RV Travel Poll: How Interested Are You In Riding Scenic/Tourist Railroads?

Above, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at High Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the joys of travel has to include riding on scenic/tourist railroad.

I've ridden a few, such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, the 1880 Train in South Dakota, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in California and others.

Above, at one point, the Durango train is 300 feet above the Animas River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel posted a poll asking readers how interested they are in riding scenic/tourist railroads.

They begin it with:

How interested are you in riding scenic or tourist railroads? Maybe you’ve already crossed a few famous routes off your bucket list, or perhaps you’ve never really given them much thought. Either way, we’d love to know where you stand.

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about traveling by train. Instead of white-knuckle traffic, endless construction zones, and watching your fuel gauge creep toward empty, you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery rolling by. Some of the most famous tourist railroads wind through breathtaking mountain passes, hug dramatic coastlines, cross towering bridges, or travel through places that aren’t accessible by road at all.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

Durango Train Summer Season Has Started

Above, with the Animas River below, the Durango train is at High Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although we just entered into the month of May, it is summer train season for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad of southwestern Colorado.

According to the official website, the season this year runs May 2 – November 1st, 2026.

I last rode the train to Silverton in 2022. I am thinking of either doing so again or ride aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. I haven't ridden on that one yet. Both are within a day's drive from home.]

Above, Jessica and I at the Bar D Chuckwagon show in 2022.

There are other things to do in Durango, such as taking in a barbecue show at the Bar D Chuckwagon. The food is good and there is much to see and do there.

Above, the Bar D Chuckwagon dinner show. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more information on riding the Silverton train, go here.

Heat Wave Over Weekend

Above, the Durango train departing the Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's high temperature is forecast to reach 80°. That's according to the National Weather Service.

The temperature is expected to reach 80° or more this weekend as well. I guess Spring came a little bit early this year.

Also, the National Weather Service posted the following:

Early Spring Heat Wave in the Southwest U.S.; Critical Fire Weather in the Central Rockies and Plains

An unusual early Spring heat wave will continue much above-normal temperatures over the Southwest U.S. through early next week. Many locations are likely to set records for the highest-ever March temperature. Periods of critical fire weather will persist from the central Rockies to the central Plains through Saturday as gusty winds and low relative humidity continue.

Although we need more precipitation, the warmer temperatures are welcome as we've had to bundle up all Winter. 

As for the coming summer, as the new roof expense put a big crimp in my finances, I may just take short and local vacation trips. Durango, Colorado is at the top of my list. It is only a few hours away.

Beautiful and Historic Train Stations To Visit

Above, Union Station in Los Angeles. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hard to believe, but I have been somewhat a train buff. I enjoy riding them and photographing them.

Another part of being a train buff is visiting historic train stations. The biggest train station I've been to was Union Station in Los Angeles. The smallest one has to be the Gallup train station. The most I've been to were train stations servicing bullet trains (Shinkansens) in Japan.

Above, the Durango (Colorado) train station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That is the topic of an article by Gail Marsh at RV Travel. She spotlights several train stations that she recommends visiting.

The article begins with:

No matter where your next RV adventure takes you, there’s probably a wonderful train station along your route.

Whether it’s a grand megalopolis station or a small local depot, each train station is unique and special because it tells a story about our country’s history. These are places where bold civic ambition met architecture; where marble and tile still hold stories of migration, commerce, and travel.

Let’s look at five train stations. Each of these stations is located in areas that offer many, many things to see and do. I hope you’ll take time to visit these historic train stations along with other nearby attractions. Why? Because each station has the potential to roll back time to the days when trains ruled the travel industry.

To read more, go here. 

Durango Train Schedule For 2025 Released

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River 400 feet below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although we're near the end of February, it is time to plan one's summer vacation trip.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has announced their Summer 2025 schedule. There's several different train trips to choose from.

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

From the official website:

Embark on an Incredible Journey Through the San Juan Mountains

For a truly unforgettable step back in time, enjoy a leisurely trip to yesteryear riding 3 1/2 hours each way on this train while spending a nearly 2 hour layover in the historic mining town of Silverton to enjoy the sights, shopping, food, and libations that Silverton offers. We’ve been in continuous operation running trains on this 45-mile branch of the original Denver & Rio Grande Railway since 1882. Much of the scenery remains unchanged since those historic days. There’s no cell service or Wi-Fi throughout the Animas Canyon so you’ll be unplugged from the modern world. Soak in the views, listen as the steam whistle echoes through the canyon, hear the vintage locomotive work to pull the train up the grades. If you long to unwind and enjoy Colorado nature at its finest, this is the trip for you.

Above, the Durango train in Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whatever excursion one chooses, it is a great ride. Who knows, one may even get to see Sasquatch!

To see the schedule and book a trip, go here. 

Sasquatch Spotted From Durango Train

Over the years, I have ridden on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trains several times. The views from the train as it travels on rocky cliffs along the Animas River are spectacular.

The following is something I have never seen while aboard the train. 

Some passengers were trying to spot some elk but they something else. Sasquatch! This took place last year in October.

