Bus service is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Buses depart Frisco Station from 6:00 am to 8:30 pm for destinations within Summit County. A late bus departs Frisco for Lake County at 10:30 pm. Buses depart Silverthorne Station from 6:15 am to 9:15 pm. Buses depart Breckenridge Station from 6:45 am to 9:00 pm. Please check full schedules on the Summit Stage website.
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All Aboard!
All Aboard – it’s that time
Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! We’re glad you’ve chosen to visit. Whether you are new to experiencing this legendary railroad or have been a returning guest for years, we look forward to offering you the best in year-round historic train adventures presented today as they were in 1882! We invite you to hop aboard and relive the “Golden Age” on our railroad, which was voted “#1 Best Scenic Train in North America “ by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2021 & 2022, “Best Historic Railroad of the West” 2021-23 by TrueWest Magazine Readers, and “Best Train Experience in the West” in 2016 by Sunset Magazine. Order a FREE All-Aboard Guide.
About D&SNGRR
Our family has dedicated decades to preserving the history surrounding this national treasure, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This railroad is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and an American Society of Civil Engineering Landmark.
When is the best time to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? Any time of the year!
During the winter, we offer exclusive round-trip train adventures deep into the heart of the San Juan National Forest to Cascade Canyon as well as the premier holiday family event train, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train ride.
If you’re visiting in the springtime, your train excursion may feature incredible waterfalls during the spring thaw season as you journey to Cascade Canyon.
All Aboard in the Summer
Summer is high season at the D&S with daily full day Durango to Silverton excursions May through October departing from Durango. We also offer daily 5-hour excursions on the Cascade Canyon Express seven days a week during the high season. These rail journeys also depart from the Durango Depot and travel to Cascade Canyon and are a perfect highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas for those with limited time.
Autumn offers you a unique way to experience peak leaf season from the comfort of the D&S train. Connect with family and friends as you explore the Rocky Mountains by historic railway. Sit back and allow yourself to be transported through a riot of blazing fall colors featuring the spectacular golden glow of aspens.
However you choose to relax and connect on the D&S train, and whatever adventure awaits you, we hope you have an inspiring journey where you create wonderful life-long memories!
Heeney
Visit Heeney, Colorado
The little community of Heeney is 8,000 feet above sea level and nestled between two spectacular mountain ranges, the Gore and Williams Peak. This area, one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, includes the Lower Blue River Valley, the Green Mountain Reservoir, and the popular Cataract Lake & Falls in the Eagles Nest Wilderness area. Heeney is in Summit County and is only 30-40 minutes from Keystone, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Copper Mountain ski resorts. The entire area offers unique scenery and peace from the big resorts down the road.
About Heeney and Green Mountain Reservoir
Heeney was established in the late 1930s as an offshoot of the construction of the reservoir or dam. In the summer, the lake (Green Mountain Reservoir) is a boater’s playground – fishing boats, jet skiing, water skiing, and pontoon cruising are all popular. The Lower Blue River is Gold Medal Trout Waters above the lake and Wild Trout Waters below the dam. It challenges fly fishermen almost year-round. Winter offers huge lake trout to the patient ice fishermen. The surrounding area also has a lot to offer, as far as hiking, camping, off-roading, and awesome views. Heeney has a small marina that provides a public boat ramp, dockside fuel, slip rentals, and boat rentals. A small liquor store and tackle shop are also in the town. At the south end of the lake, at the inlet, are cabin rentals and a small convenience-type store.
The area is a lot like it was 50 years ago, with beautiful hay meadows and grazing cattle. There is still a lot of wildlife in the area, including elk and deer quite often seen grazing early morning or late afternoon. Get away from it all in Heeney!
Biking
Biking in Colorado
If a state was ever made for biking, Colorado is it. The Olympic team trains here, and Colorado is arguably the birthplace of mountain biking. Gravel biking found a foothold in Colorado, as the state is full of unpaved roads, and snow-biking was just a natural fit.
Colorado Biking is Everywhere
The Rocky Mountains are replete with trails for all levels of expertise, from novice to expert, and paved bike paths are found throughout urban areas. Colorado’s State Parks have bike trails and many of these parks access even more bike trails via neighboring National Forest. There are bike rentals in every vacation spot or recreational area, so you have no excuse not to put your mettle to the pedals.
