Durango Train and Silverton Jeep Tour Package

The best part of this day is the change of pace. You ride from Durango toward Silverton, trade the van for an open-air Jeep, then return through the Animas River Canyon by train. It gives you mountain views from three very different angles. I especially like the small group size and the chance to see old mining settlements that you would miss from the main road.

I also like the guides’ role in shaping the day. Guides such as Kat and Jay Bird have been praised for humor, clear local stories, and care with guests. The main thing to watch is the separate train ticket. At $214.92 per person, the package does not include the ride back to Durango, and that extra cost needs to be planned before you go.

Key points to know

• Three ways to see the San Juans: Travel by tour van, open-air Jeep, and narrow-gauge train.
• A 3-hour Jeep outing: Explore mountain roads, old mining settlements, meadows, and high viewpoints above Silverton.
• A small group: The tour is limited to 14 people, which leaves more room for questions and conversation.
• Silverton time is brief: You get about one hour for lunch, shopping, and a look around town.
• The train ticket costs extra: You must arrange the return train ticket separately.
• Weather matters: Mountain conditions can change quickly, so bring warm layers and rain protection.

A full day built around the San Juan Mountains

This is a long, full-day outing, lasting about 10 hours and 30 minutes. You meet at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station at 8:00 a.m., then set off toward Silverton in an air-conditioned, 16-passenger van.

The route follows the San Juan Skyway, with views toward peaks reaching 14,000 feet. The drive is not just a transfer between activities. It gives you a broad look at the high country before the Jeep takes you onto rougher roads.

I like the structure because each part offers something different. The van handles the main route, the Jeep gets you closer to the mountain country, and the train lets you watch the Animas River Canyon unfold at a slower pace. You are not simply repeating the same view all day.

The group limit is 14 people, even though the van seats 16. That matters. You are more likely to hear the guide clearly, ask questions, and get help when the road or weather makes things uncomfortable.

The drive from Durango to Silverton

The morning drive takes you up the San Juan Skyway toward Silverton. The appeal here is scale. The mountains rise around the road, with high summits and long views across the San Juans.

The tour company provides bottled water and an air-conditioned van. That makes the first section easier than driving yourself, especially if you want to watch the scenery instead of dealing with mountain roads.

You should still treat this as a mountain day, not a casual town excursion. The start is early, the route climbs into high country, and the day continues through several forms of transportation. Wear shoes you can use on uneven ground and bring layers even if Durango feels warm in the morning.

The van is also the most protected part of the outing. Once you move into the open-air Jeep, you will feel more of the weather. One account describes a cold, rainy Jeep ride, with guide Jay Bird providing blankets and taking extra care to keep the group comfortable. That is useful context: conditions can change, and a jacket is not an optional extra for this trip.

Three hours above Silverton by open-air Jeep

In Silverton, you switch to an open-air Jeep for about three hours in the San Juan Mountains. This is the core of the experience and the part that adds access beyond the paved route.

The Jeep outing visits old mining settlements, open meadows, and mountain viewpoints. The settlements connect the scenery to the region’s mining past, while the high roads give you wide views of the surrounding peaks.

Your guide supplies the meaning behind what you see. The tour is designed around local stories, explanations, and questions, rather than a simple ride over rough roads. Kat has been singled out for being fun, responsive, and willing to adjust to what the group wanted. Jay Bird has also been praised for his humor, care, and local information.

That guide-led approach is important because mountain scenery can blur together after a few hours. A good explanation of an abandoned settlement or a historic route gives the view a reason to matter.

The Jeep is also the main physical consideration. One unhappy account described a difficult climb into an older Ford pickup and a very rough ride. That experience does not match the stronger reports, but it is a fair warning. This is not a smooth sightseeing coach. The road can be hard, the vehicle may feel basic, and getting in or out may be awkward for some people.

Most people can participate, according to the tour information, but you should think honestly about your comfort with a rough open-air ride. If you have trouble with high steps, uneven footing, or extended jostling, ask the provider about the current vehicle before booking.

Silverton gives you one hour to slow down

After the Jeep tour, you have about one hour in Silverton. This is a short stop, but it gives you time to eat lunch, shop, and see the town around the station.

Silverton is a small mountain town with a strong connection to the surrounding mines and rail line. You do not have a full afternoon here, so do not plan an ambitious list of shops or a long meal. Use the hour to get food, stretch your legs, and take in the town before boarding the train.

The limited time is both a strength and a weakness. It keeps the whole day moving and makes it possible to combine the Jeep and train. But if your main goal is to browse Silverton at leisure, this package will feel rushed.

I would keep lunch simple and watch the clock. The train station is in town, and the next part of the day depends on getting there on time. The tour price does not include meals, so bring money or another way to pay for lunch.

Returning through the Animas River Canyon by train

The final section is a train journey from Silverton back to Durango, lasting about four hours. The route passes through the Animas River Canyon in the San Juan National Forest.