Here's a video they shot:

Speaking of Sasquatch, there is a camping trailer company in Silverton called Sasquatch Campers. I spotted it today as I was driving to Ouray.

Made It Into Colorado

 

Above, the fall colors are evident along Hwy. 550 outside of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it into Ouray, Colorado. I am at the Ouray KOA Holiday. It was a 250-mile drive.

The site I was given has to be the nicest one of the three times I've stayed there. It is a nice back-in site right next to a creek. It is relaxing hearing the gurgling water as it flows behind my motorhome. 

Above, the campsite at the Ouray KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I reached the KOA at about noon. 

I did stop in Silverton for some coffee and a blueberry muffin at the coffee shop of the Grand Imperial Hotel. It was a nice little pit stop.

Above, the creek behind my campsite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I headed off for the 25 mile drive to Ouray. The John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series marathon will be held tomorrow 11 miles west of Ridgway. Ridgway is nine miles from Ouray.

Above, the main drag of Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am just going to spend today just relaxing at camp. 

On the way, I saw the 9:00 Durango train north of Durango. It is on its way to Silverton.

Above, inside Silverton's Grand Imperial Hotel during my coffee stop. 

The fall colors are very evident in Colorado. Many people stopped in turnouts to take pictures of the trees. I took some as I was heading out of Silverton. 

Above, the 9:00 Silverton train along Hwy. 550. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the marathon, I will be heading to Monument Valley Tribal Park in Utah. 

7 Affordable Overnight Train Trips In The US

Above, the Southwest Chief arriving at Gallup Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Four years ago, I took an overnight round-trip aboard Amtrak's Southwest Chief train from Gallup, New Mexico to Riverside, California to attend my aunt's funeral. Although I've been on trains in Japan and taken short trips on "amusement" and historical trains such as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this was the first time I've ridden on an overnight train in the U.S.

It was an enjoyable trip and very affordable.

Above, the Southwest Chief's café car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

TheTravel has posted an article on seven affordable overnight train trips in the U.S., which includes the aforementioned Southwest Chief.

They begin it with:

In America today, most travelers who want to get out and explore the country will likely plan their vacation in terms of either a flight to a distant destination or perhaps any of the lengthy cross-country road trips along America's vast interstate highway system. Sure, while these options certainly provide exciting and memorable journeys, travelers in the United States may overlook some of the incredible adventures by train that are available all around the country.

Many of Amtrak's busiest and most popular routes are shorter trips between major cities in close geographical proximity. However, Amtrak also offers many longer overnight train journeys between destinations in different parts of the country (some even venture into Canada, too!). These scenic overnight train journeys in North America allow passengers to travel across the country (or even into Canada) in only two or three days while experiencing the unique thrill of a scenic train trip.

What's more, these train journeys often get passengers right up close to some incredible scenery. Unlike road trips, these trains let passengers get as many pictures of the scenery as they want without having to worry about keeping their eyes on the road. Yet, the best part is that many of Amtrak's best overnight train journeys are also quite affordable for most travelers. Here are some of the most affordable overnight trains in the United States, their average cost (from $51 to $183), and what passengers can hope to see along the way.

 Riders do not have to be stuck in their seats. They can walk to observation and café cars.

To read more, go here. 

Above, Southwest Chief passing Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Arizona. Video by Armand Vaquer.

Home Again

Above, at the Ross Family ranch set from True Grit (1969).

This morning, I headed out of Colorado for New Mexico.

Before leaving, I was going to empty the motorhome's holding tanks, but the cap to the outlet (or is it inlet?) was stuck tight. So I decided to skip it and find an RV dump station along the way.

I got on the road at about 7:00 this morning. The drive was a pleasant one with a mix of pine trees and aspens, which were in their fall colors.

Above, the house used as the Ross Family home in True Grit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The price for gasoline in Colorado was over $4.04/gallon, so I decided to get gasoline in Farmington, New Mexico for $3.99. The drive was mostly downhill and I was able to coast the motorhome. I had over a quarter tank of gas starting out of Ridgway. When I reached Farmington, I had just under a quarter tank.

Above, the Welcome To Colorado sign on Highway 140. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I took the longer, but more scenic Highway 140 out of Colorado to Farmington. I tried to go to the Fort Lewis Country Store, but I couldn't locate it and there were no cars around to indicate where it was. So I gave up.

Before leaving Colorado, as I was entering Durango, I saw the 8:30 Durango train heading out of town. 

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided to use the dump station at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. I've stayed there twice. So I paid their fee and emptied the holding tanks. Since the nighttime temperatures are dropping, it is best to keep the tanks empty.

I got home at 1:25. Before reaching home, I stopped at Big Ass Burger in Thoreau to get a cheeseburger and their famous curly fries.

All in all, it was a good trip.

"National Lampoon's Vacation" 40 Years Ago

Above, the Durango train at High Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is hard to believe that it was 40 years ago (July 29, 1983 to be exact) that National Lampoon's Vacation was released. 

That summer, I took a vacation trip to the Southwest/Four Corners region that included Grand Canyon National Park; Durango, Colorado (I took my first ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad); Four Corners Monument; and Zion National Park.

