No trip to Durango feels complete without a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Trains have been running on this line since 1882, when it was built to carry silver and gold ore out of the San Juan Mountains, and today it’s one of the most celebrated heritage railways in America. It all begins at the historic depot on Main Avenue, right in the heart of downtown.

The classic outing is the full-day round trip to Silverton. You’ll follow the Animas River up through the San Juan National Forest, climbing nearly 3,000 feet past towering cliffs and rushing water, and edging along the famous Highline shelf high above the canyon. There’s a layover in the old mining town of Silverton for lunch and a wander before the ride back.

Choose from standard coaches and open-air gondolas through to deluxe, first-class and presidential cars, and look out for shorter options such as the bus-up, train-back Silverton Express. The railroad’s free museum beside the depot is a lovely extra, especially for young train fans.

The Silverton season runs from spring to early November, while the shorter Cascade Canyon train and festive specials keep things chugging through the winter. Book ahead in summer and during the autumn colours, then sit back and settle in for a true Durango classic.