We had heard much about this train ride from others who have taken the trip, the tracks are narrow gauge and built in 1880 mostly to move people and silver to and from the mines in Silverton.
The engine is coal fired and steam power and takes us from 6000 feet to 9,400 feet past this really pretty reflection in this lake that a man dug for his wife.
Today the silver mining is done and the railway remains as the longest continually operating railroad in the U.S. As you can see there are lots of bends and curves. The average speed is 18 mph.
The tracks run the entire way beside the Animas River.
The river is a magnet for rafters and kayakers but this year because of the unusually mid winter and low snow fall there are not many willing to risk the numerous rocks.
We did enjoy the trip both ways, were not impressed with Silverton but did really like Durango. We thought that the White Pass and Yukon trip last year was much nicer.
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