The Cascade Canyon Express will run from Rockwood to Cascade Canyon, a distance of about 6 miles, before returning to the station in less than two hours. The diesel-powered trip will take passengers through some of the most spectacular scenery on the former Denver & Rio Grande Western Silverton Branch, including along the “Highline,” a stretch of track on a cliff high above the river.
The new excursion will begin June 17 and continue through Aug. 14. The train will depart the Rockwood Station, located 18 miles north of the D&SNG’s base at Durango, at 11:10 a.m. and return at 1 p.m.
“For several years now, many guests have requested shorter excursions, so we developed the Cascade Canyon Express as a viable solution for those travelers who desire the historic scenic railroad experience on the D&SNGRR line, but have limited time for various reasons,” says Allen C. Harper, head of the Durango & Silverton. “In addition, the Cascade Canyon Express is also an affordable, flexible option for riding the D&SNGRR, with its late-morning departure time, and coach and gondola fares at substantially lower rates than those for round trips to Silverton.”
“Based on consumer sentiment and demand, we fully expect the Cascade Canyon Express to be an immediate hit with summer travelers, particularly families with small children,” Harper says.
