The views of the Rocky Mountain landscape here are impressive at any time of the year, but this is an especially good stop if visiting during the winter when you can enjoy the contrast between the calming hot spring waters and the snowy peaks and surroundings. Issue is that I (the mom, who is not going to be the driver) am fairly averse to heights. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. 5.5 hours of driving without stops. The cheapest flight from Denver to Durango was found 29 days before departure, on average. There is also breakfast included each morning. Click here to browse other private rentals. For first-time visitors we recommend either taking a guided nature walk to learn about the areas history and geology, or just taking to the trails on your own to explore at your own pace. From Tiny Town, the next few stops between Conifer and Buena Vista also tend to be good ones for travelers and looking to take their time, relax, and settle into vacation mode while on the way out of the Denver bubble. The drive between Walsenburg and Pagosa Springs is a very nice one. We know what youre thinking: sand dunes in Colorado? Most crashes on the pass occur at the switchback curve near the Wolf Creek scenic outlook area. Each flight takes about an hour, so this is definitely the fastest way to get from Denver to Durango. Cheyenne . If you intend to make all (or even a few) of these stops, youre likely going to want to find a place to stay to break up the drive. The next best thing to do on a visit to Colorado Springs is to head up to Pikes Peak. Having a wonderful time here. North Americas largest sandbox contains some 5 billion cubic meters of sand and stands out against the striking backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango is 800-232-4636. #ouraygram. to Guadalupe Victoria Durango Intl. 4. level 2. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this, If high-alpine hikes arent your jazz, another great place to explore near Salida is, Crested Butte is hands-down one of the coolest places to check out in Colorado. This is the route Google Maps will give you. Additional terms apply. Monarch Pass winds beautifully into the mountains at 11,312 feet along the Continental Divide between Gunnison and Poncha Springs, located just 20 minutes from Salida. Designated drivers beware and drink responsibly, as youve still got a lot of highway to go on this Denver to Durango road trip. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. At Red Rocks you can catch concerts, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and, in the mornings, you can even join a yoga class. more. Standard tickets are only $10 for adults, and this area also has a lot of great trails for hiking in the warmer parts of the year. Heading back to Denver takes one last straight-shot drive of one hour and 20 minutes along I-25 N. Just 70 miles along that highway and youll be back in the city at journeys end! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75869024', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. It features a challenging switchback turn -on the west side- with a 200-foot drop off on the other side of the curve. The Million Dollar Highway is just a small portion of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, itself a section of U.S. Highway 550, which runs 305 miles from Bernalillo, New Mexico, to Montrose, Colorado . Dont forget to clear ice and snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and vehicle lights before driving. Maybe there's a faster drive but we have not done that. Hwy-347 turns off north from US-50 toward the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park 8 mi (12.8 km) east of Montrose, but this town also marks the start of one of the best-loved roads in the country, the Million Dollar Highway, a classic stretch of two-lane blacktop that forms a swirling ribbon through the San Juan Mountains, the wildest . American Airlines also offers flights to Durango, but they require you to first stop in Phoenix, which means it will take at least 4 hours to arrive. Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. There are some different ways to approach a stop at the Great Sand Dunes, as visitors are generally welcome to simply take in the views of the dunes from the comfort of paved roads and maintained public areas, or they may strike out on foot and hike on the sands of the national park. What can I see on a Denver to Durango road trip. Were Michael and Maggie, an Australian and American couple travelling the world. We have done the drive (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is centrally locate and has both private, ensuite rooms available along with hostel dorm beds. He lives in Colorado and also works as a fly fishing guide and instructor when not editing or writing. All three cross Wolf Creek Pass on US160, which is truly scary only if your brakes fail on the way down. This nationally-protected area consists of more than 30 square miles of massive dunes and is a must-stop for travelers nearing the latter portion of their Denver to Durango road trip. Along this route youll be graced with beautiful views of the town as well as encounter a few sizable waterfalls that make for perfect Instagram backdrops. The Million Dollar Highway is a scenic section of the US-550 highway which runs north to south. Hi Diane, The drive from Denver to Aspen takes about 4 hours (if there isn't a lot of traffic). The quickest flight from Denver Airport to Durango Airport is the direct flight which takes 1h 19m. