Find yourself planning a family road trip in Colorado this year? No family vacation to the Rocky Mountains would be complete without a ride on a historic steam train, and I have the one for you. The Narrow Gauge Railroad can be found where the Denver & Rio Grande Railway was located back in 1880. This is the same time the area of Durango was founded, and well, as they say, the rest is history. This railroad shares the scenic views of Colorado. Those views are the number one reason why so many people ride one of these historic steam trains during a Colorado family getaway.

Love Trains? Ride on a Historic Steam Train on your Rocky Mountain Road Trip

The Historic Coaches

There are two historic coaches that are quite notable on this railroad. The Deluxe Historic Narration San Juan Coach is from 1887. Thirty passengers can fit inside the roomy interior. The Historic Narration Coach was constructed between 1880 and 1882. This coach fits forty-four passengers. A ride in this coach will have you enjoying how well it has been preserved and restored over the years.

Silverton Train Route

The Silverton Train Route covers a little over forty-five miles during the summer months. During the months of May through October, you will travel along the Animas River. This journey begins in Durango and goes all the way to Silverton. The winter months bring a little different journey for this adventure. From November through the beginning of May, the trip is only twenty-six miles.

Cascade Canyon Express

The Cascade Canyon Express leaves from a different location than the Silverton Train Route. This option will have you departing from the Rockwood Station. That station is approximately eighteen miles to the north of Durango. This means you must plan for your historic steam train ride during your Colorado road trip carefully.

This historic steam train journey takes place twice a day. The entire trip takes a little more than two hours. You will see many of the extraordinary sights of the San Juan National Forest. However, the best parts will be the steep canyons you see as the train is conquering the mountainous curves.

The Narrow Gauge Museum

You cannot end the railroad journey on your family vacation in Colorado without stopping at the Narrow Gauge Museum. There are twelve thousand square feet of space inside this museum. It is all filled with railroad-related artifacts. You can choose to wander around on your own or you can arrange a guided tour in advance.

I can’t wait to start helping you plan your Colorado family vacation! We can add this railroad and museum to your itinerary, or we can find a different attraction in Colorado that your family will love even more.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Colorado or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.