Christmas Tree Train

Create a new family memory! Ride the Cascade Canyon Train and cut your own Christmas Tree to be hauled back to Durango on the steam train!

Ride the regular Cascade Canyon Train but come prepared to cut your own Christmas Tree to be hauled back to Durango on the steam train! Maybe this will be a romantic couples day to choose your first Christmas tree together. Maybe a Family Day with mittens and hot chocolate for everyone!

The train ride was phenomenal.  We took so many pictures and getting a Yule tree was a great bonus.  The narrators, train staff and Forestry dept were great.  It was surreal to be dropped off to pick out a tree…put this on your bucket list!  I was giddy with excitement and feel so lucky to have had this experience.”  Trip Advisor Review Dec. 2018

YOU ARE HELPING THE FOREST! The San Juan National Forest has identified an area adjacent to the tracks near the Cascade Wye as needing hazardous fuels reduction. By cutting small white fir trees growing in the understory, passengers will help to reduce wildfire danger along the railroad corridor. In partnership with the San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District and San Juan Mountains Association, the D& SNGRR will be offering tree cutting permits the weekends leading up to Christmas this year.   This will be an additional opportunity with any Cascade train trip.  Permits may be reserved through us.  The D&SNGRR will be providing saws for cutting the trees that day.  Passengers are encouraged to bring weather appropriate clothing for the event.  The tree permit will cost $8, in addition to the regular winter train fare. One tree up to 20′ tall can be cut by each family for personal use.

Volunteers with SJMA will join train staff to assist passengers in selecting and cutting their own holiday tree at the Cascade Wye.
Trees will be loaded onto a special boxcar for the return ride home.   Cascade Canyon pavilion fireplace

At Cascade Canyon you can warm up by the fireplace and enjoy a hot beverage or walk to the footbridge over the Animas River.

To reserve your seat on the Christmas tree train, you must call (888) 872 4607.

Fares:
Standard:
Adult (age12+) $69*
Child (age 4-11 yrs)  $42*

Cinco:
Adult (age 21+) $119*

Knight Sky:
All ages  $119*

*All fares subject to 8% historic preservation fee

Important information:

~Cascade Canyon is a wilderness area. Please dress according to weather conditions both current and anticipated. You can expect cool weather any time in Colorado! Boots, gloves, hat, jacket, and sunglasses are all recommended. Snow pants optional depending on snow depth.
~Restrooms are available on board the train.
~For more information about other backcountry winter activities, information is available on the San Juan National Forest Web site at http://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan or call 970 247-4874.

To book this train, please call  1-888-872-4607

Guests  must reserve a tree permit through our reservations team when booking their excursion to ensure space.    Because the number of tree permits  is limited , booking early is strongly recommended.

Dates:  Dec. 1, 8, 15

Train Departure:  9:45 am
Train Return:  2:45pm

Create a new family memory

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