing your Durango adventures with us! If you have a special moment you’d like to share via photo or video, please do! It’s easy! Just submit it and include a short story or caption about what your Durango adventure meant to you. Add the #MyDurangoTrainMoment and #DurangoTrain hashtags for a chance to be featured on our social media channels. And as always, thank you for sharing.

DSNGRR blow down over the High Bridge. Photo by Anthony D'Amato

Photo by Anthony D'Amato

MAY

NARROW GAUGE DAY durangotrain/events.com

FIRST DAY OF TRAIN SERVICE TO SILVERTON durangotrain.com

CASCADE CANYON EXPRESS durangotrain.com

IRON HORSE BICYCLE CLASSIC ironhorsebicycleclassic.com

NARROW GAUGE 10 MILE durangorunningclub.org

BAR D CHUCKWAGON OPENS bardchuckwagon.com

JUNE

TRUE WESTERN ROUND UP OPEN RODEO truewesternroundup.com

ANIMAS RIVER DAYS animasriverdays.org

FIRST FRIDAY:

SILVERTON ART WALK silvertoncreativedistrict.org

DURANGO SKYLINE 30K, 50K & 50 MILE aravaiparunning.com

SILVERTON SUMMER SOUNDS silvertoncreativedistrict.org

JULY

FIRST FRIDAY:

SILVERTON ART WALK silvertoncreativedistrict.org

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS durango.org

@SilvertonColorado4thofJuly

TRUE WESTERN

ROUND UP OPEN RODEO truewesternroundup.com

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS musicinthemountains.com

HARDROCK ENDURANCE RUN hardrock100.com

FIESTA DAYS durango.org

AUGUST

FIRST FRIDAY:

SILVERTON ART WALK silvertoncreativedistrict.org

GREAT WESTERN ROCKY

MOUNTAIN BRASS BAND silvertoncolorado.com

HARDROCKERS

HOLIDAYS 50TH YEAR

@Hardrockers Mining Holiday

LA PLATA COUNTY FAIR co.laplata.co.us

SILVERTON SUMMER SOUNDS

silvertoncreativedistrict.org

BLUES TRAIN durangobluestrain.com

SAN JUAN BREWFEST sanjuanbrewfest.com

SEPTEMBER

FIRST FRIDAY:

SILVERTON ART WALK silvertoncreativedistrict.org

SILVERTON SUMMER SOUNDS

silvertoncreativedistrict.org

SILVERTON CREATES silvertoncreativedistrict.org

DURANGO AUTUMN ARTS FESTIVAL 30TH ANNUAL durangoarts.org

LAST SHOW:

BAR D CHUCKWAGON bardchuckwagon.com

Please visit durangotrain.com for all D&SNGRR Special Event schedules, fares and information. Dates subject to change without notice.

Sunset and Golden Hour on the Rim Trail During Summer. Photo by Visit Durango

SILVERTON,S RICH HISTORY

Arush for riches brought prospectors West. In 1860, Captain Charles Baker discovered gold and silver deposits along the Animas River, and prospectors set up camps quickly in an area that would be called “Baker’s Park.”

As the news spread, nearly 1,000 people in search of wealth traveled the treacherous Stoney Pass to the settlement in early 1870. Silverton was established in 1874. In order to export the ores, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad completed construction on a 45mile stretch of narrow gauge track from Silverton to Durango in July of 1882.

By the next year, the population of Silverton reached 2,000. While mining was instrumental in Silverton’s growth, the entrepreneurs that provided essential services, such as supplies, housing and even entertainment, established Silverton as a center for commerce, too.

Between 1884 and 1889, the pathfinder of the San Juans, Otto Mears, extended the railroad and constructed toll roads to connect Silverton with other mining operations in Animas Forks, Ouray, Eureka and Lake City.

Like most mining towns, the silver panic of 1893 led to a series of boom and bust cycles for the Silverton economy. In the early 1900s, mining demand declined and tourist traffic increased. People gradually left surrounding settlements, leaving Silverton as the only town in the county. Intrigued by the history and landscape, passenger traffic tripled

from 12,000 in 1953 to 37,000 in 1962. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and the San Juan County Historical Society was established in 1964 as a nonprofit 501(c) (3) Colorado Corporation for preserving the history of San Juan County, Colorado.

By the late 1970s, more than 120,000 passengers traveled by railroad to visit Silverton each year. In the early 1990s, the last mining operation, Sunnyside Gold, closed due to a slow market and low demand. Tourists today can explore Silverton’s scenic mountains, ghost towns and historical landmarks, like the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, The Mayflower Gold Mill, the Mining Heritage Center and the 1902 County Jail. M

FAST FACTS

Established: 1874

Latitude: 107 degrees, 39’ 52.25” West

Longitude: 37 degrees, 48’ 48.10” North

Elevation: 9,318 feet

Population: 638

Mountain Standard Time Zone

GRAB A HERITAGE PASS FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO SAVE ON A TOUR OF THE OLD HUNDRED GOLD MINE, MAYFLOWER GOLD MILL, MINING HERITAGE CENTER AND 1902 COUNTY JAIL.

Silverton, Colorado taken during fall colors

Bikers on Main Street in Silverton Historic Downtown

Durango summer n FallD

With 300+ days of sunshine a year, abundant friendly western hospitality, and a wide variety of family-friendly summer and fall celebrations and activities, you’ll love visiting Durango! A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone whether it be hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, kayaking, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the Animas River Trail. And this year, you’ll have two train excursion options, the full day roundtrip Silverton Train excursion

or the five hour Cascade Canyon Express, both departing from our Durango Depot. Summer celebrations are abundant in this vibrant western town and include Animas River Days, Music In The Mountains, True Western Roundup, Fiesta Days, and the La Plata County Fair just to name a few. There’s something fun for everyone this summer in Durango!

See some of the most stunning wilderness that Colorado has to offer. Experience full on autumn splendor from the comfort of a Durango &

Silverton Narrow Gauge Train. Besides the train, fun fall activities include jeeping, mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. And the bright explosion of aspens rival the sunshine in full golden splendor. There’s just so much to see and do during autumn’s crisp days in southwest Colorado. M

SUMMER & FALL ITINERARIES

SHORT TRIP

All aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a historic train ride. You can choose between the full day Silverton Train adventure or, if you are looking for a shorter experience, the 5-hour Cascade Canyon Express that travels halfway to Silverton. Both excursions depart from our Durango Depot, skirting the edges of the Animas River and climbing along the sides of the picturesque Rocky Mountains through the beautiful San Juan National Forest. Enjoy ample photo opportunities as well as unforgettable memories to last a lifetime. Upon your return, explore the FREE Roundhouse Museum located at the Durango Depot.

Explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 35 miles west of Durango that features the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings with over 4,000 ruin sites and 600 cliff dwellings, including the renowned Cliff Palace.

Rent a mountain bike and ride from downtown Durango to Horse Gulch and take on over 30 miles of trail. Or try tubing down the Animas River and enjoy the cool flow of mountain waters over your skin. Later, dig into a delicious barbecue supper and genuine western stage show with the Bar D Chuckwagon.

EXTENDED STAY

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Take a hike on the stunning Colorado Trail before relaxing at Durango Hot Springs. Then check out Honeyville and Honey House Distillery where all of the products and spirits are distilled from or blended with honey. Later, experience the fascinating local agriculture scene by taking a tour of and dining at James Ranch.

Set out on a driving adventure along the San Juan Skyway as you follow the 236-mile Million Dollar Highway through the San Juan Mountains to Silverton and Ouray, viewing breathtaking terrain before looping back to Durango.

Mount up for a horseback ride into the Colorado backcountry and then top it off with an unforgettable dose of Durango’s vibrant nightlife.

Rent an OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) and explore some of the many local backroads and ghost towns while enjoying the spectacular landscape.

