Durango

If your family vacation road trip takes you to the south west Rockies make sure Durango is on your list of cities to see. Durango is a great town to visit, with good food and friendly people, but there is one attraction that makes it stand out from the rest.

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a must-ride for anyone touring this part of the Rockies in Colorado. The train is a lovingly restored antique 1920s steam train that runs through the mountains between Durango and Silverton. It's quaint and fun, and a thoroughly authentic way to see some of the country’s most spectacular mountain scenery all along the 45 mile long route.

Stopping in Silverton allows you a little time to explore this pretty, small town, stretch your legs with a walk around the local trails or just sit back and enjoy the rugged scenery that surrounds you.

If you find yourself smelling of hot coal smoke and cinders after your train ride back to Durango, take a dive into the Animas River for a little swimming or rent a tube for more fun. It runs right through downtown Durango, so you can't miss it.

Once you're done exploring Durango, head out to the nearby Mesa Verde National Park and take a walk back into history viewing the cliff dwellings of the Anasazi people.

Whether you’re into trains or not the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of those not-to-be-missed excursions on your road trip, and we can arrange the tickets for you.

Quick Facts:

-- The narrow gauge railway was featured in the 1956 movie, "Around the World in Eighty Days".

-- The city is named after Durango, Mexico which in turn was actually named after Durango, Spain.