This summer's last Blues Trains of 2018 take place next weekend and we have all the info needed to get you ready for a musical experience of a lifetime!
Tickets/Wristband Exchange:
Wristbands are required to board the train. To exchange your ticket for a wristband, please visit the box office between 2:00 pm and 6:50 pm The box office is located in front of the train depot at 479 Main Avenue in Durango (look for the pop-up tent with Blues Train signs).
Weekend Weather
According to The Weather Channel, the weekend weather report looks promising - highs in the 80's and lows in the 50's!
With that in mind, it's always good to be prepared. Two of the coaches are open-air coaches so dress appropriately. The Durango Blues Train will depart early evening and although we are expecting a warm summer evening, Colorado mountain weather can change instantly so be prepared for a crisp evening. Closed-tow, closed-heel shoes are strongly recommended - sandals are not advised. Due to the amount of airborne engine coal soot in the air, white clothing is not advised. Read more about recommended clothing to bring on our FAQs page below.
Parking
The Blues Train parking lot is located next to the rail yard at the corner of U.S. Hwy 550 and College Drive, just west of the McDonald's restaurant. Parking lot fees are $8.00 for a car, truck or motorcycle and $9.00 for an RV, bus, trailer or any vehicle utilizing more than one standard parking space. You will need to purchase a parking ticket for each date your vehicle is parked in the lot.
Schedule
The Blues Train is approximately 3.5 hours long round-trip. Train departure time is firm however return time to the Depot is tentative. The Blues Train begins boarding at 6:30 pm and departure time is 7:00 pm sharp! Please visit the box office in advance to avoid long lines before boarding.
- 6:30 pm - Boarding begins
- 7:00 pm - Depart station - music starts
- 8:00 pm - Arrive at Hermosa
- 8:00 - 8:30 pm - Push back to Animas Valley D&S Event Park
- 8:30 - 8:50 pm - Turn train engine around at Animas Valley D&S Event Park
- 8:50 - 9:10 pm - Push north towards Hermosa
- 9:10 - 10:10 pm - Return to Durango station
Modified Train Route
Due to the 416 Forest Fire earlier this year that devastated the fragile vegetation North of the town of Durango, recent mudslides caused by rainstorms have caused some damage to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train tracks. We will be running a modified route departing from the train depot in Durango running through the beautiful Animas Valley up to Hermosa at the foot of the San Juan Mountains. We will have similar track time but are unable to travel up to Rockwood due to track repairs.
Please note: due to the severe drought conditions in the Southwest, there will not be a smoke break intermission during the August trains. Now, here's what you can look forward to below and info on how to prepare for an amazing time.
Refreshments On Board
We highly encourage you to eat dinner prior to departure. For a list of some of our favorite restaurants around town, click here. Our partners at the Palace Restaurant are conveniently located adjacent to the event box office and entrance. Leading up to the boarding time they offer a special and expedited menu for riders.
Refreshments are for sale in our concession car located toward the center of the train and in the open-air train coaches. There is a cash bar featuring beer, wine, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. The menus will feature 8 different styles of tasty brews from our award-winning brewery and cider partners Ska Brewing, Telluride Brewing Co. and Big B's Juices and Hard Cider alongside delicious snacks from Serious Texas BBQ. For more info about food and drink on board, click here.
Make It A Full Weekend
With so much to do in and around town, why not make it a weekend?! For the Blues Train staff suggestions of summer recreational activities and how to plan a fun weekend in Durango during the Blues Train, click below.
Lodging Guide
Standing as the gateway between the towering San Juan Mountains and the vast Southwest Desert, Durango is a town bustling with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, plentiful dinning and bar options, historic relics and more! If you're coming for a musical voyage on the Durango Blues Train we recommend making it a weekend or a long weekend to explore what the treasured destination is all about. The Durango Blues Train lodging partners offer great accommodations, deals and more, to help you make the most of your trip. Click here to explore the guide.
Message Board
Don't have tickets yet? Tickets for August 17 & 18 may be sold out but don't worry! Check out our message board and connect with others to buy or sell tickets, ask questions and general info. To visit the Message Board, click below.
Questions
Questions about anything? Contact SBG Productions at (970) 728-8037 for Blues Train questions. For general inquiries regarding Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, please contact DSNGRR at (877) 872-4607.
Cheers and see you next weekend! All aboard!