Mountain biking on the Rim Trail During fall. Photo by Visit Durango

Photo by Jerry Day

Winter n spring D

Winter is a fantastic time to visit the authentic western mountain town of Durango! Whether you love to ski, snowboard, ice climb, or go for a winter hike, Durango is literally surrounded by unparalleled

SHORT TRIP

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All Aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a historic steam ride to Cascade Canyon. Don’t forget to also explore the free Roundhouse Museum located at the depot.

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Hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort. With over 260” of annual snowfall and every snow activity imaginable from downhill skiing, snowboarding, and much more, the snowy slopes await.

Explore Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 35 miles west of Durango. Afterwards, attend a riveting performance at the San Juan Symphony.

Durango

outdoor winter recreation! And if shopping and celebrating is on your list, Durango really comes alive with unique winter shopping opportunities and festivities.

Winter events include the annual Snowdown Festival, Purgatory’s Winterfest and the Durango Independent Film Festival. And of course, you’ll want to experience one of the Durango & Silverton

Narrow Gauge Railroad’s winter journeys to Cascade Canyon. Experience springtime in Durango! The trees and flowers are beginning to bud and blossom, the river is flowing, and the air is clean and crisp. There’s fresh energy all around with plenty of sunshine and places to explore, activities to enjoy and music festivals to attend! M

WINTER & SPRING ITINERARIES

EXTENDED STAY

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Take some time to relax in the warmth of Durango Hot Springs, before dining at one of the award-winning local restaurants.

5

Take a stroll or bike ride along the Animas River Trail. Along the way, stop for an informative visit at the Powerhouse Museum located just off the trail. Stop by one of the local wineries for a wine tasting or experience one of the local food and wine events.

6

Explore more fascinating archeological sites such as Aztec Ruins, Chaco Canyon, or Chimney Rock. On your return to Durango, stop by Animas Chocolate Company for a tasty treat. Later, visit the Durango Arts Center gallery then head over to the Diamond Belle Saloon for some lively ragtime music. Visit the Animas Museum to learn about the local history, then take a walk to explore Historic Durango.

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Photo by Durango Hotsprings

Photo by Anthony D'Amato

Milepost 467 Fire Mitigation Project

Logging was synonymous with railroads during the 19th and 20th centuries. While trucks have taken that title from railroads in more recent decades, images, memories and remnants of such operations remain to this day. Logging companies stretched from coast to coast such as famed West Side Lumber Co. of Tuolumne, California in the west, to the Mower Lumber Co. of Cass, West Virginia in the east. The latter has been preserved and operates to this day hauling passengers as the Cass Scenic Railroad.

Such logging railroads were often built on rough, temporary track consisting of steep grades, sharp curves and switchbacks as they chased the timber deeper into the forest. While this type of railroading was unique and picturesque, it was not always long lived. Typically, when the timber played out, the railroad did as well. Special geared type locomotives were designed and built almost exclusively for this purpose. The best known and most popular of the three

types of geared locomotives was the Shay type locomotive, but Heisler and Climax locomotives were also utilized. While each type of these locomotives had different designs, as the name suggests, all utilized gears to step down the power produced by steam cylinders as well as a line shaft to transmit power to individual trucks rather than utilizing the more conventional design of side rods directly linking the driving wheels to the cylinders.

The Denver & Rio Grande was not known as a logging railroad and its tracks did not necessitate the use of geared locomotives. The only shay known to have traversed the Animas Canyon route was number 269 when it was purchased by the Silverton railroad in 1890 and delivered via the D&RG and again when it was sold to the Rio Grande Southern Railroad in 1892.

The line from Durango to

STORY BY MATT CUNNINGHAM

Transporting logs to Rockwood. Photo by Aaron Bentsen

Unloading logs at Rockwood. Photo by Aaron Bentsen

Silverton was built to primarily haul ore, however the hauling of timber was a semi-regular occurrence. A small sawmill was built by Otto Mears in 1910 just north of today’s Cascade Canyon Wye, a location which he named “Tefft,” a name chosen in tribute to an early ranger in the San Juan Forest, Guy Tefft. The boiler for the mill remains at its original location to this day, originally belonging to Silverton Gladstone & Northerly locomotive number 32.

In recent years, the Durango & Silverton has begun to haul timber once again. Unlike the logging railroads of the past the goal is no longer to cash in by clear cutting stands of harvestable timber. Instead, fire mitigation and fuels reduction through strategic cutting are now the objectives. By focusing on key locations and fuel types, the work promotes forest health while creating a more fire-resistant landscape. While the purpose of the work has changed, flat cars loaded with timber pulled by a steam locomotive in the 21st century creates images straight out of the past and evokes memories for some of a time which is no longer.

railroad’s line climbs from Hermosa to Rockwood. The mitigation targeted even-aged stands of ponderosa pine which had grown densely together over time. As these trees begin to crowd one another, sunlight and ground water become scarce and begin to slow the tree’s growth. This was partially evidenced by the shrinking rings observed in the trees which were cut. Spacing out the remaining tress will promote a healthier ratio of sunlight and water per tree as well as prevent fire from jumping from tree to tree in a canopy known commonly as a “crown run.” The dense understory consisting of juniper and gamble oak was also targeted as these are “ladder” fuels appropriately named as they can allow fire to climb off the forest floor and up into the tree crowns.

z

Over the winter of 2023-2024, the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) broke ground on a multi-year fuel break which will eventually stretch from the Animas River to highway 550. The project identified several key parcels of land and when fuel reduction work is completed on each of them they will form a wildland urban interface (WUI) fuel break helping to protect surrounding communities such as Rockwood, Irongate, Tammaron, and Glacier, as well as the Animas River watershed. The Durango & Silverton has a long and consistent history of performing fire mitigation along its right-of-way and this project opened up an opportunity to aid with fire mitigation on adjacent lands as several of these parcels are in near proximity to the Durango & Silverton’s track, creating the opportunity for timber to be hauled away from the site by rail.

Phase one of the project began in November with the treatment of a 47 acre parcel just north of milepost 467 and the highway 550 overpass as the

The Colorado State Forest Service secured funding for this phase from the Community Assistance Funds Adjacent to NFS lands grant program (CAFA). Miller Timber Services of Philomath, Oregon was contracted to perform the work cutting the fuels with a combination of the old school way of hand saws and modern day cut to length (CTL) machines such as a harvester. The logs were transported by use of a forwarder to the reload site before being hauled by rail up to Rockwood station where the timber was transferred onto trucks destined for local mills and firewood suppliers.

Projects such as this are extremely beneficial to the community and have a long-lasting impact however they do not come cheaply. Completing this type of work for the purposes of fire mitigation rather than logging means that in order for the project to be successful all types of fuels must be mitigated not just those which have financial value. Despite the aid of sophisticated machinery the work is still labor intensive and when factored with other ancillary costs, such as fuel, it creates significant challenges keeping the project on budget. While some of the larger timber does generate revenue it is barely enough to cover trucking costs to haul it to the mill. To maximize the benefit of the project the Durango & Silverton donated 100% of the time and equipment required for the hauling of timber. Without the expense of covering the railroad’s costs the Colorado State Forest Service was able to treat additional acreage and get the most out of this phase with the funding which was available.

