Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive 463 leads an early morning freight past the Lava water tank as it heads west at sunrise, out of Antonito, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023.
According to their website: the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a National Historic Landmark. At 64-miles in length, it is the longest, the highest and most authentic steam railroad in North America, traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West.
Owned by the states of Colorado and New Mexico, the train crosses state borders 11 times, zigzagging along canyon walls, burrowing through two tunnels, and steaming over 137-foot Cascade Trestle. All trains steam along through deep forests of aspens and evergreens, across high plains filled with wildflowers, and through a rocky gorge of remarkable geologic formations. Deer, antelope, elk, fox, eagles and even bear are frequently spotted on this family friendly, off-the grid adventure.
Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 42mm, f/3.2, 1/4000, ISO 64.