Great restaurants, live music and outdoor recreation in the Southwest pair together for the perfect weekend getaway this summer. The Durango Blues Train has become a staple of the Durango's summertime fun, and here's 5 reasons why you should check it off your to-do list.
1. The Music
The Durango Blues Train is one of the most unique concert experiences you will ever have. You get to see six blues acts up close and personal in the comfort of a train car. Passengers are free to move from car to car and sample each musical artist. Similar to a multi-stage music festival, you can choose to spend time in the car you like the most or keep dancing from car to car!
2. The Train
You get to ride on a train that is over a century old. This is an experience that many people do not get to enjoy. The train is coal-fired and steam-powered, which is like experiencing travel in the Old West. This allows an enjoyable aspect for any history or trains buffs riding the Blues Train. This is the same beautiful scenery of the famous train featured in the Hollywood production, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."
3. The Views
Make sure to bring your camera! The Durango Blues Train provides some of the most amazing views that Colorado has to offer. The train has some open air gondola cars which allow for great site seeing while you enjoy the music. The ride covers about half of the famous trip between Durango and Silverton. That trip can take about six hours, whereas the Blues Train is about three hours round trip. This allows you to see some of the amazing views, without setting aside too much time.
4. The Passengers
The Durango Blues Train is such a great community of music fans that you inevitably make great friendships on your journey. Everything about the trip is so intimate that you have the opportunity to meet so many different people. The three hour ride allows you to bond with other people you may not have known at the beginning of the trip. All of this can be done from your seat or dance floor spot on the beautiful train while you and your new friends enjoy the awesome blues jams.
5. The Other Activities in Durango
The Durango Blues Train does not depart until 7:00 p.m which provides you with a full day of activities before embarking on the train. You can visit Mesa Verde, go on a brewery tour from one of 5 local breweries, hike or ride a bike on some of Colorado’s famous trails, tube or raft the Animas River or go rock climbing. To make a long story short, there is something for everyone to enjoy.