I'll be in Colorado and have just one day to visit a major narrow gauge railroad.

What are the relative merits of Durango and Silverton vs. C & T other than the obvious difference in the business model? Which would you choose to visit and why?

--Richard

Hi Richard,

I've ridden CATS from Antonito to Osier & back, Chama to Osier & back, and Antonito to Chama & back to Antonito the next day. (Antonito has nothing to recomend it.)

I've ridden the D&S from Durango to Silverton & back, Durango to Silverton & back by bus, and Durango to Silverton on RGS Goose #5 & back by bus.

Both roads have great rides and great scenery, but for a one-day deal, I'd do the D&S. (If you like brewpubs, Carver Brewing in the 1000 block of Main Ave., DGO, has good beer and food!)

Enjoy your trip, Roger

I have ridden both roads. If you want sweeping vistas for scenery, take the C&T. If you want shear drops over the river, then take the D&SNG. I feel that the best overall ride is on the C&T. You can stand anywhere in the open car and then go back to a coach seat. On the D&SNG, the open car seats are assigned. For much of the trip, if you are on the mountain face side, the only view is out the other side of the car and you do not have the freedom to move around the car. I agree that Antonito has little to offer. If you ride the C&T one way from Chama to Antonito, you can take a very relaxing bus ride back to Chama. You don't have to stay in Antonito. While the equipment on the D&SNG is more authentic, in my opinion the C&T is a much better ride.

As the others have said, both are great rides. D&S is a little more touristy than C&T, C&T is like the DRGW frozen in time. Great views, 2 tunnels, changing scenery from flatlands to high in the mountians. That doesn't take away from the D&S. Once you finally get out of Durango n the D&S you eventually get to some spectacular scenery. The high line above the Animas River is great!

If you ride the D&S spring for the extra bucks and take the parlor car. Its always on the back of the train, 24 ADULT only passengers max, car attendent, free coffee & pastry in AM, and "adult beverages" available should you desire. Parlorcar has open platform so you can go out on it and see views you don't get in other cars.

My 2 cents
Bill

Just a little shout out for Antonito. While the town doesn't have a lot, head north a couple blocks to 10th Street, turn right & go 2 blocks. You'll come upon Cano's "Castle", a unique piece of Americana. It's a 4 story twin tower hand built over 20 years by Senior Cano Espinoza, primarily of colored stones, beer cans & hubcaps! also, his parents worked for the D&RGW and he has many stories to tell.