The opportunity to participate in the project is a point of pride for the Durango & Silverton and the railroad looks forward to assisting in the future phases of the fuel break as well as other fire mitigation projects. The railroad thanks the Colorado State Forest Service, Miller Timber Services, and the surrounding landowners for their efforts in helping make this venture a success. M

The difference in tree density in the foreground and background captures the goal of the project - Photo by Aaron Bensen

OCTOBER

ANIMAS VALLEY BALLOON RALLY animasvalleyballoonrally.com

LAST DAY OF TRAIN SERVICE TO SILVERTON durangotrain.com

DURANGO COWBOY GATHERING durangocowboygathering.org

NOVEMBER

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ BEGINS durangotrain.com

CASCADE CANYON WINTER TRAIN durangotrain.com

TURKEY TROT durangorunningclub.org

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS

TREE LIGHTING durango.org

PURGATORY RESORT OPENING DAY purgatoryresort.com

DECEMBER

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ durangotrain.com

NOEL NIGHT local-first.org

SANTA COMES TO SILVERTON silvertoncolorado.com

FESTIVAL OF TREES communityconnectionsco.org

HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET durangofarmersmarket.com

BAR D WRANGLERS

CHRISTMAS JUBILEE durangoconcerts.com

JANUARY

WINTERFEST AT PURGATORY purgatory.ski

FEBRUARY

SNOWDOWN IN DURANGO 2025 THEME: LIFE’S A GAME, IT’S YOUR MOVE (BOARD GAMES) snowdown.org

SNOWDOWN BALLOON RALLY TRAIN durangotrain.com

SILVERTON SKIJORING silvertonskijoring.com

MARCH

DURANGO INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL durangofilm.org

DURANGO BACH FESTIVAL durangobachfestival.com

APRIL

SILVERTON MOUNTAIN UNGUIDED SKIING silvertonmountain.com

DURANGO BLUEGRASS MELTDOWN durangomeltdown.com

DURANGO WINE EXPERIENCE durangowine.com

Please visit durangotrain.com for all D&SNGRR Special Event schedules, fares and information. Dates subject to change without notice.

Winter’s serene beauty on the rails. Photo by Anthony D’Amato

SPEND A SEASON IN Silverton

Silverton is a year-round destination for exploring culture, history and recreation in Colorado. Plan your stay and pack your schedule with exciting experiences.

WINTER & SPRING

At an elevation of 9,318 feet, Silverton receives an abundance of snow each winter season. Wintry weather can bleed into the spring season, until longer days and warmer temperatures melt the snowpack.

When visiting in winter or spring, choose from a variety of half-day adventures, guaranteed to be fun for all ages.

Kendall Mountain Ski Area offers family-friendly downhill skiing and snowboarding, complete with an ice rink and sledding hill.

Browse local art galleries and shops or take a self-guided historic walking tour through downtown Silverton.

Tour the backcountry trails on a snowmobile (Dec.-April, weather permitting) or book a horseback riding adventure with an area outfitter (May).

Schedule your trip around exciting local traditions and enjoy these iconic events.

The Town of Silverton hosts Silverton Skijoring during President’s Day weekend in February, Splitfest in April, and the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic in May.

SUMMER & FALL

In the summer, Silverton is a destination for all kinds of outdoor recreation. The area is known for its incredible trails open to hiking, biking and horseback riding, the world-class fishing holes and hunting grounds, as well as thrilling challenges for rafters and rock climbers. See stunning fall foliage when the colors peak between mid-September and early October.

This summer and fall, select interesting activities to explore the scenic San Juan Mountains.

Visit local heritage attractions with the Heritage Pass, which includes tours of the Old Hundred Gold Mine, Mining Heritage Center and 1902 County Jail.

Rent a high-clearance, four-wheel drive

vehicle to drive Colorado’s Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway, a 65-mile scenic drive that connects Silverton to Ouray and Lake City.

Enjoy a relaxing day at Molas Lake Park and Campground, located just 5 miles south of Silverton. The alpine lake offers excellent fishing, and it is the perfect place to cool off with some kayaking or paddleboarding.

Ride the historic D&SNGRR from Silverton to Durango for an overnight stay. Browse the local boutiques and shops. Then enjoy an evening out on the town. Sample the local cuisine, and follow the sound of the music to live entertainment at various venues. M

Silverton Downtown

Silverton Skijoring Photo by Ballantine Communications

1

- SILVERTON DININGCOFFEE BEAR

1309 Greene St., Silverton (970) 903-7032 • coffeebearsilverton.com

EAT A BITE FOOD TRUCK

Harmony Park at 12th & Greene St., Silverton (719) 888-9328 • eatabitefoodtruck.com

ELEVATED COFFEE COMPANY

1219 Greene St., Silverton (970) 799-3040

GOLDEN BLOCK BREWERY

1227 Greene St., Silverton (970) 387-5962 • goldenblockbrewery.com

LACEY ROSE SALOON

1219 Greene St., Silverton (800) 341-3340 • laceyrosesaloon.com

NATALIA’S 1912 RESTAURANT

1159 Notorious Blair St., Silverton (970) 387-5300 • natalias1912.com

SILVERTON SAUSAGE COMPANY

1171 Greene St., Silverton (970) 919-0864

THEE PITTS “AGAIN” BBQ

1157 Greene St., Silverton (970) 387-5027 • theepittsagain.com

- SILVERTON LODGINGTHE GRAND IMPERIAL HOTEL

1219 Greene St., Silverton (800) 341-3340 • grandimperialhotel.com

- ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS -

BLACKSMITH ADVENTURES

1130 Greene St., Silverton (435) 899-9314

blacksmithadventures.com

MAYFLOWER GOLD MILL TOUR

135 County Road 2, Silverton (970) 508-2194

sanjuancountyhistoricalsociety.org

MINING HERITAGE

CENTER & JAIL

Courthouse Square/1557 Greene St., Silverton (970) 387-5838

sanjuancountyhistoricalsociety.org

OLD HUNDRED

GOLD MINE TOUR

721 County Road 4A, Silverton (970) 387-5444 minetour.com

- JEEP & OHV RENTALS -

SAN JUAN BACKCOUNTRY

1119 Greene St., Silverton (970) 387-5565

sanjuanbackcountry.com

SILVER SUMMIT

640 Mineral St., Silverton (970) 387-0240 silversummitrvpark.com 1 2

JEEP RENTALS & RV PARK

- SILVERTON SHOPPING -

CAROL WILKINS DESIGNS

1130 Greene St., Silverton (970) 946-9460 • carolwilkinsdesigns.com

SILVERTON CAMERA COMPANY

116 West 12th St., Silverton (970) 541-0454

THE 9318 COLLECTIVE

1212 Greene St., Silverton the9318collective.com

Scenic hike in Silverton

E Grand Imperial Hotel

CELEBRATING 141 YEARS OF ELEGANCE AND STYLE

The Grand Dame of San Juan County turns 141 this summer. Her birthday will be commemorated with a plaque. The plaque will be placed upon her original granite walls. The Grand Dame, or the Grand Imperial Hotel as it is known to most, was commissioned in 1882 and completed not quite 10 months later.

Quite a feat for the era. The mansard roofed structure was once renowned

as the largest single standing building south of Denver. The “Grand” has undergone multiple restorations and even a few name changes over the decades, but her beauty and utility remain the same.

Jim Harper and his family business American Heritage Railways Hotels purchased the Grand Imperial Hotel in 2015 and immediately began a fullscale restoration project. Restoration

STORY BY CASSANDRA ROOF

included infrastructure, refurbishment and decor. Harper, who clearly enjoys history, thinks of the Grand Imperial as a metaphor for the town of Silverton. Both of which survived the many feast and famine periods of the mining industry.

The Grand Imperial Hotel was originally built to accommodate the influx of miners, visitors and businessmen that flocked to Silverton

Your basecamp for adventure since 1883. Call now or make reservation online. Join us in July for our 141st anniversary dedication. Photo by Grand Imperial Hotel

during the early prospect years. Today, it offers an authentic Victorian experience, with a basement theatre and ballroom that includes a crystal chandelier, ornate wallpaper and plush carpets. In decades past hotel rooms were solely on the third floor. For almost 25 years the second floor held the offices of Town Hall and the County Courthouse. The use of the hotel has shifted with the needs of the community. Today the basement hosts San Juan Development Association, Silverton’s business resource center and a theatre space. Community members are encouraged to

VISIT OUR PARTNERS

use this space for gatherings and performances.

Give “the Grand” a visit on your next trip into Silverton. Whether you’re coming from rail or trail, the staff welcomes you with its familyfriendly vibe. Rest in luxurious opulence in one of 32 Victorian-styled rooms, enjoy a meal and live piano at the Lacey Rose Saloon or shop for stunning jewelry at K&C Traders and grab a coffee at Elevated Coffee Company located all on-site. M

SILVERTON WEEKLY MINER

March 10, 1899 Edition

~harper ,, ,,

American Heritage Railways Hotels and the Harper Family are proud to be a part of Silverton's past, present and future. Silverton is a magnificent place–like no other on Earth.

