Whether you decide to drive between Durango and Silverton, or take the train, you’re in for a visual treat (although the train takes a slightly different route, and the tracks are almost never visible from the road). The 48 mile route crosses two engine-straining mountain passes.
The first is Coal Bank, at 10,640 feet.
Drive just a few more miles and you’ll find a great lakefront park atop the second pass, Molas Pass, which tops out just 90 feet shy of the 11,000 mark.
The above picture shows coal bank summit on the left. The higher peak on the right is Engineer Mountain, which tops out at 12,968 feet.
More mountains, visible from the park: Turk’s Head is on the right (elevation 12,734 feet), and an unnamed peak on the left (12,849 feet).
You can park at the viewpoint and walk to the lake, or follow the paved road as it circles around to a larger parking area. I imagine on a calm day, you’d see a great reflection of the mountains on the water’s surface.
Note: This trip was first published in 2005.