Recommended Mountain Biking Trails
Some great trails to try are Buffalo Peak near Pine, which is a short drive west of Denver; Red Rocks/Dakota Ridge, also just west of Denver; the trails of Colorado Monument outside of Grand Junction; the Summit County bike trail system that takes you from Breckenridge to Vail, around Dillon Reservoir and over part of Swan Mountain; and Cottonwood Pass west of Buena Vista. If downhill mountain biking is your pursuit, here’s a list of the best places to go downhill mountain bike in Colorado.
Colorado’s E-bike Tax Credit
Have you heard the news? There is a new tax credit available at the time of purchasing a new e-bike. For complete details about the new Colorado-sponsored program, check the State’s Energy Office website.
Canon City
Travel to Canon City, Colorado
Tucked into the folds and bluffs of the Arkansas Valley in south central Colorado, Canon City boasts the nickname of “The Climate Capital of Colorado” due to the mild climate. The relaxed pace of the region’s quaint small towns, spectacular scenery, year-round outdoor activities, The Royal Gorge Park & Bridge, and The Arkansas River, which flows through the region, make this the perfect vacation destination. Request a FREE Vacation Guide.
Favorite Things to Do in the Royal Gorge Region
- Royal Gorge Bridge and Park – a must-see and do experience. Cross America’s highest suspension bridge and participate in the other features offered at the park.
- Whitewater rafting through the Royal Gorge Canyon – a very popular way to see and experience all the wonders of the Royal Gorge Canyon and the Arkansas River.
- Jeep Tours – The Royal Gorge Region is an amazing place to travel through. Featuring a high alpine desert landscape and a plethora of off-road routes.
- Royal Gorge Scenic Train – climb onboard the original transcontinental passenger train from the early 1900s.
- The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey – voted “Best Front Range Tasting Room” by Colorado Vine. The wine-tasting room is open daily.
- Mountain Biking & Hiking – are understated activities but many exceptional miles of trails await.
About Canon City and Regional Attractions
Family fun starts with a memorable ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The historic tracks follow the Arkansas River through the Royal Gorge Canyon, with views of the bridge from below. The whole family will enjoy exploring the unique rock formations and historic dinosaur sites. Leisure seekers will delight in the one-of-a-kind galleries, renowned antiquing, wine tasting, golfing, and fishing.
Canon City is home to The Royal Gorge, which has a width of 50 feet at the base of the gorge and a few hundred feet at its top, with a depth of 1,200 feet; the 10-mile-long canyon is a stunning natural wonder. 1929, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges was built over the Grand Gorge. The Royal Gorge Bridge has a quarter-mile long span and hangs 1,053 feet above the gorge. The bridge is one of Colorado’s most popular attractions.
Royal Gorge Region Visitors Guide Flipbook
Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain, Co. – More Than a World-Class Ski Resort
Copper Mnt | 866-841-2481 | 866-841-2481
209 Ten Mile Circle, Copper Mountain, CO 80443
While Copper is best known as a world-class ski area and snowboard park, guests also enjoy the resort’s intimate, pedestrian-only villages, which offer restaurants, family-friendly activities, shopping, and comfortable lodging, all within walking distance to the lifts. Copper Mountain is conveniently located just 75 miles west of Denver in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and offers nearby access to snowmobile tours, dog-sledding, and shopping just six miles away in Frisco. Copper’s naturally-divided terrain provides the perfect place to learn or hone your skiing or riding skills. With over 140 trails, 23 lifts, 2,465 acres of skiable terrain, and a mountain peak height of 12,313, Copper Mountain is a local’s favorite on a powder day or any day.
Request more information about Copper Mountain
Summer Time at the Ski Area
Nestled in the White River National Forest, Copper Mountain ski resort transforms into a summer vacation playground for the whole family. Popular attractions include:
The Rocky Mountain Coaster – Cruise through the forest on a tracked coaster. 5,800 feet long in fact and maxes out at 25 miles per hour. The longest North American alpine coaster. Something you don’t want to miss.
Copper Creek Golf – Experience golfing with the stunning Ten Mile Range backdrop. Outstanding service and prices that will keep you coming back. Season passes are available.
Mountain Biking at the Resort – A mountain biking paradise. From long rides into the Rockies to some of the best lift-service single track in Colorado. A Bike Haul is offered for those seeking more of a downhill adventure. Check out the cross country trails near Copper Mountain Resort. These trails provide access to spectacular trails throughout Summit County.