Menu included: Shell Lobster, Oysters, Shrimps on Shell, Oyster Soup, Consomme, Leorge Celery, Olives, Dressed Lettuce, Baked Whitefish with Bechamel, St. Julien Wine, Reisling Wine, Boiled Sugar-cured Ham, Roast Young Turkey with Horseradish, Cranberry Sauce, Prime Roast Beef, Mushrooms, Roast Domestic Duck au Jelly, Fried Select Oysters, Shrimp Salad, Apple Fritters, au Rhum Potatoes in Cream, Fried Parsnips, French Peas, Succotash, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Fried Oyster Mince Pie, Lemon Pie, Vanilla Ice Cream, Assorted Cake, Nuts, Sliced Bananas and Cream.

Winner of over 300 International BBQ Awards Custom Smoked Meats

Featured On...

Sunday Dinner was a fancy affair at the Grand Hotel Dining Room. Photo courtesy of the San Juan County Historical Society

James Harper, President American Heritage Railways Hotels, Grand Imperial Hotel. Photo by Grand Imperial Hotel

A Creative Community

ome would say this small town in the heart of Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains is a work of art, and thus it attracts talented creatives who draw inspiration from the spectacular surroundings.

Recognizing the ways that local artists can enhance quality of life and serve as an economic driver, a group of local artists formed the Silverton Creative District in 2019. A creative district is an area or community that contributes to the town’s

economy through various artistic endeavors led by creative businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations. In the state of Colorado, there are more than 30 designated creative districts.

Silverton Creative District includes more than three dozen artists. Through innovative collaborations with their members, the collective leads projects and manages events that encourage expression and celebrate the community’s unique identity, inspired by its people, history and traditions.

Silverton Town Hall

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

One of the ways that the Silverton Creative District engages residents and visitors in arts and culture is through the First Friday Art Walk. On the first Friday of the month from June through September, the business district is bustling with activity. This year, the event is 4:30-7:30 p.m. June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. Socialize and take a casual stroll through downtown. Marked by pink flags, local galleries and shops invite guests to participate in art demonstrations and children’s crafts. Some host live entertainment or provide light refreshments. Every event offers new opportunities to connect with the community and enjoy an evening of creative, family-friendly fun.

The creative district leads projects and manages events that encourage expression and celebrate the community’s unique identity, inspired by its people, history and traditions.

SUMMER SOUNDS

On the second Friday of every month, gather at Memorial Park, 1800 Greene St. in Silverton from 6-9 p.m. for a free open-air music series produced by the Silverton Creative District and presented by the Town of Silverton.

The seventh annual Silverton Summer Sounds season kicks-off June 14, with additional concerts scheduled for July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13. The show goes on rain or shine. With two acts at each event, there’s sure to be energizing entertainment for all ages.

The family-friendly event includes food and libations for purchase, and the venue is walking distance from restaurants and retailers. See the lineup on the Silverton Creative District website.

SILVERTON CREATES!

To showcase the creative scene, the Silverton Creative District schedules a week-long celebration featuring a variety of events for all ages. Some of the activities include artistic workshops and demonstrations, open studio tours and live performances.

The Silverton Creative District also hosts fantastic winter events that encourage residents and visitors to shop locally. The Mistletoe Market in December at Kendal Mountain Lodge is a holiday shopping event that also includes festive music, light refreshments, children’s crafts and a door prize drawing. Mountainfilm on Tour, which is typically in January, is a fantastic opportunity to attend screenings for inspiring adventure documentaries. M

Reinventing steam LESSONS LEARNED

STORY BY RANDY BABCOCK

By now, some of you reading this are probably aware that over the past five years the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in the process of reinventing its steam locomotive roster, more specifically, changing the fuel source of its locomotives. No longer is the sweet smell of coal smoke found drifting through the open windows of the trailing coaches in the confines of the upper Animas Canyon. That effectively ended in 2019, the last year of coal use on the D&SNGRR's Silverton trains.

Since then, coal has remained in use during the Cascade Canyon winter season, or at least until this past spring when Locomotive 481’s final coal fire was dropped, thereby ending 143 years of regular coal use on the Silverton line. With every end, a new beginning can be found and after five years of locomotive fuel conversions, it’s time to look back at the process and consider all that has gone into it, both good and bad. Before we do that it’s important to note that the process is not quite over, as the forementioned number 481 should return to service as an oil burner in 2025, with the long out of service K28 class locomotive 478 following in 2026. With the addition of these two locomotives, the D&SNGRR

will have seven operational oil-burning steam locomotives on their roster, a number it expects to maintain for the foreseeable future.

One of the biggest misnomers about the use of fuel oil for steam locomotives is that it’s a recent phenomenon. Some of the biggest Western railroads, like the Southern Pacific Railroad and Santa Fe Railroad to be specific were predominantly using fuel oil well over 100 years ago.

Even the Colorado and Southern Narrow-Gauge Railroad converted some locomotives to burn oil right here in Colorado as early as the 1910’s to eliminate cinders coming from the coal burners and making it more comfortable for their passengers. In fact, one of the most useful resources employed in our conversion process turned out to be a series of treatises and tests done by the Southern Pacific RR in the late 1940’s to identify the most efficient means of burning fuel oil. In general, throughout the 20th century steam era, the use of coal vs. oil was often just a product of what fuel was readily available in a

Photo by Anthony D'Amato

components as part of a whole that we would ultimately want to replicate, a process was implemented that has made each locomotive very similar, consistent, and has allowed us to have spare parts on the shelf. Our conversions and oil part designs, with some incremental tweaks over the years, have been successful enough that we have sold components to, and worked with, numerous other railroads on their locomotives through our contract division.

In addition to all of those successes, we have found some more minor ones that when taken along with everything else have become the icing on the cake of the entire process: things like locomotive cleanliness, some reduced

maintenance costs, no more overnight watchman, and generally more flexibility in operations all help round out what has turned into a process the D&SNGRR can be proud of. We would be remiss if we did not mention that the entire process was, and continues to be, largely a collaborative effort from our shop staff who possess some of the best mechanical minds in the steam business today.

It’s often stated that the transition away from coal is a bad thing or was a path that the D&SNGRR was forced to go down; neither sentiment is true. Yes, there are a few losses associated with leaving coal behind such as cheaper raw fuel costs, losing the nostalgia and art of hand shoveling, and oh that smell! But when you get past those things and take in what you have just read, the oil burning locomotive at the head of your train has unlocked a whole other level of possibilities for the longevity of our steam-powered locomotives. M

particular region; here in Southwestern Colorado, it had always been coal.

Looking back on our process, the biggest hurdle five years ago was simply getting locomotives converted as quickly and effectively as possible and deciding out how to set up the infrastructure to support the use of oil. Challenges like sourcing, storing, and dispensing the fuel were all ones that were expected. Significant time and consideration were given very early on to effective means of training crews on the differences of fuels. While coal firing may have more physical demands, oil firing has more mental considerations. How the engineer operates the locomotive, how the locomotive is drafting, and the temperature of the oil are all factors that can considerably affect the locomotive’s performance.

One of the early decisions that, in hindsight, had a significant positive effect on the overall conversion process was taking time to create drawings, patterns, and easily reproducible parts.

By treating the individual

Doubleheader alongside the Animas River. Photo by Anthony D'Amato

Charlie Moore, roadhouse employee with K28 locomotive #473 on the turntable in the yard.

Photo by Anthony D’Amato

Photo by Anthony D'Amato

Photo by Anthony D'Amato

RestoratioN 211E N

To see a way forward, sometimes you must peer into the past. On occasion, what you find may be a surprise. The D&SNGRR Car Shop crew discovered this to be true with car 211. Rebuilding the wooden rail car dating from 1881 has been a process of learning, patience and skill. The combination baggage and passenger car is a contract project undertaken by the railroad for the Hinsdale County Historical Society in nearby Lake City.

