Why I Missed the Durango & Silverton Railroad
Yesterday I mentioned that I wasn’t able to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during my Colorado trip. I was staying in Breckenridge at the time, and thanks to the pandemic, many of the time‑share resorts I normally used were either closed or operating with limited availability. When my vacation week rolled around, Breckenridge was the only place I could find a room—so that’s where I landed.
Breckenridge sits in central Colorado, not far from Denver and within reach of places like Pikes Peak. Ironically, I managed to miss that too. Meanwhile, the Durango & Silverton is located in the far southwestern corner of the state. From Breckenridge, it would have been a four‑to‑five‑hour drive just to reach the station. Even if I made it in time for a late departure, I’d have no way to return the same day without losing another full day to the commute. In the end, I decided it was better to save the experience for a dedicated trip to that part of Colorado.
A Bigfoot Twist I Didn’t Expect
Of course, now I have even more reason to go back. Do you believe in Bigfoot? As the old X‑Files tagline says, I want to believe. I grew up in Upstate New York, not far from Whitehall—one of the most famous Bigfoot hotspots in the country. Sightings there go back centuries, and a major 1976 encounter involving law enforcement helped cement Whitehall’s reputation among cryptozoology fans. I somehow missed all of this growing up, but the lore fascinates me now.
So when I heard about a possible Bigfoot sighting in southwestern Colorado, right near the Durango & Silverton line, that train ride shot straight back onto my bucket list.
My Love for Vintage Trains
Steam In The Snow, Conway NH
There’s something magical about riding a vintage steam train. It feels like stepping back in time. I’ve taken the North Conway “Steam in the Snow” excursion and ridden the 1880 Train in South Dakota, where our guide kept us laughing as he pointed out scenery—and the “summer cows,” some white, some black.
Filling up with water for steam- 1880 Train SD
I’ve also experienced the Grand Canyon Railway and several modern sightseeing trains, each with its own charm.
Grand Canyon R R
Why the Durango & Silverton Is Still Calling My Name
But the Durango & Silverton is in a league of its own. Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1880, and the line to Silverton was completed just two years later. Originally built to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, the route quickly became beloved for something even more valuable: the views.
This historic steam train winds through rugged canyons, along cliff edges, and past forests where wildlife still thrives. Elk, mule deer, black bears, and bighorn sheep are all possibilities. And if the legends are true—maybe even something a little more mysterious.
Either way, the Durango & Silverton promises a scenic adventure worth waiting for. And next time, I won’t be five hours away.
Looking Ahead to the Next Adventure
Colorado didn’t unfold the way I expected, but sometimes the trips we don’t take end up shaping the ones we will. Missing the Durango & Silverton, battling altitude sickness, and stumbling into a possible Bigfoot mystery have all given me new reasons to return—this time with a clearer plan and a sense of curiosity leading the way. Whether I go for the history, the scenery, the wildlife, or the chance to glimpse something unexplained, I know the next journey will be worth the wait. Until then, I’ll keep dreaming, researching, and adding new pins to the map, because the adventure isn’t over. It’s just on pause.