Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad [Image courtesy of ®D&SNGRR]The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has announced its highly anticipated summer operating schedule. Meanwhile, the 2025 season introduces the new Highline Express evening excursion, while celebrating the 100th anniversary of the K-36 class locomotives.
The Highline Express returns to The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
In the wake of a successful trial last year, the Highline Express returns this summer with an extended schedule. This offers more opportunities for passengers to experience this scenic evening excursion.
Highline Express passing through Animas Valley [Image courtesy of ®D&SNGRR]Meanwhile, the 3.5-hour round trip excursion offers guests a flexible way to experience the railroad’s most iconic scenery, including the Highline, a dramatic section of track nestling 400 feet over the rushing Animas River.
Moreover, this excursion is tailored for families, photographers and adventure seekers and combines shorter travel times with some of the railway’s most dramatic scenery and rugged terrain.
Highline Express on Highline 24 [Image courtesy of ®D&SNGRR]The Highline Express offers convenience by departing in the evening and returning to Durango as the golden hour fades into alpenglow, which casts a warm, vibrant over the towering peaks.
Furthermore, the rail journey is a new way to experience the magic of the San Juan Mountains and offers travelers flexibility, without compromising the awe-inspiring vistas.
Highline Express [Image courtesy of ®D&SNGRR]In addition, this year marks a major milestone for the K-36 class locomotives, as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Built in 1925 by Baldwin Locomotive Works, the iconic steam engines have been at the heart of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s operations for decades.
K-36 class locomotives power the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Highline Express Horseshoe Curve [Image courtesy of ®D&SNGRR]As part of a living history, the K-36 class locomotives continue to power the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, connecting passengers with Colorado’s railroading legacy. Of the 10 remaining K-36 locomotives, the railroad owns four and operates three.
Meanwhile, the fourth is on display in the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which preserves the largest active collection of the historic locomotive class. This centennial celebration honors the craftsmanship, legacy and endurance of these remarkable machines.
When does the summer season start?
Highline Express [Image courtesy of ®D&SNGRR]Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad starts its 2025 summer season from May 3 through November 1, while offering scenic excursions through the San Juan Mountains. The Scenic Roundtrip Silverton Train runs daily, while the Cascade Canyon Summer Express runs from May 23–26 and June 2 through August 11.
Moreover, the new Highline Express is available from June 30 through July 9; July 14-16; July 21-23; and July 28-30.
Tickets are available at durangotrain.com with advance reservations recommended.
About Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad [Image courtesy of ®D&SNGRR]The Denver and Rio Grande Railroad established Durango in 1881 to transport miners working in the San Juan Mining District. Since that time, the narrow gauge railway has connected passengers to the rugged wilderness and high-mountain landscapes of the San Juan Mountains for more than 142 years.
Meanwhile, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) is recognized as a registered historical landmark by the National Park Service and attracts thousands of visitors yearly. While on board, passengers can experience the historic charm of the 1880s, discover Colorado’s colorful pioneering and mining histories, and explore some of the state’s most scenic and impressive terrain.
D&SNGRR offers year-round excursions to Silverton from May to November and Cascade Canyon in the winter. Learn more about the railroad at durangotrain.com.
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