Welcome Home to Durango, Colorado!
Durango’s name comes from the Basque word “Urango” meaning “water town.”  Colorado Governor A.G. Hunt gave the town its name after Durango, Mexico. North Durango is known as Animas City and was founded 1876, the same year Colorado became a state. It was named after the nearby Animas River—El Rio de las Animas Perdidas (River of Lost Souls). The City consisted of farmers, ranchers, miners, and a newspaper. It was also home toCamp Animas-cavalry and infantry named after the Ute agent.
 

Durango, Colorado was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880. The railroad arrived in Durango on August 5, 1881 and construction on the line to Silverton began in the fall of the same year. By July of 1882, the tracks to Silverton were completed, and the train began hauling both freight and passengers.
The line was constructed to haul silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized it was the view that was truly precious.
This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado’s mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. Relive the sights and sounds of
yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.