so glad we weren't able to get a bus down and were forced
to go back down on the train. it wasn't as crowded because
of the people who did take the bus down so we were able
to move around more easily from car to car (we reserved
in the regular covered car--not the expensive ones) which
was nice in the a.m. but it warmed up by afternoon and we
sat in the open ones on the way down sipping wine (there
is beer, wine and cocktails in the refreshment car for ALL
passengers, not just in the presidential car), and saw some
beautiful rainbows we would have missed by bus. so just
relax and enjoy the ride. oh, one more thing: seating is
assigned and cramped. i weigh 125 and my husband 190
and it was a tight squeeze, so it was nice in the afternoon
to spread out in the open cars with bench seating.

The Durango Silverton Train ride has got to be one of the most scenic rides in America. We went September 13, 2006. The leaves were stating to turn, the scenery was unbelievable, the train followed the Animas river between mountains 14,000 ft high. The steam engine was great, the passenger cars were wonderful and we sat on the right side of the train going to Silverton which had the best views. We opted to take the bus back and that was a great idea because it was a totally different route going way up high over the mountains. The bus driver was a great tour guide and also works as a brakeman for the train so was very knowledgable. The town of Silverton is such a cool, old western town full of shops and places to eat with 14,000 ft mountains as a backdrop! I highly recommend this trip.

We had a great experience riding this train in August. Our 4 year old loves trains, & was totally into everything. I agree that a one way trip is enough. We rode back to Durango on a bus that took us for an afternoon rafting trip, which was perfect. We sat in one of the enclosed cars, with the windows open. We did like the view from the fully open cars, but were so glad we could escape the blowing cinders in our car. (It does get all over your clothes). Yes the food in the food car is not the greatest or the cheapest, but we still enjoyed the ride. Beautiful scenery, well worth the time. If you have a child that loves trains (or yourself), don't miss it. We even had to buy our son a dvd of the actual train we were on. He watches it at night before he goes to bed :) We stayed at the Durango Doubletree, right across the street from the station. It was very convenient & a pleasant place to stay. They also have a very nice indoor pool & hot tub that we lived in at night. Also rent a car & drive to Ouray - a very scenic drive & cute town with hot springs.

I've been reading some of the reviews of the train and people seem to think a whole day on the train is too much. Here's what we did earlier this summer: we got on the train at Rockwood and got incredible views of cliffs, gorges and mountains. Instead of taking the long ride all the way to Silverton, we got off the train to go zip-lining at Soaring Tree Top Adventures. We were able to see the best of the train ride and do a great outdoor activity as well without spending 8 hours on the train. Something to think about. We definitely did not want to miss the train or the soaring and found this the best way to do both. We were only on the train for a little over 30 minutes each way but saw incredible views. Since Soaring served lunch by the river, we didn't miss out on any meal that we might have had in Silverton (even though we we then drove the magnificent "Million Dollar Highway" and went to Silverton later). So that's my suggestion for getting the most out of your time in this area.