Colorado Railroads – Page 5 – Jim Pearson Photography

Denver and Rio Grande Western 7863, ex-Southern Pacific 7863, sits next to the old depot at South Fork, Colorado

Denver and Rio Grande Western 7863, ex-Southern Pacific 7863, sits next to the old depot at South Fork, Colorado on October 18th, 2023, along with several other pieces of equipment.

From what I can find online the depot is now used by Revolution Rail Company for a railbike operation. Here’s what they say on their website: After checking-in at the South Fork Railroad Station, rail bikers will receive a short safety briefing and the tour guides will lead the 6-mile out-and-back trip. Riders on the South Fork Run enjoy a gorgeous ride alongside the Rio Grande, featuring spectacular views of the surrounding terrain and vistas.

Feeling adventurous? We are now offering a Pedals and Paddles combo trip! Guides will lead guests on a 5-mile one way railbike trip that includes expansive vistas of the Rio Grande and Coller State Wildlife Area. Arriving at the rafting put-in, guests will join our partners Rocky Mountain Ski and Raft who will provide all equipment and safety instruction before beginning the 6-mile Rio Grande paddle excursion back to the Depot, for a perfect day in the San Luis Valley.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1600, ISO 120.

Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 168

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad 168 as it pulls a small train across a small bridge at Lower Whiplash, as it heads for Osier, Colorado, on a recent photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 20th, 2023.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 16mm, f/5.6, 1/300, ISO 400.

The glow of the morning sun illuminates the horizon as Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad…

The glow of the morning sun illuminates the horizon as Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 makes its way through the Lava Curve, New Mexico, with a freight train on the way to Osier, 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.

According to History Colorado Website: Built in 1903 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Engine No. 463 is one of only two remaining locomotives of the K-27 series originally built for and operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The K-27 series was a departure from the design most prevalent on Colorado’s narrow-gauge lines, resulting in a locomotive with one and one-half times more power. The arrival of this series marked a significant turning point in the operation of the D&RGW’s narrow gauge lines that was to remain in effect until the end of Class I narrow gauge steam locomotion in 1968. The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad restored the engine to operating condition.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/160, ISO 170.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 approaches the water tower at Antonito, Colorado

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 approaches the water tower at Antonito, Colorado with a freight train, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 19th, 2023, as a switchman stands by to re-align the switch after he passes.

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.

According to History Colorado Website: Built in 1903 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Engine No. 463 is one of only two remaining locomotives of the K-27 series originally built for and operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The K-27 series was a departure from the design most prevalent on Colorado’s narrow-gauge lines, resulting in a locomotive with one and one-half times more power. The arrival of this series marked a significant turning point in the operation of the D&RGW’s narrow gauge lines that was to remain in effect until the end of Class I narrow gauge steam locomotion in 1968. The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad restored the engine to operating condition.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 10-24 @ 70mm, f/4.5, 1/2000, ISO 110.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head to Durango, Colorado at Goblin Fire (480.5) with snow covered Pigeon and Turret Peaks in the background, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 64.

railroad, railroads train, trains, best photo. sold photo, railway, railway, sold train photos, sold train pictures, steam trains, rail transport, railroad engines, pictures of trains, pictures of railways, best train photograph, best photo, photography of trains, steam, train photography, sold picture, best sold picture, Jim Pearson Photography, Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad, steam train, drgwrr

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 leads a K-28 100th Anniversary Special…

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 leads a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head to Durango, Colorado at Goblin Fire (480.5) with snow covered Pigeon and Turret Peaks in the background, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/2.8, 1/1000, ISO 64.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 476 runs as a mid-train helper on a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head through the curve at Goblin Fire, Milepost 480.5, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 95mm, f/5.6, 1/800, ISO 110.

railroad, railroads train, trains, best photo. sold photo, railway, railway, sold train photos, sold train pictures, steam trains, rail transport, railroad engines, pictures of trains, pictures of railways, best train photograph, best photo, photography of trains, steam, train photography, sold picture, best sold picture, Jim Pearson Photography, Durango and Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad, steam train, drgwrr

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge K-28 100th Anniversary Special…

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 with 476 as a mid-train helper on a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head through the curve at Goblin Fire, Milepost 480.5, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @ 95mm, f/5.6, 1/800, ISO 110.

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463…

This week’s Saturday Infrared photo is of Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 as it approaches Mud Tunnel at milepost 311.3 as it returns to Antonito from Osier, 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.

