When we got to Silverton, we had about 1 1/2 hours to eat or see the sights. We ate at The Pickle Barrel, a nice, little family-owned pub. While we were eating it started to pour, and I heard that the weather in Silverton is routinely unpredictable. I was glad that I had taken a BUNCH of pictures on the way up, because the weather was uncooperative on the trip back to Durango.

If you want to get back sooner, they offer a shuttle bus (advance reservations required.) I was content to just spend the day on the train. All in all, it was a memorable day.

This is one of those must-do things if you have the opportunity.

Be sure to purchase your tickets early, by using any of several internet sites or calling ahead--the open cars fill up early, and the closed cars didn't look nearly as much fun. There is a concession car to buy food and drinks, or you can bring your own. Note that on the open cars, you are sitting on cushioned benches looking outward.

Each bench supposedly seats three, and all seats are assigned. However, the seating is very tight and in most cases three adults will not have enough room, so you may even want to purchase an extra child ticket for a non-existent child to have some more room. Although we did not have to purchase a child ticket (she could have sat on our lap the whole way), we were very glad that we did. If you don't have enough room, plan on standing most of the way, which you may often want to do anyway to get the best views. This was a great time and one that we enjoyed very much.