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. 

19 Trips to Take In Your 60's

Above, the end of U.S. Highway 1 in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The following doesn't apply to me anymore as I am two years out of my 60s. It is a list of 19 trips to take while one is in their 60s.

The suggestions range from cruises, balloon rides, train rides, ancient Egypt and others at Newsbreak.

They start off with:

While health and finances may present some concerns, the majority of people hope to spend plenty of time traveling in their 60s. There are many destinations and experiences out there for people of all budgets and levels of fitness. Even if you aren’t fully retired yet, there are options for shorter trips too. Let’s take a look at some of the best trips you can take in your 60s.

To read more, go here. 

Tanks On A Train

Last night, I was walking out of Albertson's market in Gallup and saw a train passing by (about 200-300 yards away) with flatbed cars with tanks. There were two tanks per car and there were a lot of them. It was heading east.

I took some photos, but the train was moving too fast for a clear picture.

This was the best of the bunch:

 

Federal Agency Taking Over Train Derailment Investigation

Above, the train derailment scene on May 1. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The other day, while going to Tee Pee Trading Post to pick up some stogies, I saw that the train derailment site was cleared. Not a trace (at least from Interstate 40) of the derailment was seen.

AZFamily reported that a federal agency is taking over the investigation over the cause of the derailment.

They wrote:

MANUELITO, N.M. (AP/AZFamily) — The Federal Railroad Administration is now leading the investigation of last month’s fiery train derailment near the Arizona-New Mexico border.

National Transportation Safety Board officials said Thursday that the FRA will determine the probable cause of the April 26 derailment.

NTSB investigators have examined the track and derailed tank cars and will focus on the performance of the tank cars and emergency response actions.

To read more, go here.

The Train Derailment Site

Above, the train derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Headed out to this weekend's clampout at the former Rice Army Airfield in the Mojave Desert of California.

Just before crossing the Arizona-New Mexico border, I passed the site of last Friday's train derailment that caused the explosion of gasoline and propane that the train was carrying. The fire was put out over the weekend and now the investigators are seeing why the train derailed and the start of the clean-up.

I got a few photos of the site (there was nobody else around on Interstate 40.

Above, approaching the derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the derailement site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the derailment site. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, approaching the border and Luption, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Interstate 40 Now Open In New Mexico

Above, a view of the derailment from the eastbound lanes of I-40.

Interstate 40 is slowly getting back to normal in New Mexico.

Both directions (east and west) of the major thoroughfare are now open. 

From the photo above, I know exactly where the derailment took place. It is just beyond the eastbound on-ramp of Interstate 40, fairly near Chief Yellowhorse Trading Post. I've been there many times while going to Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona.

Many people posting on the Facebook New Mexico Road and Weather Reports Updates have been posting warnings to others such as this:

I-40 near NM/AZ Stateline by Lupton is opened EB, WB! Just be careful of some traffic backup!

FYI: Seen people try to stop or slow down on i40 to take pictures of the crash site, pls don't. You're might cause an accident!!

Good advice!  

Interstate 40 Planned To Reopen At 2:00 Today

Above, the train still burning this morning.

Some people at the Facebook New Mexico Road and Weather Conditions Reports are saying that Interstate 40 will be reopening at 2:00 PM today.

One said:

2pm reopening. That’s the plan Albuquerque local news is reporting.

And another:

 They expect it to be open st 2pm today

And more:

They just reported at 2pm today.

it is on channel 7 news this am.n.m news expect to be open at 2pm today

That would be nice if these are correct. 

As long as Interstate 40 is open by mid-week, I'm okay. I have a clamp-out to go to.

UPDATE:

From the McKinley County Fire & Rescue:

WB I-40 back open following derailment fire, all evacuations lifted

Westbound I-40 at mile marker 126 is back open to traffic following Friday’s derailment fire near the New Mexico-Arizona state line.

Eastbound traffic remains closed while first responders continue accessing the incident location. All evacuations have been lifted.

Air monitoring continues around the site and results do not indicate any concern for air quality. 

All local, state, federal and tribal public agencies, along with BNSF continue to work together within Unified Command to ensure the safety of the public.

We thank the public for their patience and will continue to post updates on the McKinley County Fire and Rescue Facebook page.

If you have been directly impacted by this incident, please call the State Line/BNSF Incident Hotline at 1-866-243-4784.

###

I just stepped outside and saw that traffic was moving in both directions on Interstate 40. I am 40 miles east of the derailment and 18 miles east of Gallup.

Slight Improvement In Gallup Following Derailment

Above, traffic in West Gallup. Photo by Gallup Police Department.

Things are starting to improve, ever so slightly, in Gallup following the train derailment near the Arizona-New Mexico border.

The Gallup Police Department issued the following press release:

***PRESS RELEASE****

For immediate release

Evacuation restrictions reduced near derailment fire, I-40 remains closed 

As of Sunday morning, April 28, conditions at the site of the derailment continue to improve. 

Constant air quality tests are being performed around the site and do not indicate any concern for the quality of air. 

The evacuation area has now been reduced to a one-mile radius from the incident site. 

Heavy machinery is being utilized to remove debris, while firefighter and hazmat personnel protect the area from the release of any hazardous materials and control fire growth and development.

BNSF operations is working alongside first responder teams to safely extinguish the fire.

The NMDOT and its’ bridge inspector is expected to be on site soon to conduct a thorough and complete examination of the two overpasses located directly to the northeast of the incident. 

Until fire conditions improve, Interstate 40 will remain shut down to public traffic at mile marker 333 eastbound in Arizona, and the mile marker 19 westbound in Gallup, NM. 

Upon completion of the Unified Command briefing at 8 a.m., additional information will be provided on the McKinley County Fire & Rescue Facebook page. 

We thank the community and those affected for their continued patience and support as we continue to evaluate and address the life safety concerns that exist. 

If you have been directly impacted by this incident, please call the State Line/BNSF Incident Hotline at 1-866-243-4784. 

###

Rain and Snow Showers

Above, Tee Pee Trading Post is about three miles from the derailment. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Given the fiery train derailment of yesterday, perhaps this will come as good news for the firefighters at the scene near Lupton, Arizona.

According to the National Weather Service, we're to get rain and possible snow showers overnight and today.

It is currently snowing in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The forecast:

 Overnight

A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southwest wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Saturday

Scattered snow showers before 10am, then scattered rain and snow showers between 10am and noon, then rain showers after noon. Some thunder is also possible. High near 46. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Saturday Night

Scattered rain showers, mixing with snow after 9pm, then gradually ending. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 33. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Interstate 40 Still Closed

Interstate 40 west of Gallup is still closed due to the train derailment. The derailment took place about three miles east of the Arizona-New Mexico border near Lupton, Arizona. This is 40 miles away from my residence.

According to the New Mexico State Police, no time has been given for when it will reopen:

Train Derailment and Interstate 40 Closure Update: Westbound Interstate 40 will be closed to all westbound traffic at milepost 126 and diverted onto State Road 6 South. All Commercial Motor Vehicles and non-local residents traveling west on Interstate 40 are instructed to take Interstate 25 south at Albuquerque to Interstate 10 in Las Cruces to continue to travel west.

Local residents of Laguna, Acoma, Grants, Gallup, etc., will be allowed to continue west past the road closure on Interstate 40 with proof of local residency.

There is currently no projected end to this closure. Check NMRoads.com for the latest road conditions and follow NMStatePolice on social media for updates. NMDOT Arizona Department of Public Safety

This derailment has made the news around the country. Even Breitbart has an article on it. 

Our group will be having our Saturday coffee/breakfast at Denny's in the Flying J Travel Center in Jamestown. I am curious if travelers will pack it while waiting for the reopening.

I saw that Flagstaff got some heavy snow overnight. 

Train Derailment Closes Interstate 40

Above, the train derailment near Lupton, Arizona. Photo by the McKinley County Sheriff.

As today is Friday, I headed into Gallup for dinner at Jerry's Cafe.

On the way, I (and everyone else going westbound on Interstate 40) were diverted off the freeway at Exit 20 in Gallup. That was my intended exit anyway. The Interstate was closed by the New Mexico State Police.

Above, tonight's dinner at Jerry's Cafe. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once I got seated at Jerry's, I checked online and found that a train carrying gasoline and propane derailed near Lupton, Arizona. Both eastbound and westbound Interstate 40 lanes were closed. At least this closure didn't involve a semi truck.

Lupton is where the Tee Pee Trading Post is located. They have the largest cigar humidor in the region.

I had Number 3 at Jerry's Cafe, which is the chile relleno and cheese enchilada plate. It was good, as usual. 

