Durango to Silverton

We are hoping to travel on the train from Durango to Silverton. Is one side
of the train better than the other for views etc? We will need to spend two
nights in Durango. Can anyone suggest inexpensive accommodation in the area?

Trevor Smith <trevorw.smith@virgin.net> wrote in message
news:db%Ma.22085$sh4.1541659@newsfep2-win.server.ntli.net...
> We are hoping to travel on the train from Durango to Silverton. Is one
side
> of the train better than the other for views etc? We will need to spend
two
> nights in Durango. Can anyone suggest inexpensive accommodation in the
area?
>

The best thing you could do would be to purchase a train ticket up to
Silverton and then ride the bus back. People who ride both ways find that
an 8 hour train trip is exhausting and extremely time consuming. And, since
you see the same exact scenery going in both directions, riding the bus back
makes more sense. As for seating. Try to get a seat on the "right side" of
the train (as you are facing the engine) - of course, if you are taking the
train both ways, it doesn't matter. Also, consider the options of an inside
or an outside car. The inside cars have the advantage of being cleaner
(coal fired steam engines are very dirty and will leave bits of black soot
on your clothing and exposed skin * note Don't wear white or other light
colors!) However, the outside cars give you more of a sense of "being
there" - but can be very hot since we are currently experiencing 95+ degrees
here in Durango, although it is cool in the mountains, of course
(Silverton).

As for inexpensive accommodations, I have heard wonderful things about the
Caboose Motel, the Alpine Motel and the Siesta. In each case they are
family owned and run and have a fantastsic return business every year -
therefore, they must be doing something right. The Rochester and Leland
house are also very charming small properties, but I am not certain what
their rates run (possibly higher). Advantage to the Rochester or Leland is
that it is walking distance from downtown, including the train station, and
restaurants.

If time permits, while in town you want to be sure and see the Diamoned
Circle Melodrama and the Bar-D Wranglers show also. Both are fantastic and
well worth the price of admission.

SD