The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Above, the Durango train 300 feet above the Animas River.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the government slowdown (it is not really a "shutdown" as the federal government is operating at 83%) has closed the national parks, such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona (below), I have a suggestion for an alternative getaway.

Above, the Grand Canyon from the South Rim.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That would be the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

The DSNGRR began in 1882 as part of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. The railroad hauled gold and silver from the mines of the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. Today, the railroad hauls tourists to and from Durango and Silverton, Colorado.

Above, a view of the Animas River from the Durango train.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The train follows along the Animas River gorge. There are spectacular views of the Animas River along the route from a height of 300 feet. (By the way, if you are into river rafting, there are several river rafting companies in Durango. I rafted the Animas River twice and it was well worth it!)

Fortunately, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is not part of the National Park Service and is not subject to any federal government shutdowns or slowdowns.

Above, the Durango train at Highline.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The train is based in Durango, Colorado, which is a two-day drive from Los Angeles. Near Durango is Cortez, Colorado, the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park. Also, the drive from Los Angeles to Durango through Northern Arizona passes near Monument Valley (at the Utah-Arizona state line), where John Ford directed John Wayne in Stagecoach, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon and other classic westerns. Monument Valley is worth a stop.

For more information on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, go here.