This Scenic Train Through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains Is Magical in the Fall

For 143 years, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has carried passengers deep into the San Juan National Forest—a spectacular journey most magical in the fall, when mighty cottonwoods turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange.

The railroad runs from Durango, a classic western mountain town, through Colorado’s alpine region to the historic mining town of Silverton. An autumn train ride is a great way to experience the shifting of the seasons and learn about the history of the region, all while soaking in the views of southwest Colorado’s dramatic landscapes.

Use Durango as a home base to further explore nearby national parks and monuments. Just an hour away, you’ll find Mesa Verde National Park, which is home to some of the best preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the country. Durango is also under two hours from the Four Corners monument Navajo Tribal Park, Chimney Rock, and the Canyons of the Ancients.

While waiting to board at the Durango Depot, you can visit the free D&S Roundhouse Museum, a collection of artifacts and exhibits that display Colorado’s rich railroading and mining histories. Then, throughout the three-hour train ride, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the timeless scenery of the canyons, rivers, and mountains.

During your two-hour layover in Silverton, you can explore the historic downtown, tour the Old Hundred Gold Mine, or visit the Mayflower Gold Mill. The whole roundtrip truly feels like stepping back in time to the Wild West—it’s no wonder the 1969 icon “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” was filmed on this very railway, now a National Historic Landmark.

Durango is 6,512 feet above sea level, while Silverton is at 9,305 feet. To stay comfortable at these high elevations, pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as layers (including a waterproof jacket). Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit alcohol and caffeine.

While the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs year round, it’s truly at its most enchanting during autumn, when trees along the route blaze with color. If you want to catch the peak fall foliage, plan your trip for mid-September to mid-October. And those dedicated to getting the best photos will appreciate the Fall Photo Special train ride, which follows a modified schedule allowing guests to exit the train at more locations. On whatever route you choose, you’ll want a camera to capture all of the stunning scenery.

From the Durango Depot, the train travels three hours each way with a two-hour stop in Silverton. Standard roundtrip rides start at $109 for adults and $98 for kids. The journey can be booked on either a steam or diesel train. To make the day a bit shorter, you can also take the train one direction and a coach bus in the other. Book your tickets on durangotrain.com.