Wilderness Information

Did you know that many passengers utilize the Durango & Silverton Railroad to access the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness? Backpacking, day hikes and river access are available for adventurous travelers.

2008 Short Stop Information

The following information is provided for those passengers wishing to utilize The Durango & Silverton Railroad for access to the National Forest. The two main access locations are at Needleton, the entrance to Chicago Basin and Elk Park, and access point to the Colorado Trail. Please refer to the timetable below to find the dates & times of the train scheduled to allow pick up/drop off at Needleton and Elk Park. Call our reservation office for dates and times of other flagstops. Elevations range from 8,000 feet at trailheads to over 14,000 at the peaks, trail conditions often change rapidly. Please be well prepared! For information regarding trail conditions, to acquire a trail map, or to purchase back country insurance, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 970-247-4874.

Reservations and Ticketing:

Reservations should be made in advance (6 weeks recommended) through the Durango ticket office (970) 247-2733 or toll free at (877) TRAIN-07. Reservations must be made for Durango or Silverton origination only. Flagstop tickets from either Needleton or Elk Park must be purchased from the conductor (exact fare) at the point of origin. Same fares apply. Passengers holding round trip tickets from above points will be boarded first. Any additional space will be sold by conductors on a space available basis. We cannot guarantee space for anyone not holding return tickets. IMPORTANT! The tickets which you are in possession of allow passage to the destination indicated.

Boarding Time:

When departing from Durango, you must be in your assigned seat at least one half hour before train departure! Unoccupied seats will be sold as a "no-show". Gear must be loaded in the boxcar 45 minutes prior to departure to allow you to be in your seats at the final boarding call. Failure to have gear loaded by the appointed time could cause you to lose your seats.

Time Tables:

Please check table for date of boarding or reboarding!

Flagging The Train:

Because Needleton & Elk Park are flag stops, you must flag the train to signal the engineer that you wish to board. The correct method is by waving your hands horizontally across your knees. When flagging the train in either direction, you must be on the east side of the tracks.

Freight:

Each person is allowed to take one backpack and bedroll or two medium size suitcases which must be properly tagged with ownership. Packs will be loaded and stored in a boxcar under the supervision of the train crew. Other articles such as groceries, equipment, etc. will be handled as freight and charges will apply. To prevent damage to your own and other's equipment, we require objects such as ice axes, crampons, and fishing equipment to be enclosed in a protective covering.

Live Animals:

United States Department of Agriculture regulations prohibit the D&SNGRR from transporting live animals. Except for guide dogs accompanying their master/trainer, we will not carry any live animals in any cars on our train.

Weminuche Wilderness Trip Planning Information: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/recreation/weminuche.pdf

Parking:

Parking is available in a large lot adjacent to the train yards. Parking is $7.00 per day for passenger cars and $9.00 per day for RV's. You will need to pay for each day you are occupying the lot.

Fares:

May 3 - November 1, 2008 Adults (age 12 and over) $75.00. Child $45.00
Fares are the same whether boarding in Durango or Silverton.

Backpacking and the D&SNGRR

Needleton Stop

All summits in the Needle Mountains require varying amounts of mountaineering skills; those attempting any of them should be mindful of the hazards of afternoon thunderstorms, sudden drops in temperature, and precipitous terrain.

Needle Creek Trail
Originating at the former mining camp of Needleton, Needle Creek Trail climbs along an old stage road that follows its namesake seven miles into Chicago Basin. The trail is easy to follow but quite steep, ascending 3,000 feet before reaching the basin. A hike of around two to three miles will access several wooded camp spots in the lower half of the canyon. For those with more endurance, a hike to the upper reaches of the drainage is rewarded with spectacular views of open meadows and glades surrounded by towering alpine summits.

Johnson Creek Trail
Beyond the basin, the main trail climbs another 1,400 feet over two miles to Columbine Pass where it meets up with the Johnson Creek Trail, which drops into the Vallecito Creek drainage. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. From either vantage point, a commanding panorama of the Needle Creek drainage is possible.

Chicago Basin
Aside from its splendid hiking terrain, Chicago Basin also serves as a base camp for mountain climber’s intent on scaling summits. The three tallest - 14,059 foot Sunlight Peak, 14,084 foot Mount Eolus and 14,087 foot Windom Peak are the most popular climbs, but there are many other peaks offering mountaineering challenges and scenic wonder.

Elk Park Stop

Elk Creek Trail
This trail travels east from the railroad, climbing into the upper reaches of the Needle Mountains. Nine miles long, the route climbs 3,760 feet to the Continental Divide.

Continental Divide Trail
At the Divide, the trail connects with the Continental Divide Trail. Backpackers with plenty of time on their hands might hike the Divide Trail north to either Stony Pass or the Highland Mary Lakes area.

Vallecito Creek Trail
Heading south, the route leads to Hunchback Pass and from here to the upper end of the Vallecito Creek Trail. By following this drainage downstream for 8.5 miles, it is possible to hike up Johnson Creek for a little over five miles to Columbine Pass. From Columbine Pass it is nine miles down to the Needleton trailhead and civilization.
This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements.

Important Travel Tips

When visiting the Durango area, be sure to bring your fun-loving attitude and spirit of adventure. The beautiful mountains lend themselves to an array of year-round activities, so here are a few tips to make your adventure more enjoyable.

Weather:

The Durango area boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. However, it’s always good to be prepared for rain showers during the summer and fall months and snow during the winter and spring. If traveling by car in the winter, call for the latest weather information from the State Highway Department (970-247-3355)

Altitude:

Durango's elevation is 6,512 feet above sea level. With the higher elevation and brilliant sunshine, guests are encouraged to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and always have a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and sunscreen handy.

When traveling on the D&SNGRR, be sure to wear layers of clothing. The train climbs nearly 3,000 feet to Silverton and the high mountain air may be cooler than in Durango. Temperatures in Silverton average around 10-15 degrees cooler than Durango. For more Weminuche Wilderness travel and camping information please visit: www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan/recreation/weminuche.pdf