This conversation may have taken place as far back as 1882, and yet may still be heard today, as the
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (or D&SNGRR, as it’s known) is still running on the same mountainous Colorado tracks as they were over 129 years ago, with refurbished railcars that truly take you back to days gone by. Ok, so minus the train robbers, it’s the same, but who’s gonna tell that to a kid? Let the imagination run wild, and the trip will seem endless. This type of creative banter (reaching from the very young to the very old in age) can often be heard around these parts of the tracks. You see, this is train country, and if you are into trains - their history, their functionality, and the future of this transportation medium - then the D&SNGRR is a valuable timepiece and a tribute to the industrialization and ingenuity of our predecessors. This blast from the past remains a part of living history, but instead of transporting miners, cowboys, and settlers of the Old West, it now carries backpackers, rafters, and adventurists to the picturesque wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. This historical pathway is literally the same as it’s always been. The same mountains, trees, and landscapes are enjoyed as they were in the past. Train service to Silverton runs through Oct. 29th, so there’s plenty of time to plan your trip. More pressing, schedule-wise, is the Raft & Rail, which runs through August 20th. Imagine taking an old train through the Grenadier Mountains of Colorado, then getting on a horseback tour, led by a real Colorado Cowboy. Adventure and solitude are in your future, as this nature ride allows visitors to explore the countryside in a very unique and time-tested fashion. For those not up for the physical stresses of rafting or horseback riding, may we suggest the tour of the famous Mesa Verde National Park, or maybe the Historic Silverton Mining Tour, which explores the mines and back roads of the San Juan County. Experience what it was like to live a century ago - to travel light and slowly, to mine for coal or other natural resources, to work hard, and sweat over hard labor and heavy machinery, to experience the life of Americans as they built the America we know today. These trains and the tracks they run on hold both the keys to our past and glimpses of the future. If you’re looking to stretch out your time in such a setting, there’s an opportunity to extend the stay past a day trip. The Wilderness Trail Ranch has teamed up with the D&SGNRR with an all-inclusive “Best of the West” vacation, allowing visitors to explore more of the Durango’s Old West in a traditional “Dude Ranch” setting. Grab your ten-gallon hat and maybe even your chaps, if you’re so inclined. And this being Colorado, we’re aware that many of you will be seeking adventures through a natural high. If you fit this bill, look into the Zip-Line Tour, which combines a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, up the mountain to three different zip lines, giving you a birds-eye view of this majestic part of our country. This attraction is the only one of its kind in the continental United States, and is fun for all ages. So whether by wood, coal, or steam, make a point to check out this timeless fun. For more info on times, events, and departures, go directly to www.DurangoTrain.com, and get on track up to Silverton. 61