After I got home from the trip, I went over to the theaters in Manhattan Village to see the movie. The scene outside of the El Tovar Hotel at the Grand Canyon caught my attention as I was at that spot only days before. 

Time sure does fly!

RV Travel Poll: Do You Enjoy Riding Scenic Railroads?

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do you enjoy riding scenic railroads?

I have a confession,  I do!

Since I moved to New Mexico five years ago, I have ridden the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in southern Colorado twice. The first was in 2020 to Cascade Canyon and then again last year to Silverton. But I have ridden the train several times since 1982. The train departs from Durango, which is only three hours away from home.

In Durango, I found a nice RV park, Alpen Rose RV Park, that the trains pass by.

Above, Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have ridden others over the years. The next train I plan to ride is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It runs between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. It is 240 miles from home.

What prompted this blog post was a poll by RV Travel (posted yesterday) on riding scenic trains.

They wrote:

Even if you’re not really into trains, riding a scenic railroad is a lot of fun, especially if it really is, well, scenic.

Here are the 10 Best Scenic Train Rides, as voted by readers of USA Today (in 2021). Once you see the photos and read the descriptions, you’ll want to ride these. And if you really love trains, this book on tourist trains is for you.

After you vote in the poll below, leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite tourist train or scenic railroad that you’ve ever been on. We’re looking forward to reading your comments. Thanks!

To take part in the RV Travel poll, go here. 

This Rocky Mountain Railroad Will Transport You Back in Time

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since I discovered the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad back in the 1980s at a travel show in Southern California, I have ridden the train several times. Most recently, I rode the train last year from Durango to Silverton, Colorado.

Since I moved to New Mexico five years ago, I am only a few hours away from Durango. This allows me to make more visits there.

Above, the Durango train about to depart the Durango depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thrillist has posted an article on the train that is entertaining as well as informative.

They begin it with:

You can take the Hogwarts Express through Scotland, or the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul, but only in the Rocky Mountains of Southwestern Colorado can you board a vintage train that’s been chugging its way through the San Juan National Forest—hauling both passengers and mine ore—since the 19th century. The appeal of the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of very few trains in the nation to consistently use steam locomotives, isn’t magic or murder mysteries. It’s the memories you’ll make while enjoying killer views of the roaring Animas River, dense forest as far as the eye can
see, and picture-perfect mountain towns seemingly preserved in time from a bygone Gold Rush era.

Now a National Historic Landmark, and operating out of the same train depot since July of 1882, a ride on this timeworn train feels like a blast from the gilded past, in which miners would use it to transport gold and silver from the mountains into the burgeoning town of Durango, Colorado. Said town, now an endearingly frontiersy mountain hub lined with saloons and western wear shops, was founded by the Denver and Rio Grande Railway in 1880, fueled by more than $300 million worth of mountain metals that have traversed its tracks. Today, while the Gold Rush has ceased, that same railroad still reigns as a foremost attraction in Durango. It’s anchored by the same classic depot since day one, whisking wistful passengers through the high-elevation forest for day trips and special events.

Above, inside the Durango train museum after entering. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one hasn't decided yet on what to do this summer vacation season, a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is worth considering. Also, there's a free museum at the Durango depot roundhouse that is worth a good browse through.

To read the full article, go here. 

Old Tucson Studios

Above, a bit weathered is the Old Tucson sign near the entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following the clampout in Tombstone, Arizona, I headed west to Tucson to pay a visit to Old Tucson Studios. This was my first visit there.

Above, yours truly during the visit at Old Tucson.

It started as a western movie studio and is now a theme park as well as a movie and television studio. One movie was wrapped a week ago and another is set to begin filming there within the next two weeks. Some areas were blocked as they were being readied for filming.

Some set buildings were destroyed by a fire at Old Tucson on April 24, 1995. Some were rebuilt or new buildings were built in their place. Some of the classic sets were not rebuilt.

The Southern Pacific station building was donated to Old Tucson by the railroad some years ago.

I was able to watch a shootout show but missed by minutes a can-can show.

According to Wikipedia:

Old Tucson is an American movie studio and theme park just west of Tucson, Arizona, adjacent to the Tucson Mountains and close to the western portion of Saguaro National Park.

Built in 1939 for the movie Arizona (1940), it has been used for the filming location of many movies and television westerns since then, such as Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), Rio Bravo (1959), El Dorado (1966), Little House on the Prairie TV series of the 1970s–1980s, the film Three Amigos! (1986) and the popular film Tombstone (1993). It was opened to the public in 1960 as a theme park with historical tours offered about the movies filmed there, along with live cast entertainment featuring stunt shows, shootouts, can-can shows...as well as themed events. It is still a popular filming location used by Hollywood. It was closed permanently during Covid-19 but has recently re-opened under new management in early 2023.

The new management company operating Old Tucson, American Heritage Railways, is the same one that manages the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado.

The mountain peak in some photos is Golden Gate Mountain and was clearly seen in some movies and television shows.

Some photos: