The Galloping Goose No.5 is based in Dolores but has been in Durango waiting for spring trips up the Animas Valley on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Because of avalanche danger, planned winter trips by the Goose were canceled, so it has been stored at the D&SNG’s roundhouse museum.
The Goose “snuggled” indoors while it waited out the winter in Durango until excursions could be rescheduled, said motorman Joe Becker.
On May 18 and May 19, passengers can ride the “Goose” on a five-hour trip to Cascade Canyon and back. These trips will follow a “passenger train” format with only limited stops.
The five-hour excursion includes narrow gauge mountain railroading experiences on the High Line and the Animas River Canyon.
An “over the motorman’s shoulder look” is a unique experience available to all Rio Goose No. 5 passengers, Becker said. That view is not available on any other train ride.
Tickets are priced at $119, and the Goose departs at 10 a.m.
With last winter’s snowmelt, the Animas River will be running full, and spring will be in full bloom. The replica snowplow on the Goose will remain attached, just in case. Contact the railroad at 970-247-2733 for more information and tickets.
On Thursday, fifth graders from Dolores will tour the Durango & Silverton train museum and roundhouse and enjoy a 1½ hour ride on Goose No. 5, to Railroad Park and back. “This unique opportunity allows students to live history and experience what it was like to ride the Goose,” Becker said.
On Friday, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge will celebrate the start of its summer tourist excursions to Silverton with a picnic and entertainment at the train station.
Goose No. 5 will provide $25 trips to Railroad Park and back, a chance for a brief Goose No. 5 excursion experience. Check out the D&SNG’s Special Events webpage for more information.