Silverton Railroad - Need A Bit of Guidance
 

Hi. Hopefully a quick question but would love some feedback. We are traveling to Colorado in August and are planning on taking the Silverton Railroad from Durango to Silverton with a bus back. My husband and I will be traveling with three kids (aged 7,8,8). What kind of car should we reserve: Prospector? Open Air Gondola? or Vintage Coach? Also, I seem to recall reading that many people say to sit on the right side. is that correct? Lastly, it seems as though we have about 2 hours in Silverton - any suggestions of what to do or where to eat? Any information would be appreciated and thanks so much in advance.

We prefer the open-air gondola - but be prepared for some occasional cinders and smoke (and rain if weather's inclement). If that bothers you, pick the coach. Yes, sit on the right going to Silverton. IMO, there just isn't much in Sliverton. General store and couple of restaurants; don't have a strong opinon re food options.

Yes, sit on the right side of the train goinf from Durango to Silverton. Wear light colored clothes if possible, soot flies around [even in closed cars since the windows are open].

I would pass on the open air car, you could "fry" in the sun and will get soot for sure. I would do standard coach, the windows will be open and you will be "almost" as close to the outdoors as in the open air car. I would skip Prospector, it will run you over $500 for it.

There are only a few places to eat in Silverton and none are special. I would pack a picnic lunch [bought from Guido's on Main and 12th or Albertson's] and save yourself money and have a far better meal. Shops are pretty standard tourist stuff, again nothing out of the ordinary. The restaurants and shops exist primarily to "serve" train riders.

http://www.guidosfavoritefoods.com/

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...by-debitnm.cfm

Why not take the roundtrip? I loved the railroad ride.
Can't help you with lunch. We just grabbed an ice cream cone.
Right side of the train going north to Silverton overlooks the Animas River.

One way is enough. Save the time.

that's for sure, it's a long ride. Silverton isn't really that much, I agree, you do it for the scenery on the way.

One of the top things we have ever done was the combo train/zipline. This way you only ride the train halfway up and halfway back. It is expensive, but we would do it again in a heartbeat. The only way to get to the zipline is by the train or helicopter.