Choo-Choo Into the Wilderness — A Journey Along the Animas from Durango to Silverton, CO

Choo-choo! The whistle blasts through the air as the train starts rolling its heavy wheels along the track, leaving Durango on its way to Silverton. People along the way wave us goodbye, as if we are heading off into the unknown.

I love the sound of a rolling train and its loud whistle. Something about it captures both my heart and my soul.

The day begins with light rain. Since this is Colorado, the sun makes a short visit only to disappear again. The skies remain gloomy, and the chill of the open-air gondola makes the ride brisk, but luckily, I came prepared.

The first thirty minutes are slow as we leave Durango and enter the wilderness of the rugged San Juan Mountains.

From the little research I did beforehand, I know the ride is supposed to be breathtaking. What I do not realize is how it would combine all of my favorite landscapes into one: rugged mountains, lush green trees, and a rushing river.

About an hour into the ride, the Animas River appears as if from nowhere, leaving me in awe. I am completely mesmerized by the beauty surrounding me.

The journey takes three and a half hours as the train climbs 2,000 feet in elevation over 45 miles. At times, it feels as though the engine is struggling to pull its weight up the mountain track.

Finally, the train pulls right into the middle of Silverton, as though it is part of this charming little mountain town. Considering it began operating in 1882, it is no wonder it feels like an inseparable part of Silverton’s culture.

I have about an hour and a half to wander the center of town and grab lunch before I must board the train again. Unfortunately, the rain is heavy, and getting soaked is not a good idea; especially with the return trip ahead. I remind myself that I will likely be back in Silverton when I drive the Million Dollar Highway in a week. For now, I duck into the Lacey Rose Saloon, sit at the bar, and imagine the time when…

Choo-choo… Choo-choo…

I am back at my seat. This time, the gondola belongs to me alone. Most passengers choose to return by bus and save time. But since I have been given the gift of time, I am rewarded with solitude — the kind I love most when I am with nature.

Now I can sink into the ride with a deep, open heart, noticing all the little details I missed before when surrounded by a crowd.

The gray skies mute the colors of nature, allowing them to rest in their natural tones. Hunter green trees, golden rocks lining the river’s edge, the sage-colored water, and the white ripples dancing between water and stone form a perfect picture. The timeless love story between river and rock. What a gift! The intimacy I feel with the river’s energy is pure magic, moving through my body.

In my imagination, I hear the rhythm of the rushing river, though it is muffled by the roaring vibration of the train rolling along its track.

The sheer granite cliffs add strength and beauty to the river valley. The sun appears for just a moment, casting a shimmer across the rippling water. What a sight! And then, as if it is the most natural thing in the world, heavy rain returns, only to be chased away again by the sun breaking through the clouds.

That is the perfect recipe for a rainbow.

My eyes scan the landscape, looking for a rainbow that colors the skies. WOW! Nature’s magic comes to life! Never in my life have I had the privilege of being a witness to such a vibrant rainbow. Each color stands alone while being in perfect harmony with its neighboring colors. That’s probably what world peace looks like.

A perfect ending to a perfect train ride.