Is the trip from Durango to Silverton worth doing- either by using our own car or by taking the train? How long would it take to drive it, see some of Silverton and maybe pull over at stops along the way, and return? Is it a spectacular drive with beautiful scenery? We are limited in our time as we are driving to Mesa Verde and then on to the Grand Canyon- this will be around October 11. Thanks so much.

It is a beautiful drive which takes about one hour each way.

In case you aren't aware, Mesa Verde cannot be visited quickly. It's a big place--a long way in and out and points of interest are scattered.

HTTY

Our family really enjoyed the train (we went round-trip). Where something that can withstand some soot, and get an open car.

We drove the car from Ouray to Durango also. I don't normally have a hard time with heights, but for some reason, that trip just really had me on edge. I'm glad we drove it, but I wouldn't have done it again any time soon. I'm sure it's perfectly safe, and it was gorgeous, but it sure did a number on my nerves.

We did the Ouray to Durango drive also. I was just glad it was DH doing the driving and not me! I agree, it's stunningly beautiful.

The scenery on the train ride is better I think, plus everyone gets to see it, not just the passengers.

I suggested the drive because you said your time is limited.

I've been on scary, one-lane unimproved mountain roads, but this isn't one of them. It's beautiful.

If you had the time you could take the train to Silverton then travel back on the bus, this is arranged for you when booking your trip. It is really worth it as you see different scenery. I enjoyed both but the train ride is truly awesome.

happytrails is correct...sorry if I gave the wrong impression. It is a lovely road and well-maintained; driving like that wears me out, but DH thinks nothing of it.

Meme5,

When we did this trip, we didn't want to spend all day doing the slow train up and back, as we were heading on to Ouray.
We drove my Jeep up part way on pavement, then dived off onto a 4x4 road that goes along the canyon. Basically one lane wide, but nothing difficult. Just beautiful! No one else on the whole road. We later met up with the paved road and then into Silverton. Loved this little exploration!

Thank you all very much! We are meeting tonight with our friends to finalize our plans and reservations so now we have some good information about the train ride. Fodors forums are the best!

When we were there, a storm had blown some trees on the track and the train did not run one day. They warned us that the train would go slower than normal so we opted out the next day. We made the drive instead, and were glad we did. We got to stop along the way to see the sights.

If you've driven mountain roads, then you will be fine. We were "warned" about the drive but it was a piece of cake, even in the snow.

We were there very long ago -- I was pregnant with our (now 24-year-old) son. We took the train up to Silverton and arranged to have a driver bring us back to Durango. A perfect option, and I can't imagine that something similar isn't available today.

i've always been positive that my son's fascination with archeology is due to his in-utero visit to Mesa Verde . . .

I have a home in the area and always love driving that route, during any season.

Seeing Silverton will take little time as it is really a tiny town that "primarily" exists to service the train riders. The drive is really great - hence the name Million Dollar highway [the views, not the cost] and there are a couple of pull outs where you can stop and look. Other than that, there isn't much to stop at.