“It’s exciting,” shop assistant foreman Wes Akers said. “Doing the research and putting everything back to how it was in the 1920s is exciting and fun.”

Craftspeople in the railroad’s mechanical department started working on the car in 2021. By early 2024, Akers estimated the project was 75 percent complete. The frame and roof were disassembled and rebuilt. Platforms and couplers were constructed, and exterior mahogany siding and trim fitted.

Wherever possible, original wood and hardware was reused. Unfortunately, the veteran from the Denver & Rio Grande Railway was more of a rotting skeleton than a railcar. Akers and others studied historic photographs and drawings, as well as similar coaches here in Durango. Their aim was to learn how carpenters at the Jackson & Sharp factory in Delaware built the car, and how the car was then rebuilt over the years by the D&RGRR car department in Denver.

“We came up with something as close to the original as we could,” D&SNGRR carpenter Kyle Danielson said. He pointed out the difficulty in creating the end platforms from wood and steel when the car came to Durango with nothing to reference.

“The crying shame is that you will never see what’s under there,”

STORY BY SEAN JACKSON

Fresh primer after completion of all exterior siding and trim work. Photo by Jerry Day Siding and trim in progress. Photo by Jerry Day

Danielson said. “It’s such a work of art under there.”

Some mysteries remain. The 211’s original facia boards were shaped and installed with subtle differences between the left and right sides.

“Both sides were built different,” Akers said. “The result is the same, but how they got there was different.”

Then there were the charred ceiling planks above one of the 211’s two stoves. Or the date painted above the front door. Or the antique ornate handled screwdriver discovered between wall panels early in the car’s disassembly. What happened there? We may never know.

In 2024, Car Shop personnel will finish the car’s clerestory and install new metal roof panels. Floor boards, windows and doors will be installed. Interior walls will be stripped, sanded, stained and varnished. Original wood and new ash will be used throughout.

Restoration of car 211 has been funded through donations and grants from the Colorado State Historic Fund, National Trust for Historic Preservation and El Pomar Foundation. Completion is expected sometime in 2025.

Car 211 is just one project. At any one time, several car projects are under way in and outside the railroad’s car barn in Durango. Crews residing freight cars, refreshing coach interiors and undertaking structural improvements share floor space with routine mechanical inspections, painting and other activities.

All of the railroad’s 70-plus operating rail cars are cycled through the Car Shop periodically for work. Mechanical systems are disassembled, inspected, repaired and tested by the carmen. The carpenter shop handles construction of windows, doors and other wood assemblies.

Crews also inspect the railroad’s passenger cars every day both before departure and upon their return. Repairs are made and brakes adjusted. Coach cleaners service and

refresh the cars for the next day’s use.

“THE

~wes akers ,, ,,

Doing the research and putting everything back to how it was in the 1920s is exciting and fun.

Balancing contract projects such as car 211 with the railroad’s daily and seasonal work can be a balancing act. “The amount of productivity we’ve been doing is incredible,” Akers said. But where there is a will, Akers said, there is always a way.

To accommodate the D&SNGRR’s new contract business and its growing fleet of diesel locomotives, the Durango Car Shop was expanded. Starting in 2023, a shop with two tracks was built on the west of the original car barn built in 1982.

The new tracks won’t lie idle. Soon more projects will come, such as a former steam locomotive from the Colorado Railroad Museum near Denver.

American Heritage Railways

Chief Mechanical Officer Randy Babcock said former Denver & Rio Grande Western locomotive 346 will come to Durango in 2024 for maintenance. Lessons learned from the D&SNGRR’s rebuilding of a similar locomotive, Rio Grande Southern No. 41, should come in handy, Babcock said. That engine was rebuilt from the ground up before returning to service at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA, during 2023. M

Car framing on 211. Photo by Jerry Day

E D&SNGRR TEAM A WORK

COME JOIN OUR FANTASTIC TEAM. WE ARE HIRING A WIDE VARIETY OF POSITIONS.

Photos by Anthony D'Amato

STORY BY VISIT DURANGO

Durango, Colorado is an authentically old west mountain town with rich history, endless outdoor adventure, and world-renowned cultural experiences. It is the perfect home base for all your Southwest adventures. Below are just a few suggestions for your Durango itinerary, and you can discover more by visiting www.durango.org.

HISTORIC WEST

Downtown Durango is lined with well-preserved western architecture including historic hotels such as the iconic Strater Hotel and the General Palmer Hotel, which both date back to the late 1800s.

Another iconic fixture of the town’s historic west past is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR). This steam-powered railroad dates back to the late 1800’s where it was used to transport ore, freight and passengers from Silverton, Colorado. It now takes visitors on the same tracks through the towering San Juan Mountains, along the Animas River and past awe-inspiring vistas and waterfalls. You can also see the D&SNGRR guest star in classic films, like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Around the World in 80 Days.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

Durango is located only 35 miles from Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can observe some of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. Other notable indigenous cultural sites include the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Hovenweep National Monument, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Canyons of the Ancients and Chimney Rock National Monument. Additionally, Durango’s local college, Fort Lewis College, is deeply connected with local tribes and its Center of Southwest Studies features an extensive collection of culturally significant objects.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

The Animas River runs right through town offering access to class V whitewater rafting, lazy river floating

and everything in between. Durango is also surrounded by more than 300 miles of in-town trail systems, which are widely regarded as some of the best single-track mountain biking conditions. This includes the Durango Mesa Park that opened in September 2023, it is expected to be the largest multiuse bike park in the U.S. Additionally, located just 20 miles from downtown, Purgatory Resort offers year-round adventure with ski and snowboarding in the winter, and epic mountain biking in the summer. After exploring the outdoors, there’s nothing better than a soak at the hot springs. Make sure to cap off your day at the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Visit Durango created a few new annual events that take place throughout the year and all over La Plata County! They include:

Durango Restaurant Week: Restaurants, food trucks, bars and food vendors throughout La Plata County participate in this weeklong culinary celebration in April. Participating restaurants feature special pairing menus that highlight the chef’s culinary talents, and invite restaurant regulars and first timers to experience something new.

Spoketober: A monthlong cycling celebration that takes place throughout the month of October. The event series includes cycling events and celebrations for all ages and skill levels.

Holiday Station: Starting the day after Thanksgiving and going through New Year’s Eve, Holiday Station is filled with spectacular daily holiday festivities!

SHOPPING & GALLERIES

Durango is not your typical small mountain town when it comes to shopping, it offers so much more than the usual novelty shop. There are a variety of galleries featuring stunning indigenous works, Southwest inspired jewelry, and contemporary collections. When exploring downtown you can also find beautifully curated vintage shops and funky thrift stores. Perusing local shops can work up quite the appetite! Luckily Durango has a ton of delicious spots to stop in for a bite. Craft beer drinkers can grab a cold one at Carver Brewing or Steamworks Brewing. Or if you prefer cider or wine, check out Estoterra Ciderworks, Durango Wine Co. or Four Leaves Winery! Indulge in fine dining in an Historic West atmosphere at Eolus or enjoy a variety of cuisine from 11th Street Station’s featured food trucks. Stop by The Diamond Belle Saloon, revered as one of the most famous original ragtime piano bars in the West, and El Moro Spirits & Tavern, site of “Durango’s Strangest Shootout” in 1906 between the sheriff and the city marshal. M