Noisy Night

Above, this morning.

Last night's sleep wasn't exactly a "good night's sleep" night.

I was rather noisy overnight. We had a rainstorm overnight (along with thunder) that was intense. The rain pounded the roof of the motorhome. Usually, I sleep good in the motorhome, even with light rain. But the rain last night was heavy.

On top of that, train horns also blared (I don't remember hearing train horns the last time I was here). And, my "inner clock" still had me on New Mexico time, which is an hour ahead of Arizona time during the summer months.

It is a good thing that I just planned to relax at the campground today. 

Hopefully, tonight will be better.

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. 

What To Know About The Durango Train

Above, the train traveling several hundred feet above the Animas River. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One does not have to be a train buff to enjoy a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

I have ridden the train several times since the 1980s and have enjoyed the ride each time. The scenery along the route is spectacular. The train travels along (for the most part) the Animas River, sometimes at river level and sometimes several hundred feet above it on a rocky ledge.

I last rode it earlier this month.

The Travel has posted the things to know about the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that would be helpful for those planning a trip.

They begin with:

All aboard the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad running between Durango and Silverton in Colorado! The vintage train is a trip into the romance of train travel of the Old West - and efforts have been taken to ensure the whole experience remains as authentic as possible.

There are many authentic railroad experiences still offered out West (and around the nation). If going to the Grand Canyon, be sure to take the Grand Canyon Railway and sit back and enjoy the Wild West performances - similar to an old-timey train robbery. For train enthusiasts out there, the oldest train still running today is the Fair Queen of India - it's only two years younger than the nation's rail network!

To read more, go here. 

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

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

In 1981, I was browsing the various vacation-oriented vendor booths at the H. Werner Buck Enterprises Sports, Vacation and Travel Show when I came upon the booth of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad of Colorado. Looking over their displays and gathering literature, I became interested in riding the train. I was planning a vacation trip to the Four Corners region, so this fit in perfectly.

Above, the Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first time I rode the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was in 1982. The round-trip price was around $50 (give or take). That was during the days when Florida citrus grower Charles Bradshaw Jr. owned the railroad. It was formerly a line of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. I have taken more rides on the train over the years since.

Today, the D&SNG is owned by American Heritage Railways.

Above, the museum at the Durango Station roundhouse. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I last rode the train in September 2020 on their Cascade Canyon excursion trip. Part of tracks were washed out and there were no train trips to Silverton during the time it took to repair the tracks. I will be taking a trip to Silverton next month with my former roommate on the train. It is an easy 2 1/2 hour drive from my home in New Mexico.

The current round-trip Standard Class fare from Durango to Silverton, Colorado is $105. Although $105 is a lot of money, the ride is still worth the expense (it's about 90 miles round-trip). There is a concession car on the train for food and drinks (the last car on the train). 

Above, a view of the Animas River below High Line. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are two free museums, one each in Durango and Silverton, on the D&SNG. I have been to the one at the Durango station (it is at the roundhouse). It is well worth a visit.

The steam locomotives have been converted from coal-burning to oil-burning. Although oil is more environmentally friendlier, I missed the smell of burning coal.

Above, the Durango train traverses in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The official website to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad can be reached by going here.

Southwest Chief Collides With Truck, 3 Killed

Above, a westbound Southwest Chief train pulls into Gallup station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A train of the Amtrak line I took two years ago from Riverside, California to Gallup, New Mexico following my aunt's funeral collided with a dump truck in Missouri and derailed. Three people were killed.

The train was of the Southwest Chief line. The train was en route from Los Angeles to Chicago.

It likely came through Gallup at about 7:00-8:00 this morning.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican:

MENDON, Mo. — Three people were killed and several others were injured Monday when a passenger train traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago struck a dump truck and derailed in a remote, rural area of Missouri, officials said.

Two of the people who died were on the train and one was in the truck, Missouri State Highway Patrol spokesman Cpl. Justin Dunn said. It was not immediately clear exactly how many people were hurt, the patrol said. Several hospitals said they had received patients and were expecting more.

The Southwest Chief was carrying about 243 passengers and 12 crew members when the collision happened near Mendon, Amtrak said. The Highway Patrol said seven cars derailed.

The collision occurred at a rural intersection on a gravel road with no crossing arms, Dunn said. A 911 call about the collision came in at 12:43 p.m. and the first emergency responders arrived within 20 minutes, he said.

