This Amazing Colorado Train Ride Makes You Forget How Much You Hate Winter

As much as I hate winter, I have to confess - the idea of a train ride through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is extremely appealing.

It's One of Colorado's Most Popular Attractions

One of Colorado's most popular attractions is the famous Durango & Silverton Railroad that features roundtrip excursions between Durango and Silverton. In all my years in Colorado, I've never taken the trip. Every time I see photos from somebody's trek on the railroad, I wonder why I've never done this. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.

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A Winter Train Ride Is a Great Idea

While most people probably take the train during summer vacations, winter is a fantastic time to do the trip and see the San Juan Mountains in a completely different way. In the summertime, the landscape is so green and plush and beautiful. During the winter, the Colorado green gives way to snow-covered mountains and trees and icy rivers and lakes, as you will see in the gallery below.

The Durango & Silverton Railroad offers winter excursions on select dates between November 20 and May 6. The trip from Durango to Cascade Canyon totals 26 miles each way for a breath-taking five-hour round trip experience.

No, I don't love the snow and cold that Old Man Winter brings to Colorado every year, but I do have a great appreciation for the beauty of the mountains any time of the year. This is one Colorado excursion that needs to go on the bucket list.