The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates the former Denver & Rio Grande Western branch between Durango and Silverton, Colorado.
The line was originally constructed in the early 1880s as part of the Rio Grande’s San Juan Extension.
Its primary purpose was not tourism but transportation for mining districts, freight, mail, passengers, and regional commerce.
The route follows the Animas River through steep mountain terrain and includes narrow ledges, sharp curves, bridges, and difficult winter conditions.
Most of the Rio Grande narrow-gauge network was abandoned during the twentieth century, but the Silverton branch survived because passenger tourism had become economically valuable.
The railroad was sold into private operation in 1981 and became the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Historic D&RGW locomotives and rolling stock continued operating on the original route, giving the line unusual continuity between commercial and preservation eras.
Modern wildfire risk, environmental requirements, and operating needs led the railroad to convert much of its active steam fleet from coal to oil firing.
The railroad also uses diesel locomotives for some operations, demonstrating that preservation and modern utility coexist.
For TransitSatellite, the page should distinguish the historic Rio Grande branch from the modern tourist company while showing the physical continuity of track, equipment, and geography.