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-13327901', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver, then N to I-70E direct to airport. , Where to Stay on a Denver to Durango Road Trip. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. No problem finding gas and basic supplies, just not much "good" food or coffee. The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Montpellier Itinerary, The Perfect 1, 2 to 3 Days in Toulouse Itinerary, The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary, The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer). Monarch Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Where is Durango? So, stop by if you can. The Strater Hotel Located in downtown Durango, this beautiful historic hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of a splurge. Stroll the shops, restaurants and hotels housed in Durango's preserved late-19th-century buildings and board the railroad for a super-scenic, 45-mile detour to Silverton. I'd judge the least "scary" of the three to be I-25/US160. Mountain Goat Lodge This boutique bed and breakfast is an excellent option if youre after a bit of luxury while driving to Durango. How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? The drive from Salida to Crested Butte takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes. When beginning your Denver to Durango road trip, you have two routes to choose from. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There will be some mountain driving whichever route you take, but there's no need to be scared. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: jaramarzulli.com, +911647681164, +911647244548, +911646228156, +911646126349, +911645988738 Jara Marzulli | La poetica di un'artista Lots of good food in Durango. There are 115+ hotels available in Durango. Roadtrip from SoCal to Mt Rushmore thru Colorado, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. But those in the know, slow down and stop in four . For instance, this beautiful treehouse home with a hot tub is a great choice. The shorter one (US285 south and US160 west), more scenic, has more mountains. Youll also get to take on thrilling class III rapids at Durangos exciting whitewater park. Those with a lot of time on their hands can hike or bike to the summit, which makes for a rewarding journey. The journey from Crested Butte to Ouray will take approximately 2.5 hours. However, you can also drive up the scenic road yourself, join a guided bus tour, or even take a train to the top! You probably want to avoid going to Durango via 550 through Ouray and Silverton (Million Dollar Highway) which is an incredibly scenic, paved, state highway but also has extreme dropoffs without guardrails in places, and little to no shoulder in placesnot the best road for you. Assuming you choose the route through the mountains on 285, youll still be on a paved highway for practically the entire timedepending on your chosen stopsso theres no major need for a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive sort of vehicle. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! Should probably count on 7 - 7.5 hrs - not easy to make really good time in the mountains. Not much to recommend for food along the way. There was an error processing your request. That said, if you do hike Mount Princeston, still come prepared for a long days hike as well as a little rock scrambling. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Along the National Parks Loop, you'll also go through some other small towns worth exploring like Telluride, Durango, and Buena Vista. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Durango? Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. Tue, Jul 25. No matter the route you choose, you wont be disappointed with this breathtaking destination. Rome2rio makes travelling from Denver to Durango easy. This drive is most densely populated with residential areas and small towns for about the first hour or so, but the rest is nothing but mountain passes, wide-open valleys, and National Forest areas, with the occasional town to break things up. Private Vacation Rental There are a number of great properties to choose from in Salida such as this beautiful secluded log cabin if youre looking for a peaceful getaway. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Lots of good food in Durango. This is a lodging and day-use facility built around an odorless hot spring that bubbles up out of the ground at around 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). Not much to recommend for food along the way. Click here to browse more Durango hotels! For more information, see our privacy policy. Takes you to nearly every major mountain zone in the state and the deepest canyons, highest passes, steepest mountains, and coolest towns. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870199', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango so I hope you aren't planning to drive it on the same day you arrive. Grand Junction To Dinosaur Book at least 2 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Alternatively, you may use. Instead, I'm proposing driving from Montrose to Cortez, with a stop in Telluride on the way. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Alternatively, you may use, Best Western Plus Deer Park Hotel And Suites. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. I will be making this trip next week and look forward to seeing all this. briken - Denver to Durango is about 403 mi. If he could teleport to anywhere on the planet, it would be the mountains of Patagonia in Chile. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. You will likely be going over Wolf Creek Pass and if this is a winter trip you will be going over one of the snowiest passes in the state, but it is plowed and maintained. Drive from Denver to Durango 336.1 miles $60 - $90 Fly to Durango, shuttle 5h 22m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Durango (DRO) DEN - DRO Take a shuttle bus from Purgatory Plaza to Durango Transit Center $233 - $570 Fly to Telluride Regional, shuttle 6h 32m Fly from Denver (DEN) to Telluride Regional (TEX) DEN - TEX At this park, you can either take an easy day to drive to the scenic lookouts, or you can book a permit to take the steep hike down to the canyon floor and Gunnison river. Photo Credit: Jerilee Bennett. Answer 1 of 6: My friends and I are coming from Europe to Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. Head south continuing along US-550 S (AKA The Million Dollar Highway) for 70.5 miles until you reach Durango. Among the marquee attractions near Salida is Browns Canyon, which was also designated a National Monument recently in 2015. Alternatively, Outdoorsy is an option if you prefer to rent an RV or campervan. Travel in the winter months can be nerve-wracking along Red Mountain Pass. Yes, the driving distance between Denver to Durango is 538 km. Find all the transport options for your trip from Denver to Durango right here. The longer one (I-25 south, US160 west) involves faster driving and more traffic. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. In addition to Pagosas famous hot springs, theres also whitewater rafting along the Piedra River, great hiking and biking trails, and more fascinating ruins to check out at Chimney Rock National Monument. To get to Salida from Denver will be 2.5-hour drive. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. I drive the 285>160 route almost weekly for the last few months. The arch and many of the other geologic formations here are the results of heat and pressure having formed volcanic ash into hard rock over millions of years. If you are traveling to Durango by bus, prepare for a long ride of at least 12 hours. This incredible amphitheatre is built right into the front range mountains, making for one of the most beautiful venues in the country. Thats not too surprising we suppose as Coloradans tend to ski just about anything. Monument to fallen snowplow drivers. The Map Start: Denver to Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs While I-25. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Dont let the views distract you on Berthoud Pass. Prices start at 117,500 per night. But it didn/t work. Mesa Verde is a world-class attraction that you really should see. Take a tour from Durango and let someone else drive! You'll be basically traveling in an L-shape on the two long sides of a triangle, instead of driving on the diagonal. Cars are unable to make it up the pass during winter weather on a regular basis. Well-located in central Durango, they have a range of rooms available to suit all kinds of visitors even allow pets if youre traveling with a four-legged friend! Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? However, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, CO, then take the shuttle to Durango, CO. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Grand Valley Downtown Transfer Station, take the drive to Montrose Airport, take the shuttle to Telluride, take the taxi to Silverton, then take the train to Durango, CO. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Editors Note: Never speed. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Durango? A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. Only United Airlines operates multiple direct flights a day from Denver International Airport (DEN) and Durango La-Plata County Airport (DOR), which is just 15 miles from downtown Durango. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. It might sound like a bad deal, but these tickets can be a little bit cheaper than United's direct flights and it's still faster than driving. Only 33 mushers will participate in the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Saturday, the smallest field ever to take their dog teams nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) over . Oh well. Afternoons can be hot and windy though. For us, one of the most fun things a first-time visitor can do is catch a show at, If concerts and shows arent your scene, no problem! You can also rent ATVs and off-road vehicles in town if you prefer to not take your own car. We will stop there for a break and continue driving. For another great SW road trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado and Utah Road Trip Itinerary. There are long swaths of the drive down 285 Southsuch as the section between Fairplay to Buena Vistawhere you may lose cell signal at times and find higher chances of on-road hazards like wildlife, fallen rocks, and icy or snowy road conditions. The road distance is 537.8 km. While its unlikely that traffic jams will ever disappear, avoiding peak travel times allows for an easier and stress-free commute. The United States Census Bureau reported a population of 16,887 in the 2010 census. For a more complete guide on the hike, check out this Out There Colorado article. Am I allowed to travel from Denver to Durango? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. This one is best for families with kids, as there is an entire miniature town complete with painted and detailed buildings, a playground and park, a gift shop, and even an old steam train ride. Are you planning to drive from Denver to Durango? The building opened in 1917, and served as a high school until 1976, after which it became the district administration building. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Can you please describe the San Juan Skyway/Million $ Hwy/Red Mtn. Traffic jam westbound I-70 highway Photo Credit: milehightraveler (iStock). Just a stones throw off 285 South before you reach the town of Del Norte on the Denver to Durango drive, Penitente Canyon offers scenic views and chances to hike, rock climb, and bike through the towering canyon walls. Theres so much we could say about things to do in Durango. Which route is the best? You will catch C4-70 outside (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Legitimately called the San Juan Skyway, this nasty trek in southwestern Colorado features the Coal Bank Pass, a very steep and very scary road with weather that is harsh and unpredictable. Either way there is only one high pass to cross (Wolf Creek, mentioned above), and I wouldn't call it scary. If you are headed to the mountains on the weekend, plan ahead for more traffic than usual. Turn right on CO State Hwy 112 W for 13 miles until you reach Del Norte. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870199', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango so I hope you aren't planning to drive it on the same day you arrive. Denver airport - 407 miles - about 7 hours drive depending on weather conditions Albuquerque airport - 244 miles - about 4:10 hours depending on weather conditions There are Greyhound buses that travel between the city of Albuquerque and Durango, but once again self-drive will be the easiest way to get there. Creedes title of The Last Boom Town comes from its legacy as a silver-mining town, which you can learn about in this PBS short documentary. There is no direct connection from Denver to Durango. I took a GPS with me to attach in the rental car. What about the altitude/Altitude sickness? Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the, Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. Good coffee is also scarce along that route until you get to Durango. It is impossible to get from Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. With a route that passes south on US Highway 285 through Pike-San Isabel National Forest and continues down to the Great Sand Dunes and the Rio Grande headwaters, the Denver to Durango drive is one of southern Colorados most scenic. As the name would suggest, this steep 3-mile hike takes you up to a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the town and valley beyond. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. Can you tell me about guest ranch vacations in Colorado? Start early in the day, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to dress in layers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75869024', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver Airport and we are supposed to go to Durango by car. Youll have views for miles around and Aspen Sunflowers covering entire hillsides, making for PERFECT photo ops. No trip to the area should skip it in my opinion. Which route is the best? After spending the night in the alpine town of Vail (yes, on the drive over from Rocky Mountain National Park across I-70, we hit several patches of snow and temperatures falling below zero, even at the end of May! Cortez is 50 miles away from Durango, while Telluride is 110 miles away. (easiest one, no scary mountain driving haha), and if you can suggest good places to stop and eat? Avalanches often trigger temporary closures, leaving portions of the road buried under several feet of snow. Of course, theres an endless list of things to do and places to see in and around Denver. After hiking the perimeter trail, take a load off and relax in Ourays Hot Springs. Every month, almost a million vehicles travel the 100 miles on Interstate 70 between Denver and Vail, Colorado. updated Jul 14, 2022 How long is the drive from Denver to Durango? Its important to note that dates and closures vary, depending on the weather and road conditions. Apart from being the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte is where mountain biking got its start in Colorado. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75890404', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Pagosa Springs are the only 2 I hit along the route. A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is. If youre hiking with children or just dont enjoy exposure to steep drop-offs, then its recommended to do the out-at-back version. 