According to History Colorado Website: Built in 1903 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Engine No. 463 is one of only two remaining locomotives of the K-27 series originally built for and operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The K-27 series was a departure from the design most prevalent on Colorado’s narrow-gauge lines, resulting in a locomotive with one and one-half times more power. The arrival of this series marked a significant turning point in the operation of the D&RGW’s narrow gauge lines that was to remain in effect until the end of Class I narrow gauge steam locomotion in 1968. The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad restored the engine to operating condition.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 10-24 @24mm, f/5.6, 1/220, ISO 400.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 heads toward Osier, Colorado

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 heads through the countryside between Antonito and Osier, 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.

According to History Colorado Website: Built in 1903 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Engine No. 463 is one of only two remaining locomotives of the K-27 series originally built for and operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The K-27 series was a departure from the design most prevalent on Colorado’s narrow-gauge lines, resulting in a locomotive with one and one-half times more power. The arrival of this series marked a significant turning point in the operation of the D&RGW’s narrow gauge lines that was to remain in effect until the end of Class I narrow gauge steam locomotion in 1968. The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad restored the engine to operating condition.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @300mm, f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO 125.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463…

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 as it passes through the curve headed up to the Lava Water Tank at sunrise, between Antonito and Osier, 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.

According to History Colorado Website: Built in 1903 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, Engine No. 463 is one of only two remaining locomotives of the K-27 series originally built for and operated by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

The K-27 series was a departure from the design most prevalent on Colorado’s narrow-gauge lines, resulting in a locomotive with one and one-half times more power. The arrival of this series marked a significant turning point in the operation of the D&RGW’s narrow gauge lines that was to remain in effect until the end of Class I narrow gauge steam locomotion in 1968. The Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad restored the engine to operating condition.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Nikon 70-300 @112mm, f/8, 1/2000, ISO 160.

Minnesota Zephyr F7 804 (RPCX 804) sitting in the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad (SL&RG) yard…

During my recent trip to Colorado to chase steam we stayed in Alamosa for the Cumbres and Toltec portion of the trip. On October 18th, 2023, I captured this shot of Minnesota Zephyr F7 804 (RPCX 804) sitting in the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad (SL&RG) yard there.

According to Railfan and Railroad Magazine, The F7 was always a rarity on Alco-dominated SP&S, which bought just three F3s and four F7s, compared to 34 of Alco’s FA models. Even today, five of the Alco cab units exist in some form but the former SP&S 804 is only EMD cab. Built in January 1953, all four F7s worked as Burlington Northern units nearly a decade after the Alcos were scrapped or sold off, but only 804 found a second career when it was retired in 1981. After several short line stints, the engine was used on the Minnesota Zephyr excursion in the late 1990s. That folded in 2007 and the engine sat in Stillwater, Minn., until it was purchased for the Iowa Pacific Holdings-owned San Luis & Rio Grande and moved to Colorado in 2015. It was at risk of being sold for scrap during the recent bankruptcy liquidation of SL&RG, but was rescued thanks to contributions by members of the SP&S Historical Society.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/1600, ISO 130.

Digital Photo Art – On October 19th, 2023, the crew on Cumbres and Toltec 463 rounds a curve…

Digital Photo Art – On October 19th, 2023, the crew on Cumbres and Toltec 463 rounds a curve as glint from the rising sun illuminates their freight train during a recent photo charter, between Antonio and Osier, CO, by Dak Dillion Photography.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 29mm, f/2.8, 1/4000, ISO 360.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 476 runs as a mid-train helper…

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 476 runs as a mid-train helper on a K-28 100th Anniversary Special as they head through through the Repeating Curves at MP 472.2, along the Animas River, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 64.

K-28 100th Anniversary Special through the Repeating Curves at MP 472.2…

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 leads a K-28 100th Anniversary Special with D&RGW 476 as a mid-train helper through the Repeating Curves at MP 472.2, along the Animas River, between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, on October 16th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 70mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO 72.

The hostler on Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway 463 works on the engine at dusk…

The hostler on Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway 463 works on the engine at dusk as it, along with 168 and 488 rest outside the engine house at Antonito, Colorado after a day of work. Dusk is a magical time to capture images anywhere, but this was during photoshoot hosted by Dak Dillion Photography during a two-day photo charter, between Antonito and Osier, CO.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @52mm, f/8, 1/125, ISO 900.

Stars fill the sky on the night of October 19th, 2023, as the crew on D&RGW 463 takes on water at the yards water tank at Antonito, Colorado, during the night photoshoot hosted by Dak Dillion Photography during a two-day photo charter, between Antonito and Osier, CO.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @36mm, f/8, 3 seconds, ISO 1400.