Popular Cross-Country Mountain Bike Trails:
- Wheeler Trail – 10.3-mile point to point
A classic alpine single track with several miles over 12,000 feet. It’s popular to start from the McCullough Road trailhead and end at Copper Mountain. Enjoy amazing views of Quandary Peak and Gorge Range along the way. - Colorado Trail – Copper Mountain to Searle Pass – 19.3 miles round trip
Start right at the base of Copper Mountain and top out at 12,044 feet. Best during late summer when all the high-elevation snow has melted. Climb through alpine meadows with expansive views. - Friso 20 Loop – 19.9-mile loop
A classic ride that connects Copper with Frisco on a mix of roads and trails. The loop combines sections of the Wheeler Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the Peaks Trail. Giving you a little bit of everything, including 3,000 feet of climbing.
There’s more at Copper Mountain Resort
They have scheduled year-round events such as music, art, or yoga retreats. Fun parks for kids and young adults. An assortment of spas, shopping, and dining. You can surely find a mountain vacation experience to satisfy the whole group.
Castle Rock
Things To Do in Castle Rock
It’s easy to see how Castle Rock got its name when one spies the castle-shaped butte towering high above the town center. The town’s history is also easily visible in the original, well-preserved homes, cafés, and churches throughout the area. Many of these were built using the unusual rhyolite stone that originally attracted the settlers who founded the town in the mid-to-late 18th century. Prior to their arrival, the area was occupied by Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indian tribes. Today, nearly 60,0000 people call Castle Rock home.
With roots in mining and railroads, this affluent town offers an updated taste of the Old West. It boasts a historic downtown area, 265 acres of parks, and 44 miles of trails. Castle Rock, easily accessible by Interstate 25, is home to the Outlets at Castle Rock (the largest open-air outlet center in the State) and is the seat of Douglas County. The town encompasses 33 square miles and sits in the East Plum Creek Valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 6,202 feet.
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Castle Rock is a safe and welcoming place to enjoy the brisk Colorado air year round.
Quality Inn – Ouray
Our Quality Inn® hotel in Ouray, CO has the value you’re looking for when you travel. Enjoy a variety of amenities and friendly service when you stay at our affordable, pet friendly hotel located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado.
South Park
South Park, Colorado
Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, South Park Colorado is a microcosm of Western history. From deep canyons to vast grasslands to snowy peaks and alpine meadows, this compelling basin is home to the nation’s highest incorporated town, gold mines, cattle ranches, and mountain passes. As one of only 49 National Heritage Areas in the United States, South Park offers a rare glimpse of pioneer life at high altitudes during the settlement of the American West.
This region is a landscape rich with heritage and attracts individuals who value Western authenticity. Some ranches have been operated for five generations by the same family. As they have for centuries, residents still depend on the land for their livelihood, recreation, and quality of life. As other places lose their inherent charm, South Park becomes a more engaging destination.
South Park Heritage
South Park boasts an array of nationally significant artifacts that reflect different aspects of this country’s heritage. The basin’s high peaks, clear streams, and copious wildlife embody the resources that sustained the native people and attracted settlers west. Hundreds of historic sites and structures still remain 150 years after the development of early mining, railroading, and ranching at 10,000 feet. Local events celebrate the lives of early pioneers in this area. Together, these resources and traditions evoke images of the struggle for prosperity that played out within the ring of mountains that define Colorado’s largest mountain park.
Park County Courthouse
Seven years after Fairplay became the county seat in 1867, the old Park County Courthouse was built of native sandstone in the Italianate style. Along with the adjacent stone jail, this building witnessed a parade of the famous, the notorious, and the ordinary. Known as the “hanging court,” decisions made here had a profound impact on Colorado case law. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a public library and is one of 12 properties showcased in the Fairplay Historic Walking Tour brochure.
Boreas Pass Section House
Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Boreas Pass Section House was built in 1882 to house railroad workers on the Denver, SP & Pacific Railroad Highline Route between Como and Breckenridge. Next to the Section House, the 1860s Wagon Cabin was built when this route was a mere wagon trail over the Continental Divide. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, these structures now serve as a visitor center and museum during summer and a backcountry ski hut during winter.
More About South Park Colorado
Perhaps you’re curious about the more modern attraction, the cartoon South Park. What does this area of Colorado have to do with the cartoon anyway? One can really only speculate on the subject. Perhaps these two places (one real, the other fictional) have nothing to do with one another. It’s just a mere coincidence that they bear similar names. However, it’s also possible that there’s more to it than mere coincidence. One similarity that stands out is that the historical South Park was outlandish, full of ironies and scandal. This is also true about the cartoon. Learn more about South Park, Fairplay, and Conifer, Colorado. Some interesting connections between them might satisfy your curiosity.