Rafting during Animas River Days Photo by Visit Durango. Photo by Visit Durango

- ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS -

ANIMAS CITY THEATRE

128 East College Drive, Durango (970) 799-2281 • animascitytheatre.com

BAR D CHUCKWAGON

8080 County Road 250, Durango (970) 247-5753 • bardchuckwagon.com

D&SNGRR TRAIN & MUSEUM

479 Main Ave., Durango (888) 872-4607 • durangotrain.com

DURANGO ALLEN THEATRES

900 Translux Drive, Durango (970) 247-9760 • allentheatersinc.com

DURANGO FILM FESTIVAL

835 Main Ave., #208, Durango (970) 375-7779 • durangofilm.org

DURANGO HOT SPRINGS

6475 County Road 203, Durango (970) 247-0111 durangohotspringsresortandspa.com

GHOST WALK DURANGO

201 East 12th St., Durango (970) 759-9393 • ghostwalkdurango.com

SOUTHERN UTE MUSEUM

503 Ouray Drive, Ignacio • (970) 563-9583 southernute-nsn.gov/southern-ute-museum

- DURANGO SHOPPING -

A SHARED BLANKET

104 East Fifth St., Durango (970) 247-9210 • asharedblanket.com

CHRISTMAS IN DURANGO

563 Main Ave., Durango (970) 317-4346

DREAMS OF TIBET

988 Main Ave., Durango (970) 259-5400 • dreamsoftibet.com

GOOD KARMA

658 Main Ave., Durango (970) 799-9992

HONEY HOUSE DISTILLERY

33633 Highway 550, Suite A, Durango (970) 247-1474 • honeyhousedistillery.com

HONEYVILLE

33633 Highway 550, Durango (800) 676-7690 • honeyville.com

LIZARD HEAD TRADING

965 Main Ave., Durango (970) 779-1829

NATURE'S OASIS

300 South Camino del rio, Durango (970) 247-1988 • naturesoasismarket.com

TWILIGHT TOYS

600 Main Ave. #105, Durango (800) 403-5562

URBAN MARKET

865 Main Avenue, Durango (970) 259-0472 • urbanmarketonline.com

- DURANGO DINING -

CUCKOO’S CHICKEN

HOUSE & WATERIN’ HOLE

128 E College Drive, Durango (970) 259-6322 • cuckooschicken.com

DIAMOND BELLE

699 Main Ave., Durango (970) 375-7123 • strater.com/dining

FOX FIRE FARMS WINERY

5513 County Road 321, Ignacio (970) 563-4675 • foxfirefarms.com

HIMALAYAN KITCHEN

992 Main Ave., Durango (970) 259-0956 • himalayankitchendurango.com

JAMES RANCH GRILL

33846 Highway 550, Durango (970) 764-4222 • jamesranch.net/grill

MAHOGANY GRILLE

699 Main Ave., Durango (970) 375-7123 • strater.com/dining

NINI'S TAQUERIA

552 Main Ave., Durango (970) 259-4221 • ninistaqueria.com

RUPERT’S

810 East College Drive, Durango (970) 764-4228 • eatatruperts.coms

SUTCLIFFE TASTING ROOM

120 West Eighth St., Durango (970) 403-3036 • sutcliffewines.com

THE OFFICE SPIRITORIUM

699 Main Ave., Durango (970) 375-7123 • strater.com/dining

THE ROOST

128 E College Drive, Durango (970) 764-4661 • theroostdurango.com

400 East Second Ave., Durango (970) 385-4980 • https://tinyurl.com/25rjtsn4

O-BAR-O

11998 County Road 240, Durango (970) 259-3649 • obaro.com

SKY UTE CASINO RESORT

14324 Highway 172, Ignacio (888) 842-4180 • skyutecasino.com

STRATER HOTEL

699 Main Ave., Durango (800) 247-4431 • strater.com

- DURANGO SERVICESBALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

1275 Main Ave. Suite 300, Durango ballantinecommunicationsinc.com

CASCADE EXPRESS CAR WASH

1455 South Camino del Rio, Durango (970) 422-8626 • cascadeexpresscarwash.com

DURANGO BID

850 1/2 Main Ave. #2, Durango (970) 375-5067 • downtowndurango.org

EXIT REALTY HOME & RANCH

1032 Main Ave., Durango (970) 247-3948 • exitrealtydurango.com

EDurango n Silverton NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD MUSEUM

TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME AND SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION

Visit the free Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum sharing the fascinating history of railroading, transportation, and mining in the San Juan Mountains. Our 12,000-square-foot museum was created in 1998 utilizing eight stalls of the “new” roundhouse after a catastrophic fire destroyed the original 1881 roundhouse. In addition to preserving the rich history found right here in our rail yard, many families and old railroad workers initially donated our first displays helping tell railroad and local history. Since its inception, the museum has grown into an all-encompassing transportation and local history museum that includes planes, trains, automobiles and boats. Each item tells a unique story of how railroads played a vital role in the growth and development of western communities.

Find out what drove miners to the San Juan Mountains by exploring our outstanding mineral collection. Climb aboard two steam engines, including our oldest locomotive, built in 1887, to operate and learn how steam engines work. Perch in a caboose’s cupola for the best seat in the house to view our eight hundred square foot model train layout inspired by different regional towns and settings.

Unwind while watching our engaging documentaries in our theater car. In the classic film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Agent Woodstock defended Mr. E.H. Herriman in this exact car. Or duck into our doghouse, a little shack located on a locomotive’s

tender. And if you are visiting with children, don’t forget to ask for our scavenger hunt to learn more about our exhibits. Bringing history to life and showcasing the hardships, the struggles, the triumphs and the growth of Durango and the surrounding areas are inextricably woven into the museum’s fabric. Our museum is much more than trains, it’s an interactive experience with something for everyone.

When guests enter the museum, they are greeted with unique relics of the past, each with their own stories. The fire truck and airplanes on display were “firsts” for Durango and were transported here by, you guessed it, the railroad. You will also see vintage

rail cars, historic photos, railroad art, wildlife exhibits and much more. Explore our evolution of vehicles ranging from an antique horse buggy, steam powered automobiles, vintage cars, and even a solar powered car. The 1923 Nash automobile, lacking a back seat, was used to haul milk for a Bayfield diary.

STORY BY HARRIS ABERNATHY

The Roundhouse Museum is an all-encompassing transportation and local history museum. Photo by Bryan Burton

Unusual wildlife exhibits abound. Photo by Bryan Burton

SOME OF THE EXHIBITS INCLUDE:

Jackson and Sharp Immigrant Sleeper Coach 0460, a rare and fascinating piece of railroading history. The unrestored coach is a time capsule, perfectly preserving the feeling of railroad life from more than a century ago. Step inside our antique phone booth to make a phone call and see if the kids can figure out how to operate a phone without a screen.

The “Freedom is Not Free” exhibit features an extensive collection of hand cast miniature service members representing every American military conflict since the Revolutionary War. Al Harper, owner of the railroad, himself a veteran, served in the United States Air Force from 1967–1971. Wander outside to see how locomotives and cars are turned around on our century old turntable.

The Animas River display features a 600-gallon aquarium replicating the habitat found in the Animas River, whose waters flow from Silverton through Durango. The aquarium is stocked with all the trout species found in our local river.

We invite you to step back in time to explore the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum where history comes alive. And if you have a special event such as a corporate get-together, a party, or even a wedding, call us to find out more about hosting your event in our one-of-a-kind venue. M

If you’d like to support our museum, scan the QR code above inside the PayPal app. Your support is greatly appreciated!

THE DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY DAY THE TRAIN OPERATES.

D&SNGRR MUSEUM

479 Main Ave. • Durango, CO (888) 872-4607 durangotrain.com

The Durango & Silverton Railroad is proud to share the fascinated history of railroading, transportation and mining with people from around the world. Exhibits are added frequently and admission is FREE so visit often, located at the Durango Depot. Yard Tours are also available May-October to see the inner workings of the railroad with an experienced tour guide.

MINING HERITAGE CENTER & 1902 JAIL MUSEUM

1557 Greene St. • Silverton, CO (970) 387-5838

sanjuancountyhistoricalsociety.org

This local mining history museum houses comprehensive “Environmental Exhibits”, including realistic underground tunnels and machinery plus numerous artifacts from Silverton’s colorful past. Check our website for schedule. Allow, at the least, 30 minutes for your visit - there is a lot to see!