#trainphotographyphotoart #photoartrailroadphotography #photoarttrains #photoartrailways #trainphotographer #railroadphotographer #jimpearsonphotography #NikonD800 #digitalphotoart #steamtrain #ColoradoSteamTrain #D&RGW

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway 463 takes on water at the yards water tank at Antonito, Colorado

Stars fill the sky on the night of October 19th, 2023, as the crew on Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway 463 takes on water at the yards water tank at Antonito, Colorado, during the night photoshoot on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, hosted by Dak Dillion Photography during a two-day photo charter, between Antonito and Osier, CO.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @36mm, f/8, 3 seconds, ISO 1400.

Carolina Southern 9163 F7A unit, San Luis & Rio Grande (BUGX 227) and Rio Grande (BUGX 1100) at Alamosa, CO

During my trip to Colorado to chase steam we stayed in Alamosa for the Cumbres and Toltec portion of the trip. On October 18th, 2023, I captured this lash-up of a Carolina Southern 9163 F7A unit, San Luis & Rio Grande (BUGX 227) and Rio Grande (BUGX 1100), sitting in the Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad yard there. While I don’t normally capture scenes of locomotives that aren’t what I refer to as alive (have lights on, underpower or moving) I thought these old war horses warranted a photo.

I really don’t know a lot about them or their running condition, other than what I found on the web below.

Carolina Southern Railroad No. 9163 was built in 1950 and went to Canadian National Railway in 1952. Carolina Southern was an 80-mile short line based in Conway South Carolina that started service in 1995. The line shut down in 2011 and was sold to R. J. Corman in 2015. Locomotive No. 9163 was acquired by Iowa Pacific Holdings and was delivered to subsidiary San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad in Alamosa, Colorado. In 2022.

San Luis & Rio Grande (BUGX 227) F40PH-2, which was converted to a SLUG from what I find on the web, was built in May of 1976 and started its life as and engine in Amtrak’s fleet. According to the Diesel Shop its history is: ex LBWR/SLRG 227 (Lubbock & Western Railway); ex TNMR/SLRG 227 (Texas-New Mexico Railroad); ex SLRG 227; ex AMTK F40PH 227.

According to the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad Roser site, (BUGX 1100) FP10 was built in December of 1946 as Built as GM&O F3A 805A, Rebuilt as FP10 MBTA 1100 and then To SLRG Aug-2006.

BUGX is Dieselmotive Company, Inc (Reporting mark: BUGX) is also known as the Bruggere and Monson Railroad is a company that owns, operates and maintains diesel locomotives. and according to the markings on the latter two engines, I assume they now own the 227 and 1100.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/8, 1/2000, ISO 220.

Denver and Rio Grande Western steam locomotives 473 and 493 head up a daily passenger train at Granite Point

Denver and Rio Grande Western steam locomotives 473 and 493 head up a daily passenger train as they pull around the curve approaching Granite Point, just outside of Rockwood, Colorado, as they head to Silverton, CO, on October 15th, 2023. If you look closely at in the far-right center of the photo you’ll see the famous Big Diehl Photography who hiked into this point, perched on the mountain side, capturing the trains sights and sounds as it works upgrade!

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 22mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 100.

Denver and Rio Grande Western steam locomotive 493 departs Rockwood, CO

Denver and Rio Grande Western steam locomotive 493 heads up a daily passenger train as they pull from the station at Rockwood, Colorado, as they head back to Durango after their trip to Silverton, CO, on October 14th, 2023.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Nikon D810, RAW, Sigma 24-70 @ 24mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO 400.

Infrared photo, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 and D&RGW 493…

In this week’s Saturday Infrared photo, we catch Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge steam locomotive D&RGW 473 and D&RGW 493 as it pulls into the station at Durango, Colorado, on October 17th, 2023, as the sunsets.

According to Wikipedia: The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, often abbreviated as the D&SNG, is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow-gauge heritage railroad that operates on 45.2 mi (72.7 km) of track between Durango and Silverton, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and was also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1968.

Tech Info: Fuji XT-1, RAW, Converted to 720nm B&W IR, Nikon 10-24 @ 10mm, f/4.5, 1/35, ISO 400.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 168 passes over Ferguson’s Trestle…

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 168 passes over Ferguson’s Trestle at MP 285.87 at sunrise as it heads to Osier, Colorado, during a photo charter by Dak Dillon Photography on October 20th, 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 @ 24mm, f/3.2, 1/1600, ISO 100.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 passes the Lava water tank at Sunrise

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 463 passes the Lava water tank as the sun rises behind their train, between Antonito and Osier, 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 @ 24mm, f/3.2, 1/4000, ISO 80.