When visiting Durango, a trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) is a must. Originally created for hauling gold and silver from the mines of the San Juan Mountains high above Durango, the railroad is now a tourist attraction, carrying folks (close to a quarter million a year) to the historic mining town of Silverton in the summer and Cascade Canyon in the winter. No matter the season, the ride is breathtaking for the unmatched mountain scenery as well as the novelty of the train itself. The authentically restored engines and cars of the D&SNGRR transport passengers back in time, while taking them through spectacular river canyons and gorges. The train weaves alongside remnants of Colorado's rich mining past with 14,000-foot peaks standing proudly in the background.

The story of the railroad dates back over 100 years. In fact, Durango was actually founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway back in 1880. Arrival of the railroad came in 1881 and construction on Silverton's stretch began that same year. Within 11 months, the Silverton leg was completed, providing passengers and precious metals a mode of transportation.

Over the years, the line endured many hardships. The devastating Durango fire of 1889, arrival of the automobile, Spanish Flu Epidemic, mines shutting down, World War I, snow, floods and avalanches are the major hardships. By around 1950, it was still managing to survive but its future was questionable... until Hollywood entered the picture. Not only were Durango and the train discovered, but during the next 10 years they became popular staging sites for such films as Ticket to Tomahawk, Across the Wide Missouri, Denver & Rio Grande, Viva Zapata and Around the World in 80 Days. In the 60s D&RGW was registered as a National Historic Landmark and was awarded as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. It appeared in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and for its 100th birthday, in 1981, Charles E. Bradshaw, Jr. purchased the Silverton branch, renaming it the D&SNGRR.

Even in its toughest of times, the D&SNGRR persevered and refused to quit. Today, its 1923 and 1925 vintage locomotives remain 100-percent coal-fired, steam-operated and are maintained in their original condition. Coach cars each feature bathroom facilities and are heated during in winter for passenger comfort. Open gondola cars provide panoramic views of the mountains and concessions are sold on every train. D&SNGRR is now owned and operated by American Heritage Railways with home offices in Coral Gables, Florida. Although it works more these days as a source of pleasure, it is still as revered and important as it was all those years ago.