Steam locomotives have a way of grabbing the attention of everyone. There’s 35 of us on board the latest Colorado Tours trip that have traveled to the Rocky Mountains from all corners of the United States, Canada, and Japan to learn about, ride behind, and experience the coal-fired creatures. It’s a fascination that spans multiple generations and cultures. This weekend alone, hundreds have also gathered trackside in Virginia, Minnesota, Tennessee, Ohio and neighboring states to see several steam locomotives moves across Class I rails. While a large percentage of the people are rail enthusiasts, there are also a fair number of people simply looking to experience the luxury of being around a steam locomotive.
For me, I’ve spent the past three days in narrow gauge heaven at the Durango & Silverton in southwest Colorado. The tourist season is in full swing and the railroad is running three daily trains. It’ll stay just as busy until the end of October. For many, the railroad is an unvarying aspect of Durango’s culture and it’s very much a permanent fixture to the way of life in the community. Close to two hundred thousand people travel here to experience the railroad each year and local businesses are engaged with the railroad and its history. It’s a thriving town driven by tourism and outdoor recreation. And during our early June visit, this place is hoppin’.
There’s a river festival in town, the nearby Mesa Verde National Park is busy and all trains are running at close to full occupancy. There’s plenty to do in town with several local restaurants and bars welcoming in the summer tourism season with food and drink specials. Despite all of these many distractions, time seems to stand still as the sounds of narrow gauge steam approach town. Cars pullover on the side of the road and video cameras emerge from behind tinted windows – locals and tourists greet us at every crossing, and restaurants dotted along the right-of-way salute us with local brews. Children riding their bicycles along a paved trail adjacent to the tracks pace alongside our train and golfers, rafters, and hikers take a break from their outdoor activities to watch the train pass.
We’ve grown accustomed to this type of affirmation with the return of mainline steam such as N&W J-Class No. 611, rare mileage trips with Nickel Plate 765, and even the most recent weekend of Milwaukee Road 261 – but Durango is different. From May to October, multiple trains roll up and down the tracks each and every day of the week, however the enthusiasm in Durango never dwindles. In my three days in Durango, all kinds of folks greeted us along the way. Some from their porches, the steps of their local businesses, grade crossing, kayaks, and in dozens of cars along the ‘chase’ route.
It’s helped me realize something new about this area… Durango truly is a town that loves the train…
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