To read more, go here. 

Majority of Americans Favor Mask Mandate On Public Transportation

Above, on board an Amtrak train two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A survey of Americans purportedly shows that a majority favors a mask mandate on public transportation such as planes and trains. I'm not one of them after having to endure wearing a mask on planes and trains.

A federal judge this week voided the mask mandate on public transportation.

Travel Awaits reported:

A majority of Americans favor a mask mandate on airplanes and other forms of public transportation despite a federal judge ending the policy this week.

A survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 56 percent of Americans believe the policy should remain in place.

Just 24 percent are opposed to the policy, and 20 percent are neither in favor nor opposed.

To read more, go here. 

What To Know Before Taking A Cross-Country Train Ride

Above, inside an Amtrak Southwest Chief train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I've been on many trains over the years. I have ridden on bullet trains, steam locomotives, subways, Japanese commuter trains and Amtrak.

Travel + Leisure has an article on what to know before going on a cross-country train trip with Amtrak. I took the Amtrak Southwest Chief train from Gallup, New Mexico to Riverside, California two years ago. That was the first time I rode on an Amtrak train. It was enjoyable and relaxing.

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

The Travel + Leisure article begins with:

If you're an avid traveler, you've probably read stories about people taking trains across the United States, passing some of the nation's famous cities and national parks along the way. Maybe you've even thought about embarking on the same journey to take in America's great landscapes from the car of an Amtrak train.

Although planes are speedier and cars offer independence, there's something special about a slow-paced train ride that you just can't find on other types of transportation. A cross-country Amtrak train ride is a leisurely, scenic way to explore the United States, but before you embark on your multiday adventure, there are a few things you should know.

From picking the best seats to packing everything you'll need, there's a lot to consider before booking your trip. We asked the experts at Amtrak for their best tips for cross-country train rides — here's what you should keep in mind.

To read more, go here. 

Santa Fe Southern Railroad Rolling Again

Above, some of the rolling stock of the Santa Fe Southern Railroad. Wikipedia photo.

It looks like there's another historic train out there for me to take a ride on. The best thing about it, it is not too far from home to get to (maybe about four hours).

TravelAwaits reported:

The Santa Fe Southern Railroad may have stopped offering rail trips in 2012, but trains are now running again under different ownership – and the trains absolutely must be seen to be believed.

The revival comes thanks to work by novelist and screenwriter George R. R. Martin, along with fellow Santa Fe, New Mexico, entrepreneurs and artists, including author Douglas Preston, National Dance Institute of New Mexico cofounder Catherine Oppenheimer, artist Gary Oakley, and Bill Banowsky, who owns Violet Crown Cinema in the Santa Fe Railyard.

Working together, they formed Sky Railway in 2020. The trains, which provide what’s called “entertainment adventure rail trips,” began running their new routes last month.

The trains run on an 18-mile route between Lamy and Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

To read more, go here.

Flight Delays and Cancellations To Last Through New Year

Above, an AMTRAK train arrives at Gallup Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My decision to just stay home this holiday season kept me from the horrors of the mass flight cancellations and not driving the RV anywhere saved me some money since I had car repair expenses this month.

If people think that air travel is going to return to normal anytime soon, they're sadly mistaken. 

The chaos will continue through the New Year according to TravelPulse:

It was almost a week ago when a couple of airlines started reporting a handful of flight delays and cancellations – which quickly snowballed into a nightmare for people traveling to family and friends and warmer climates for the Christmas holiday.

And if you thought it was over, think again.

Because that was the last week; now they all must come home, and it’s not going to get any better.

“I don’t think it’s going to go away just because we’re turning the page to 2022,” Sheila Kahyaoglu, an aerospace and defense airlines equity research analyst at Jefferies, said on CNBC. “This could stick around for a few weeks.”

According to the New York Times, as of Noon today, Wednesday, December 29, another 840 flights just in the U.S. have been canceled due in small part to weather and in large part to Omicron, which has forced already-depleted airline staffers to call in sick.

Worldwide, more than 10,000 flights have been canceled since Christmas Eve according to data from FlightAware.com, a flight tracking service.

The only real viable alternative to getting from Point A to Point B appears to be by train. I haven't heard of any problems this season with AMTRAK. I wonder if any of the stranded yo-yos even considered train travel.

To read more, go here.