Durango Train & Silverton Jeep Tour Package

If you’re looking for a way to see the Colorado San Juan Mountains that combines history, rugged terrain, and jaw-dropping views, the Durango Train & Silverton Jeep Tour Package might be just what you need. While we’ve not personally taken this exact tour, its detailed itinerary and high rating of 4.6 out of 5 suggest it’s a memorable experience for travelers seeking authentic mountain scenery mixed with adventure.

What really catches our eye about this package are the panoramic mountain vistas and the chance to explore historic mining settlements—two elements that promise both visual delight and a hint of the area’s past. A slight consideration is that the day is quite full, at 5.5 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a busy itinerary. It’s a perfect fit for travelers who love outdoor adventures, scenic trains, and learning about Colorado’s rugged history.

This tour would suit those who enjoy stunning landscapes, small-group tours, and a mix of different modes of transportation. It’s great for anyone wanting a well-rounded day that balances scenic beauty with a touch of adventure and history.

Key Points

• Spectacular Mountain Views: Experience sweeping vistas of 14,000-foot peaks and alpine meadows.
• Diverse Transportation: Enjoy a combination of scenic drives, rugged 4×4 explorations, and a historic train ride.
• Historical Charm: Explore 150-year-old mining settlements and learn about the area’s past.
• Flexible Options: Ride the Durango train from Silverton to Durango or opt for a van return, depending on your preference.
• Expert Guides: Guides share stories, answer questions, and add context to the scenery and history.
• Ideal For Adventure-Lovers: Perfect for those who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, history, and outdoor ruggedness.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

The Durango Train & Silverton Jeep Tour Package is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, blending a variety of transport modes and scenic highlights. The day starts early with a pickup at the Durango train station, where you’ll meet at the designated parking lot on College Drive—look for the “Mild to Wild” sign. Parking costs $10, a small fee for the convenience of central access.

Morning: The San Juan Skyway Drive

Your adventure begins with a morning cruise along the San Juan Skyway, a route renowned for its striking mountain views. The Skyway winds through towering peaks, including many over 14,000 feet, and offers plenty of opportunities to admire the rugged landscape. Expect to see panoramic vistas, dramatic mountain slopes, and lush valleys. If you’re a photographer or just love soaking in mountain scenery, this part of the tour is a highlight.

Silverton Exploration: Historic and Rugged

Arriving in Silverton, a town with deep roots in Colorado’s gold and silver rush days, you’ll switch to open-air 4x4s. These vehicles are suited for the rough, unpaved terrain that larger buses can’t handle, allowing you to access remote spots. Silverton itself is charming, with buildings dating back over 150 years, and offers opportunities for lunch and browsing local shops.

Your guide will share stories about the town’s mining past, making it more than just a pretty picture. You’ll traverse alpine meadows full of wildflowers, look out for wildlife, and get panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The 4×4 rides are designed to be both fun and informative—expect to learn about the area’s geology and history from your guide.

Afternoon: Mountain Exploration and Relaxation

After the rugged exploration, you’ll return to Silverton for a relaxed lunch, giving you time to stroll through the town or pick up souvenirs. The tour guides are praised for their storytelling and knowledge, making the experience engaging and personal.

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The Final Leg: Train or Van Ride Back

The return journey offers two options. You can either hop on a van shuttle back to Durango, which is straightforward and quick, or upgrade to a ticket on the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad. The train ride is about 45 minutes and takes you through the breathtaking Animas River Canyon, offering a different perspective of the mountains and wilderness—more remote and untouched than the road views.

The train is famed for its vintage engines and old-world charm, providing a nostalgic contrast to the rugged jeep ride. The reviews note that this train ride is less crowded and offers a more peaceful way to see the landscape, especially if you’re into scenic railroads.

Arriving at Durango: Wind-Down and Dinner

The tour concludes in Durango just in time for dinner, making it a practical way to round out your day without feeling rushed. The entire experience is designed to be value-packed, combining outdoor adventure, history, and scenic beauty in just over five hours.

Why This Tour Works

Based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, this experience provides a balanced mix of landscapes, transportation modes, and storytelling. The combination of driving routes, rugged jeep exploration, and historic train rides means you’ll see the San Juans from multiple angles, enriching your understanding and appreciation of the region.

The guides are a key part of the experience—passionate, knowledgeable, and engaging. Travelers praise the “stories, information, and answers” they receive, which add value beyond just sightseeing. The scenic views are consistently highlighted as breathtaking, especially the vistas of the San Juan Mountains and the remote wilderness areas seen from the train.

Many reviewers mention that the views of alpine meadows, mountain peaks, and old settlements make this tour a memorable highlight of their Colorado trip. The option to ride the train rather than take the shuttle also appeals to those seeking a more relaxed, scenic, and historic experience.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable, layered clothing; mountain weather can change quickly.
• Bring a camera, as the vistas are ideal for photos.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions for the train or jeep rides.
• Arrive early to the meeting point since parking costs $10 and you’ll want plenty of time to start your day smoothly.
• Check the availability of the train upgrade if you’re interested in that scenic ride—it’s an optional purchase.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This package is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates spectacular mountain scenery. It’s well-suited for those who want a full-day adventure blending driving, rugged exploration, and train travel. Families, couples, and solo travelers looking for an immersive Colorado experience will find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in learning about the mining history of Silverton or want to see the remote wilderness that makes this area unique. The tour’s flexible options—train ride or van return—allow for customization based on your pace and interests.

Final Thoughts

The Durango Train & Silverton Jeep Tour Package offers a comprehensive, scenic, and engaging way to explore the Colorado San Juan Mountains. You’ll get stunning views, a taste of mountain wilderness, and a glimpse into the region’s mining past—all packed into a manageable 5.5-hour window.

The combination of beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and different modes of transport makes this a value-packed choice for travelers craving authentic mountain adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, this tour provides a memorable window into Colorado’s rugged charm.

If you’re after breathtaking scenery paired with a sense of adventure and history, this experience is likely to be a highlight of your trip. Just prepare for a full day, bring your camera, and enjoy the ride through the stunning San Juan Mountains.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for this tour?
You meet at the Train Station Parking Lot on College Drive, near McDonald’s. Look for the “Mild to Wild” sign and benches to the left of the parking booth. The parking fee is $10, payable upon arrival.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 5.5 hours, including driving, exploration, and the optional train ride. Starting times vary, so check availability.

Can I choose between the train ride and the van return?
Yes. After exploring Silverton and the mountain, you can either take a van shuttle back to Durango or upgrade to a scenic historic train ride through the Animas River Canyon.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, the rugged terrain and outdoor activities suggest it’s best for children comfortable with outdoor adventures. Check with the provider if you have younger children.

What is included in the tour?
The package covers scenic drives, a rugged 4×4 exploration of Silverton, and either a van or train ride back to Durango. Lunch and shopping in Silverton are on your own.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

This tour offers a wonderfully balanced view of Colorado’s rugged mountain scenery, history, and outdoor adventure, ideal for travelers eager to see the San Juan Mountains from multiple angles. The stunning views alone are worth the trip, but the stories, history, and variety of transportation make it a well-rounded experience that promises lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby