Exploring Colorado’s historic railroad town Durango

by Graham McKenzie

Almost wherever you drive in the Southern Colorado region you experience magnificent views, wide open roads and light traffic.

The joy of motoring is something I haven’t felt since I first passed my driving test. Pagosa Springs to Durango is another example of automobile joy with a journey of around sixty miles.  I stopped at least three times to take pictures, take a little walk and breathe in that clear, cool mountain air.

In Durango you will find a charming mountain town rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled adjacent to the Four Corners region, it offers a mix of outdoor adventures, historic attractions, and vibrant local businesses. Four Corners is a region of the Southwestern United States consisting of the southwestern corner of Colorado, southeastern corner of Utah, northeastern corner of Arizona, and northwestern corner of New Mexico. The contrasting cultures are evident wherever you go.

I was staying at the Gable House Inn which is an elegant Queen Anne/ Victorian home located just a few hundred yards from downtown Durango. Built in 1892, it combines historical charm with modern comforts and coincidentally is the closest building to my grandmother’s house in Surrey, England I have ever experienced.

Guests enjoy antique furnishings, private entrances, and a true gourmet breakfast served on fine China coupled together with conversation from the hosts and fellow guests. Like much of the Durango experience it was like being in a time machine as you are transported to a slower, polite, courteous era.

The inn’s central location makes it ideal for exploring Durango’s attractions on foot while offering a serene retreat on tree-lined streets and avenues. Once again, a feeling of Surrey déjà vu came to me. Durango’s historic downtown is a National Historic District brimming with boutique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores. Visitors can explore unique offerings like handmade chocolates at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or browse outdoor gear and artisan crafts.

Main Avenue and the Durango Mall are popular shopping destinations, complemented by cosy coffee shops and lively entertainment venues. I chose the latter with a local beer and watched the people and the world go by.

Durango boasts an impressive dining scene with options ranging from fine dining to casual eateries. Highlights include 636 Main Ave, known for its steakhouse fare and house-made desserts, and East by Southwest, offering exceptional sushi.

The town has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, ensuring a variety of cuisines to satisfy all tastes so what did I opt for? Fish and Chips at the Steamworks Brewing Company on the main street which is actually called second avenue. It was delicious, drenched with malt vinegar, crispy fries and the lightest of panko crusting on the cod with tartar sauce, and all washed down with a beer .

It is however the railway that the community centres around and the town is famous for. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is an historic gem. Operating since 1882, this narrow-gauge railroad offers scenic rides through the breath-taking San Juan Mountains and alongside the Animas River. The accompanying museum is well worth a visit and features artifacts donated by local families and showcases the area’s railroading history in a restored period setting.

The train journey to Silverton is unforgettable, with views of rugged peaks, lush forests, and cascading rivers. Passengers can choose from various ticket classes for comfort and amenities during the 5–9-hour excursions. I was almost permanently fixed to one of the gaps between the carriages which affords views of the magnificent scenery.  As the train steamed north to Silverton there was a feeling that in fact you were not only enjoying an historic train journey, but also going back in time.

Arriving in Silverton, a quaint former mining town surrounded by alpine beauty, the time machine feeling did not go away. This was far from the leafy avenues of Surrey and was more like a scene from Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. I was fully expecting a Sheriff to stride down the middle of the street toting a pair of Colt 45’s. This Old West character was accentuated by the historic buildings, museums, jails, local shops, and eateries. Visitors can explore ghost towns nearby or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and off-roading in the surrounding mountains. Not Surrey but the wild west.

A couple of hours later it was back to Durango and if you want you can actually take a motor coach rather than the train which is a little quicker and cheaper. You do, however, have to remove your spurs and riding boots before you get on and go back to reality.  Keep the Stetson on.

Related News Stories:  Exploring Colorado's historic railroad town Durango     24 Hours in Denver: A whirlwind tour of culture, history, and food     The great sand dunes of Alamosa, Colorado     National Geographic-Lindblad aims for UK sales boost with ...     Art in the Park at Yuma, AZ     Destinations to Unplug and Unwind in Nature - TravelMole     American Tours International - TravelMole     Florida Keys & Key West - TravelMole     Partner News - TravelMole     United announces first ever Rome-Denver flights    

Learn more about :   Colorado Tourism ( Asia Pecific )