Dolores’ historic Galloping Goose No. 5 is scheduled for several excursions on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in March, April, May and July.
On March 14, 21, 28 and on April 4, the Goose will run from Durango to Cascade Canyon, a 52-mile round trip. Every passenger gets the opportunity to ride upfront with the motorman. Highlights include Durango, historic Rockwood and Tacoma, and Cascade Canyon. Cost is $99 per person.“These are great one-day adventures for local residents,” said Goose No. 5 motorman Joe Becker. “The Animas River will be running full and snow will be visible in the upper valley. The Goose will be sporting its snowplow as a precaution.”On May 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Goose will be part of the D&SNG Narrow Gauge Day. There will be three round trip runs from Durango to Event Park, a ten mile trip. The family event features hot dogs, music, museum tours, and characters dressed in period clothing from the Old West. Cost is $30 per person.On May 15, 16 the Goose will run from Durango to Silverton and back, a 90-mile round trip. The High Country Adventure tour travels into the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Passengers may disembark for lunch and sightseeing in Silverton. Other highlights include Rockwood, Cascade Canyon, Needleton and Elk Park and historic Silverton.On July 18-26, take a trip to Chama, New Mexico, for the 2020 Galloping Goose Reunion. Galloping Geese from around the country will ride the rails between Chama and Antonito, Colorado. The event is part of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroads’ 50th anniversary celebration.This month Dolores fifth grade students will take a field trip to the Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum, tour the roundhouse and back shops, and enjoy a one-hour ride on Goose No. 5.From the 1930s to 1952, the Galloping Geese — seven now-restored motorized railroad cars — carried passengers, mail and freight on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, which extended 160 miles between Ridgway, Dolores, Mancos and Durango. No. 5 is stationed in Dolores at a museum.
“The fact that Goose No. 5 still exists and is operational is a testament to the support it has received from the local community,” Becker said.