This is a fitting end to the day. After the lively Jeep ride and the short stop in town, the train gives you time to sit back and watch the canyon, river, and peaks pass by. The blue Animas River runs below while the mountains rise behind it, creating the most dramatic part of the return route.

The train is also where the booking details become especially important. Your train ticket is not included in the $214.92 tour price. You need to purchase it separately if you want to return to Durango by rail.

That point has caused real confusion. One person arrived without a train ticket and found that online tickets were not available, then received help from Will at Mild to Wild in finding a way back. Do not rely on that kind of rescue. Arrange the train ticket before the day begins and confirm that it matches the correct return departure.

The train ride is not a minor add-on. It is about four hours and is the only listed return portion of the package. Without a ticket, you may have a serious problem at the end of the Jeep portion.

What the $214.92 price really covers

At $214.92 per person, the package is not cheap, especially once you add the separate train fare and lunch. The value comes from combining transportation, guiding, and the three-hour Jeep trip into one coordinated day.

Your price includes the drive from Durango to Silverton in the tour van, the open-air Jeep tour, local interpretation, bottled water, and the return-day structure. You are paying for access to the mountain roads and for someone else to manage the moving parts.

You are not paying for the train, meals, or a private tour. That distinction matters when comparing this with arranging each piece yourself.

I see the strongest value for someone who wants a guided day and does not want to plan the route, find a Jeep operator, or work out how to connect Silverton with the train. The value is weaker if you already have a car, prefer to spend more time in Silverton, or want a private and more comfortable ride.

The maximum group size is 14, which helps. This is not a large bus tour, and the guide can usually respond to questions and group needs more directly. Still, the van and Jeep are shared, and you do not control every stop or departure.

Guides can shape the whole day

The guide is central to this experience. The mountains are spectacular, but the quality of the day depends on how well the guide handles the roads, weather, timing, and group.

Kat has been noted for being lively, informed, and attentive to what the group wanted. Jay Bird has been praised for being funny, caring, and well informed, while also taking steps to keep people comfortable in cold rain. Will has helped with train arrangements when a booking problem arose.

Those details point to what you should expect from the company’s better guides: local stories, answers to questions, and practical help when conditions become difficult. They also show why you should not treat the guide as background entertainment. Ask questions. Tell the guide if you are cold or uncomfortable. Confirm the train plan before leaving Silverton.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. It is near public transportation, with the start and finish at the Durango railroad station.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a broad introduction to the Durango and Silverton area in one day. It works especially well for people who want mountain views, a bit of local history, a rougher Jeep ride, and a scenic train journey without arranging separate transport.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy guides who tell stories and answer questions. The old mining settlements mean more when someone explains what you are seeing, and the day is better when you are willing to engage with the guide.

You may want another plan if you dislike rough roads, need a highly comfortable vehicle, or want plenty of free time in Silverton. The Jeep portion can be physically demanding, and the town stop lasts only about an hour.

Families and mixed-age groups should consider the vehicle and weather carefully. Most people can take part, but the tour information does not promise a smooth ride or special vehicle arrangements. Ask before booking if a member of your party has mobility concerns.

Timing, weather, and practical preparation

Start at 8:00 a.m. at 479 Main Avenue in Durango. The activity finishes back at that same meeting point after the train ride.

Bring warm clothing, a rain layer, and shoes suitable for uneven ground. The high country can feel cold even when the morning in town is pleasant. The open-air Jeep leaves you more exposed than the van or train.

Carry money for lunch and make sure your train ticket is handled before departure. Bottled water is included, but meals are not.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation by the provider could lead to another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Durango and Silverton Jeep package?

Book it if you want a packed day with three strong elements: a scenic drive, a guided Jeep trip into the San Juans, and a train ride through the Animas River Canyon. The small group, local guides, and variety of views make it more useful than simply taking a train up and back.

Before paying, price the separate train ticket and check the schedule. That is the most important catch. Also be ready for a rough, weather-exposed Jeep ride rather than a polished sightseeing vehicle.

I would choose this package for a first visit to the area, especially if you value stories and organized transport. I would skip it if you want a slow Silverton visit, a soft ride, or a price that includes every major part of the day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, 479 Main Avenue, Durango, Colorado.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the full experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.

How do you travel from Durango to Silverton?

You travel in an air-conditioned tour van with space for 16 passengers.

How long is the Jeep tour?

The open-air Jeep portion lasts about three hours.

What will you see on the Jeep tour?

You will visit parts of the San Juan Mountains, including old mining settlements, meadows, and panoramic mountain viewpoints.

How much time is available in Silverton?

You have about one hour in Silverton for lunch, shopping, and exploring near the station.

Is the train ticket included?

No. You must purchase the train ticket separately if you want to return to Durango by train.

Are meals included?

No. Meals are not included in the tour price.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.