16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer, Travel From Madrid to San Sebastian by Train, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Rome to Naples by Train, Plane, Bus, or Car, The Top 10 Things to Do in Durango, Colorado, How to Travel From Denver to Las Vegas by Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel From Montreal to Quebec City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, How to Travel from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Colorado, How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Although its fine to just drive through this small town, if you have an extra day or two on your trip, we recommend spending it in Pagosa Springs. High season is considered to be October, November and December. Main Avenue Historic District in Durango, Colorado is a 34acre historic district that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. This trail is close to town and extends to a decent length of 4.3 total miles long. Aetna is Monarch Mountain Resort. Lodging for 2 nights in Estes park in mid May, Where to stay near Union Station if using Red Rocks shuttle. Where to go at the end of November, Early December?!?! It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is impossible to get from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A great trail option for beginners, especially if youre around during wildflower season, is Brush Creek. Sand Dunes are great fun. Among these are the collegiate peaks which are, unsurprisingly, named after some of the United States most famous colleges and Oxford randomly. As mentioned before, we at Mild to Wild know Durango like the back of our hands, and we have so many other recommendations for your visit. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. The 160 to 285 would be the fastest. Your trip begins in Denver, Colorado. Head west on US-50 W for 60 miles, and then turn right onto CO-135 N which will take you to Crested Butte after 27 miles. Family RV adventure advice for Colorado, Utah & Wyoming. The reason why it's so long is because there is no direct bus service between the two cities. It's said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Colorado. If you drove there from Albuquerque it would take you about half as long. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. From Sand Dunes, head west on US160 over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa. Prices and availability are subject to change. My friends and I are coming from Europe to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This somewhat low-key park is simply jaw-dropping. Our next recommendation is to take a guided tour at Mesa Verde National Park. Watch carefully for deer early mornings and twilight! Silverton is an old mining town nestled between Red Mountain and Molas, two San Juan Mountain passes. Cheap Flights from Denver Intl. As you reach the classic mountain town of Salida and the nearby area, the Arkansas River is the main artery for a lot of watersports recreation, from fly fishing and whitewater rafting to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). But. They zoom past gorgeous Rocky Mountain scenery at speeds up to 75 mph, burrow through the highest auto tunnel in North America, and switch back their way over two-mile-high Vail Pass. Takes 6hrs plus stops and is both easy and scenic. Or, Highway 285 to 160 is more scenic and has mountains but is not scary. Just across the valley from Penitente Canyon is the Great Sand Dunes National Park, one of Americas most fascinating natural phenomena. Prices starting at $219 for return flights and $109 for one-way flights to Durango were the cheapest prices found within the past 7 days, for the period specified. Winter in Colorado is no joke. Independence Pass, Trail Ridge Road, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and Kebler Pass all close annually for the winter season in Colorado. The small town of Bailey is about 25 minutes from Tiny Town at the bottom of a steep incline just as 285 bends and begins to trace a path along the North Fork of the South Platte River. You have two route options, both of which take you through amazing scenery and worthwhile stops. Thai place in Poncha Springs and Lost Cajun in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Click here to browse more Durango hotels! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-75870242', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Denver to Durango -- at least in any reasonable way -- without some mountain driving. Its actually closer to Albuquerque than Denver as its not far from the New Mexico border. Casa's route is good. Running between Ouray and Silverton, the mountain road caps off at 11,018 feet with grades as steep as 8%. It serves as one of the main routes to Colorados ski country including Vail, Aspen, Winter Park, Keystone, and Breckenridge. A Google mapping exercise will offer you two routes, one about a half-hour longer than the other. If not, the area works just fine as a pretty place to drive through. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. If youre looking for an all-in-one Colorado destination, Durangos definitely the place to be. Another great activity to do near Denver is driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. It's a fairly long drive from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you drive that route without stops it app.takes 6 hours. If youve never gone mountain biking before, then this is a perfect place to try it out. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I will be in Denver late Oct. had wanted to ride on Durango to Silverton train.