A blooming cactus adds a pop of red to the canyon as #473 leads a Silverton-bound doubleheader along the banks of the Animas.

Wildfire smoke blowing in from Arizona and New Mexico casts a thick haze over the Animas River canyon as #473 leads a Silverton-bound doubleheader past Cement Wall.

Low clouds and steady rain make for a dramatic scene as the Durango & Silverton's No. 473 enters one of several narrow rock cuts between the high line and Rockwood.

SP 18 leads a doubleheader with 493 as it snakes along the Animas River on its final approach to Silverton.

No. 480 emerges from the Animas Canyon on its first run to Silverton as an oil burner.

Steam powered freight survives in the Animas Valley as #480 returns home after its first Silverton test run since converting to oil.

After making its first test run to Silverton since converting to burn oil, #480 crosses the Animas River on its return trip to Durango

It's a perfect spring day in Silverton as #473 makes the first of several crossings of the Animas River on its way back to Durango.

Tank Creek is running strong with spring melt as #473 hauls the Cascade Canyon Express back to Durango.

The snow capped peaks of the San Juans tower over 493 as it winds through the Animas River canyon on its way from Durango to Silverton.

After a soggy opening day of Silverton service, clear skies and bright sunshine greet riders on the Durango & Silverton as the train steams through the Animas River canyon.

SP 18 doubleheads with 493 on the first Silverton revenue trip in more than a year.

473 crosses the high bridge on its first revenue run as an oil burner.

A few days after a successful test run up to Silverton and back, #473 make her first revenue trip as an oil burner.

Spring is in full swing here in Durango, with new pops of color blossoming daily. Here, Southern Pacific No. 18 makes its way back to town on its first test run of the season. The engine will spen... (more)