The colors of nature are clear and intensely sharp. Snow covered mountains, waterfalls, forests, and lakes are everywhere with breathtaking sites. Our trip was taken in mid-May. The weather was perfect with warm sun and cool breezes. There are wildflowers to waterfalls, rock slides to roaring rapids on the rivers, and chipmunks to chiseled rock walls.
The first 45 minutes are not very scenic, you are traveling past the backyards of the populated areas before you get into the mountainous regions. After that, the scenery starts to become spectacular. The Durango-Silverton train ride is a must for people who enjoy the beauties of nature. The train is pulled by a coal-burning engine on a ride that takes 3-1/2 hours one way with a 2 hour layover in Silverton. Durangotrain offers an option of going by train one way and returning by bus. The train has both closed and open air cars. It has food and drink for purchase, and bathrooms on board. If you bring jackets, or your own food and drink, you can leave it on the train while you see Silverton. Valuables should be taken with you.
The only drawback to the trip is riding in the open air cars. If you ride in one, you will, at times, be breathing the soot from the engine, possibly getting some in your eyes and getting it on you. But these cars are where you can get the best pictures. If you can cope with this, the ride is worth every minute.