SOUTHERN UTE MUSEUM

503 Ouray Drive • Ignacio, CO (970) 563-9583

southernute-nsn.gov/ southern-ute-museum

Experience the dynamic environment and heritage of the Southwest. Explore the artifacts, documents and other items that illustrate the natural and cultural heritage of the Greater Southwest from prehistoric through contemporary times.

1950’s era 800 square foot D&S model railroad exhibit. Photo by Bryan Burton

Explore historic trains and coaches. Photo by Bryan Burton

E COOLEST SHOPS IN TOWN shopping

- DURANGO SHOPPING -

A SHARED BLANKET

104 East Fifth St., Durango (970) 247-9210 • asharedblanket.com

CHRISTMAS IN DURANGO

563 Main Ave., Durango (970) 317-4346

DDURANGO

Whether you are an avid shopper or someone who enjoys window shopping, Durango has some of the best shopping in the Southwest!

Durango offers more than 200 shops, galleries and restaurants, so you are sure to find the perfect gift for every friend and family member on your list. Some of the most popular local and tourist shopping spots are located throughout

lHistoric Downtown Durango, where you will find unique shops, art and photography galleries, outdoor speciality shops, groceries, and natural product stores. There are also plenty of great coffee shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in case you need a break. Be sure to also visit Durango’s many art galleries, most of which are also located in the heart of historic downtown. M

So enjoy your stroll through the streets of Downtown Durango and bring home something special from your trip.

SEE PAGE 32-33 FOR A FULL SIZE MAP OF DURANGO SHOWING THE LOCATIONS OF ADVERTISERS.

DREAMS OF TIBET

988 Main Ave., Durango (970) 259-5400 • dreamsoftibet.com

GOOD KARMA

658 Main Ave., Durango (970) 799-9992

HONEY HOUSE DISTILLERY

33633 Highway 550, Suite A, Durango (970) 247-1474 • honeyhousedistillery.com

HONEYVILLE

33633 Highway 550, Durango (800) 676-7690 • honeyville.com

LIZARD HEAD TRADING

965 Main Ave., Durango (970) 779-1829

NATURE'S OASIS

300 South Camino del Rio, Durango (970) 247-1988 • naturesoasismarket.com

TWILIGHT TOYS

600 Main Ave. #105, Durango (800) 403-5562

URBAN MARKET

865 Main Avenue, Durango (970) 259-0472 • urbanmarketonline.com

From down-to-earth eateries, cafes and brewpubs to award-winning fine dining, our culinary offerings reflect the richness, creativity and uniqueness of the Southwest. The quantity of independent restaurants, quality of ingredients and breadth of menu selections in this town boldly challenge the sophisticated culinary offerings of any metropolitan hub.

With more than 100 restaurants to choose from, Durango is a hotbed for cuisines that blend the absolute best flavors from around the world and from our own backyard.

Agriculture is at the heart of the Durango community supported by a strong “eat local” mind-set and an abundance of locally grown and raised meat, vegetables and food products. M

Beakfast(B) Lunch(L)

Dinner(D)CreditCardsPriceRangeReservationsAcceptKid’sMenuOutdoorSeatingFullBarLoungeADAAccessibleLargeGroupsTakeOutPre-Pack/To-GoEspresso/CappuccinoBarSeeadonpage

RESTAURANTS FEATURES

BAR D CHUCKWAGON SUPPERS

8080 County Road 250, Durango (970) 247-5753 • bardchuckwagon.com D

CUCKOO’S CHICKEN HOUSE & WATERIN’ HOLE

128 E College Drive, Durango (970) 259-6322 • cuckooschicken.com

DIAMOND BELLE

699 Main Ave., Durango (970) 375-7123

COFFEE BEAR

strater.com/dining

1309 Greene St., Silverton (970) 903-7032 • coffeebearsilverton.com

EAT A BITE FOOD TRUCK

Harmony Park at 12th & Greene, Silverton (719) 888-9328 • eatabitefoodtruck.com

EL BANDITO

1114 Blair St., Silverton elbanditosilverton.com

ELEVATED COFFEE COMPANY

1219 Greene Street, Silverton (970) 799-3040

FOX FIRE FARMS WINERY

5513 County Road 321, Ignacio (970) 563-4675 • foxfirefarms.com

GOLDEN BLOCK BREWERY

1227 Greene St., Silverton • (970) 387-5962 goldenblockbrewery.com

HIMALAYAN KITCHEN

992 Main Ave., Durango • (970) 259-0956 himalayankitchendurango.com

JAMES RANCH GRILL

33846 Highway 550, Durango (970) 764-4222

• jamesranch.net/grill

family sports restaurant, serving La Plata County’s awardwinning wings.

Durango’s only authentic old west saloon pairs history with entertainment. Weekend brunch served 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Large groups with reservation only.

Serving Kaladi coffee, baked goods, and our famous square burritos. Enjoy views from our rooftop patio.

Gourmet burgers and fried green tomato sandwiches.

Authentic Mexican cuisine with mountain flair. Homemade tortillas, cerveza and more.

and go breakfast and lunch in a friendly environment.

Fire Farms is a vineyard and winery, located on a stunningly green setting near Durango.

Award-winning craft beer, woodfired pizza and more. Elevate your senses.

Mountain food for mountain people. Himalayan Kitchen brings an ethnic food taste from top of the world regions of Nepal, India and Tibet.

Beyond farm to table, James Ranch Grill is table-on-the-farm by sourcing ingredients from the James Ranch and local farmers.

Drinks at 11th Street Station during fall. Photo by Visit Durango

810 East College Drive

7am - 2pm every day 970-764-4228 eatatruperts.com

LETOFF SOME STEAMAN

The restaurants and bars at

the Historic Strater Hotel are just the right ticket for making your Durango vacation memorable. Step back into the Old West when you enter the famous Belle Saloon; enjoy casual fine dining in an amazing victorian setting at Mahogany Grille

The Office Spiritorium where you’ll enjoy small plates and craft cocktails, surrounded by artisan woodwork. Cheers!

MAHOGANY GRILLE

699 Main Ave., Durango (970) 375-7123 • strater.com/dining

NATALIA'S 1912 RESTAURANT

1159 Blair St., Silverton (970) 387-5300 • natalias1912.com L

NINI'S TAQUERIA

552 Main Ave., Durango (970) 259-4221 • ninistaqueria.com L

RUPERT’S

810 East College Drive, Durango (970) 764-4228 • eatatruperts.com/ruperts-durango

SILVERTON SAUSAGE COMPANY

1171 Greene St., Silverton (970) 919-0864 L

SKY UTE CASINO RESORT

14324 Highway 172, Ignacio (970) 563-7777 • (888) 842-4180 skyutecasino.com B

SUTCLIFFE TASTING ROOM

120 West Eighth St., Durango (970) 403-3036

sutcliffewines.com

THEE PITTS "AGAIN" BBQ RESTAURANT

1157 Greene St., Silverton (970) 387-5027 • theepittsagain.com

THE OFFICE SPIRITORIUM

699 Main Ave., Durango (970) 375-7123 • strater.com/dining

THE ROOST

Home of Colorado’s Chef of the Year 2021, Daily chef prepared specials RESTAURANTS

128 East College Drive, Durango (970) 764-4661 • theroostdurango.com D D,V MC AE $$$

The Strater chef brings the traditional steakhouse experience with a few twists to Durango’s most unique dining environment.

Serving something for everyone! Family dining, nice patio, live music, full bar, and large groups welcome.

Giant burritos, grilled quesadillas, tasty tacos, beer, wine and margaritas too. Olé!

Scratch cooking, premium ingredients, stellar service, friendly atmosphere and comfortable environment

Sausages with altitude: Our craft sausage sandwiches and unique beverages will be one of the highlights of your visit.

Three onsite restaurants plus one lounge. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner including the only authentic steakhouse in the Four Corners.

Brilliant wines from Southwest Colorado Tasting Room in Durango and vineyard in McElmo Canyon. Open daily.

Award-winning BBQ restaurant featured on The Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Delivery available.

Savor delicious small plates, fine wines, craft beers, and unique cocktail creations.

With accommodations ranging from historic and quaint to the more traditional and value-priced, Durango has lodging to suit every budget and need. Whether you are looking to stay downtown or for something more secluded and out-of-the-way, there is a hotel/motel, bed and breakfast, lodge or vacation home awaiting your arrival.

Refer to our lodging grid on the next page for information on lodging, hotels, condos, B&Bs and budget lodging options. M

BEST WESTERN

PLUS RIO GRANDE INN

400 East Second Ave., Durango (970) 385-4980 • (800) 528-1234 https://tinyurl.com/25rjtsn4 101

GRAND IMPERIAL HOTEL

1219 Greene St., Silverton (970) 387-5527 grandimperialhotel.com

O-BAR-O CABINS

11998 County Road 240, Durango (970) 259-3649 • (970) 500-5115 obaro.com

SKY UTE CASINO RESORT

14324 Highway 172, Ignacio (970) 563-7777 • (888) 842-4180 skyutecasino.com

STRATER HOTEL

699 Main Ave., Durango (970) 247-4431 strater.com

● = on the property, ◆ = available in ALL units, ■ = available in some units, *Some restrictions apply Numberof

Located just over a block from historic downtown Durango and the D&SNGRR, local restaurants and nightlife, art galleries and shopping. All of downtown Durango is within walking distance.

Experience the Victorian era at the remodeled Grand Imperial Hotel, the crown jewel of Silverton.

10 amazing year-round cabins that can sleep from one to ten, perched on the banks of the Florida River close to downtown Durango.

140 luxury rooms, including eight culturallythemed suites, welcome guests with an inviting respite from everyday life.

Durango’s most prominent downtown landmark, the historic Strater Hotel delivers world-class hospitality.

$=Up to $75 • $$=$76-$125 • $$$=$126-$200 • $$$$=$201+

Far from rustic, O-Bar-O provides the “Ritz Carlton” of cabins to their guests. With 10 amazing year-round cabins that can sleep from one to ten, perched on the banks of the Florida River under Colorado's stargazing sky, O-Bar-O is the perfect getaway! We are just a stone’s throw from the San Juan National Forest, two large lakes, and horse trail rides. The best trout fishing you’ll find in these parts is right out your cabin door! Only a short drive to historic downtown Durango, O-Bar-O provides the perfect mix of solitude and the excitement of a western town. 1455

Old Tucson

BRINGS WESTERN FLARE TO AMERICAN HERITAGE RAILWAYS FAMILY

STORY BY JAMIE RYAN

Are you looking to enjoy an authentic cowboy experience on your tour of the Southwest? The newest member of the American Heritage Railways family, Old Tucson, is back open and welcoming guests for another exciting season of stunts, shootouts, hilarious shows, special events and historical tours near Tucson, Arizona. N N

Old Tucson was originally constructed by Columbia Pictures in 1939 for the film Arizona starring Jean Arthur and William Holden. The production featured the site as a recreation of early 1860s era Tucson. During the next three decades, Old Tucson sets expanded, and numerous legendary Westerns were shot including Winchester ’73 (James Stewart), The Last Outpost (Ronald Regan), 3:10 to Yuma (Glenn Ford), Hombre (Paul Newman), Dirty Dingus Magee (Frank Sinatra), and John Wayne classics such as Rio Bravo, McLintock, El Dorado, and Rio Lobo. If you can think of a Hollywood star from

this era, they likely walked the streets of Old Tucson during the golden age of Western cinema.

As filming continued, the property also opened to the public as a theme park beginning in 1960 and Old Tucson continued to grow, adding sets, a soundstage, and attractions for visitors. In more recent history, beloved TV shows and films The High Chapparal, Little House on the Prairie, Three Amigos, and Tombstone were filmed at Old Tucson.

Old Tucson’s beautiful desert landscape sits on over 300 acres nestled between Saguaro National Park and Tucson Mountain Park – just 15 minutes outside of Tucson city limits. The park is still an active film set, hosting dozens of productions from feature films to TV shows, music videos, and commercial shoots. The property offers unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and filmmakers can shoot in any direction

without modern distractions as the vast property provides the space and privacy needed for major productions. In addition to the classic Old Tucson offerings at A Western Experience (January to May), the park also offers many seasonal events such as Nightfall (October) and Yuletide (November and December). Concerts, weddings, and private corporate events round out the schedule for the rest of the calendar year. M

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PARK AND BOOK YOUR TICKETS

DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD ROUNDTRIP SILVERTON

TRAIN SCHEDULE

The D&SNGRR travels 45.4 miles each way along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton during our summer season May through October. More information about this 143-year-old railroad can be found at durangotrain.com.

2024 Summer/Fall Fares

MAY-OCTOBER

SILVERTON STEAM TRAIN

SKYWAY TOUR: Train/Bus or Bus/Train option. Please +$29 (Plus 8% HPF) per person (Adult or Child) for the bus option in addition to train fare.

SILVERTON DIESEL TRAIN

OFFERS WILDERNESS AND TALL TIMBER ACCESS

SKYWAY TOUR: Train/Bus or Bus/Train option. Please +$29 (Plus 8% HPF) per person (Adult or Child) for the bus option in addition to train fare.

STANDARD CLASS

Coach Roundtrip Train: (All Ages) Adult $105* Child $69*

Gondola Roundtrip Train: (All Ages) Adult $115* Child $79*

DELUXE CLASS**

San Juan: dates: May 4-Oct. 26 (All Ages) Adult $139* Child $139*

Rio Grande: dates: Aug. 30-Sept. 22 (All Ages)

Adult $139* Child: $139*

FIRST CLASS**

Knight Sky: (all ages)

dates: May 4-May 20; Sept. 23-Oct.26 (enclosed) Adult $205* Child $205*

Prospector Coach: dates: May 24-Oct. 26 (All Ages) Adult $199* Child $199*

Red Mountain: dates: May 4-Oct.26 (All Ages) Adult $199* Child $199

Silver Vista: dates: May 21-Sept. 22 (All Ages) Adult $205* Child $205*

STANDARD CLASS

z

Yankee Girl: dates: May 5-Oct. 26 (21+) Adult $199*

Alamosa Parlor Car: dates: May 4-Oct. 26 (21+) $230*

Coach Roundtrip Train: (All Ages) Adult $97* Child $62*

Gondola Roundtrip Train: (All Ages) Adult $107* Child $72*

DELUXE CLASS* *

Rio Grande: dates: May 21-Aug.29 (All Ages) • Adult $139* Child $139*

Legend: dates: May 26-Oct. 7 Monday only (All Ages) • Adult $139* Child $139*

FIRST CLASS*

Knight Sky: (all ages) dates: May 24-Sept. 19 (open-air) Adult $205* Child $205*

PRESIDENTIAL CLASS*

Cinco Animas: dates: May 21-Oct. 12 (21+) Adult $279*

Photos by Anthony D’Amato

* Not all premium cars available every day, every train. Schedule subject to change.

Cascade Canyon EXPRESS

DURANGO, COLORADO TO CASCADE CANYON

Experience the world famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad's iconic canyon views along the highline on our shortest excursion offered. This steam train excursion is perfect for families with young children, late risers, or anyone looking to experience the historic D&SNGRR with only five hours to spare. The Cascade Canyon Express departs from Durango and travels deep into the San Juan National Forest about half way to Silverton, before returning to Durango for a 5 hour highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain and Animas River Canyon scenery. The Cascade Canyon Express has a concession car with a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase. Pre-Order boxed lunches also available.

MAY 24-MAY 27

JUNE 3-AUG. 12

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

DURANGO DEPARTURE CASCADE ARRIVAL CASCADE DEPARTURE DURANGO ARRIVAL 9:45 am 11:40 am 12:50 pm 3:00 pm

FARES

Coach: Adult $81, Child (4-11) $57

Gondola: Adult $89, Child (4-11) $65 WWW.DURANGOTRAIN.COM

Children under 4 years old ride FREE if not occupying a seat. Train fares subject to 8% Historic Preservation fee.