Amazing scenery on the Million Dollar Highway AND the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango offers unique mountain views and vista in the San Juan Mountains. These can be viewed by either driving the white knuckle Million Dollar Highway from Durango, Colorado to Ouray, Colorado or taking the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. While we attempt to describe these two different modes of experiencing this fantastic mountain scenery in “Excitement Awaits in Durango, Colorado” it is a challenge to catpure the beauty of the mountains. Plus the views, mountains, scenery and river are totally different on the Highway than on the Train. Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words! So below is a pictoral of the Drive on the Million Dollar Highway and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Enjoy the trip by car and by train in the pictures below. The pictures also show the weather changes we experience on each trip:
DRIVING THE MILLION DOLLLAR HIGHWAY FROM DURANGO TO SILVERTON
The Million Dollar Highway was built in the late 1880’s as part of the San Juan Skyway. It is definitely one of the most spectacular drives in America. The scenery is spectacular and majestic along this winding road as it climbs from Durango at 6,500 feet elevation to over 12,000 feet. Initially, the scenery is green foliage in the lower elevations. At higher elevations the terrain changes to stark rocky mountains. Enjoy the beauty along the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray, Colorado in our pictures. Hope it captures the beauty of this spectacular drive.
Each summer the Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks the 15-acre Andrews Lake with catchable rainbow trout for recreational fishing.
SILVERTON TO OURAY, COLORADO ON THE MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY
THE RED MOUNTAIN MINING DISTRICT
During its 20 year heydey over $30 Million in silver, lead, zinc, copper and gold were extracted from this district. There are numerous storyboards sharing the unique and intriguing mining history of the Red Mountain Mining District. A great stop to learn about the history of mining in the area and future plans for this location.
Red Mountain Mining District: Before 1900 the Yankee Girl Mine was recognized as one of the most valuable mines in the US.
Red Mountain Mining District: Below a 5.5 mile underground tunnel connected Idarado Mine with Telluride, Colorado.
Red Mountain Mining District is an interesting and historical stop.
From Red Mountain Mining District to Ouray, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado – Known as Little Switzerland.
Return drive from Ouray, Colorado to Durango. Cloudys skies and rain along the return trip.
It is a great day driving the Million Dollar Highway. When planning the trip be sure to allow ample time. With stops along the way, it is a full day trip. Plus you want to allow time to visit and see sights in Ouray and Silverton. Since we were doing the train trip to Silverton, we spent our time on the Million Dollar Highway drive in Ouray. Must admit the approaching storm and rain prevented us from doing some of the activities near Ouray.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad following the Scenic Animas River!
Our train ride is on the diesel train that runs between Durango to Silverton, Colorado is fantastic. The construction of the railroad line to Silverton began in 1881 and was completed by July 1882. The primary purpose of the railroad was to haul mine ores of gold and silver from the San Juan Mountains. Then as seen today, passenger thrill in the spectacular beauty of the train ride as it passes through the San Jaun Mountains along the Animas River. This is a pictoral of just some of the amazing scenery on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride. Enjoy!
RIDING THE RAILS FROM DURANGO TO SILVERTON
The train tracks follow the Animas River.
Scenic mountain views from the train of trees and mountains.
Yes – the train goes as close as 8″ to the canyon walls.
Climbing above the river on the way to Silverton.
Train rounds a corner along a rocky cliff.
Pretty views looking down to the Animas River.
View of train as the track curves along the river bank.
More scenic views of the terrain outside Durango.
Blue skies and gorgeous mountains on our train ride to Silverton.
The railroad tracks continue to follow the river.
Always like capturing a picture of the train making the curve beside the riverbed.
An deserted mine along the Animas River.
The river creates an open valley just before Silverton.
SILVERTON, COLORADO – An Old Mining Town with Lots of Charm!
Arriving in Silveton, Colorado.
Downtown Silerton looking north toward Kendall Mountain.
The Mixs’s in dowtown Silverton. Umm – dark clouds overhead.
The Thrilling Scenery on the Return Train Ride from Silverton to Durango!
Our train makes the sharp curve.
A waterfall is easy to spot! Plus our conductor announces a waterfall ahead. 
A green valley outside Silverton.
At this point the train is following along the river. Interesting to the color of the Aminas River change on the return trip. 
The terrain begins to change as we get away from Silverton.
Slowly, the train tracks begin to rise above the river.
Looking back towards Silverton – can see the river valley and mountains.
More curves as the tracks follow the riverbed.
A light rain begins to fall.
We pass by a second track railroad track.
There are several stops where the train drops off or picks up passengers. It is mostly hikers.
Mountain vistas from the train.
White water and rapids are exciting as the train climbs above the river.
Yes, plenty of rapads along this section fo the river as light rain continues.
Looking down we see the river is cutting canyons into the mountainside.
Getting higher above the river it is still very scenic.
Wow! Massive rocks have been cutaway by the river over time.
Here canyons have been created.
A favorite photo of the train on the very edge of the canyon with the river directly below.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train ride is a highlight of our visit to Durango. The views going to Silverton are terrific and the views on our return trip to Durango are fantastic. Magnificent scenery all along the Animas River and the San Juan Mountains. Driving the Million Dollar Highway and riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroads are each a “must do” on any visit to Durango. You will be GLAD you did! Plan ahead and enjoy a scenic highway and a thrilling train ride.
If you go!
- Stop by the Visitors Center in downtown Durango for good information on activities, dining and more.
- Book the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad early, especially in peak season. Several days were sold out on our visit. Arrive early, the train leaves exactly on the scheduled time. If doing the train/bus or bus/train be sure seats are on the east side to see the best views from the train. There are a variety of train accommodations so book your preferred seat choice.
- Follow the recommendations mentioned on driving the Million Dollar Highway: 1) go early, 2) allow time for sightseeing stops, 3) don’t drive in the rain, 4) don’t drink alcohol, and 5) plan about 2 hours to drive 60 miles. Plan to be gone most of the day. It is a bit scary but it is a safe highway. Slow and steady is the rule. If a couple have one drive up and the other drive back, to allow each person to appreciate and enjoy the scenic terrain.
- For this visit we have accommodations out of town at Tamarron Lodge (booked through Vacation Rental Collective) which was convenient to Durango. Condo #412 was a perfect for our needs. The Lodge is 17 miles from Durango on a scenic and easy driving area of the Million Dollar Highway.
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