u/C_O_L_E-98

My friend and I are trying to get a ride from Durango to Silverton, sometime around August 3rd, and am unsure how to do so without spending hundreds of dollars. I contacted a few car services but they were charging 200-300+. The train isn't exactly cheap either at $110 a ticket, and only running in the morning, all while being a 3 1/2 hr ride. We will be getting into Durango around 3pm. I haven't exactly seen a clear-cut answer for Uber either, is that an available option?

My friend and I intend to do the section hike of the CT, starting at Elk Pass in segment 24, and going to Durango (77 miles, 4 nights 5 days). Throughout virtually the entire stretch we will be at 10k feet or more, sometimes reaching 12.5k. We are going to spend the night prior in Durango (only about 14 hours there; 6.5k ft) but are worried that just will not be enough, coming from Phoenix (1.1k ft). How much might it help instead staying the night in Silverton (9.8k ft)? How can we prepare for the altitude, long-term (in training) and short term (when there just a day or 2 before). We are both young (20yo), healthy, and fit with a good bit of backpacking experience. Open to suggestions in either form or possibly changing details within our trip.