100th Anniversary: Photo Freights

Experience Authentic Freight Operations in Perfect Morning Light!

Activity Details

Friday:

Photo Freight – Chama to Cumbres Pass
Authentic Freight Operations in Perfect Morning Light
Experience a day of photo opportunities featuring K-36 locomotives hauling authentic freight consists up the challenging grade to Cumbres Pass.
This session includes a rear helper engine recreating the classic operating practices that made these locomotives famous.
Throughout the day, we will work multiple trains up Cumbres Pass, dropping the freight for use on Saturday. Each run will include carefully coordinated photo runby locations that capture different vistas from Chama to Cumbres Pass.

Saturday:

Photo Freight – Cumbres Pass to Antonito
Rare Eastbound Journey Through Los Pinos Valley at Dawn
Experience the Los Pinos Valley and iconic Cascade Trestle in rare morning light as we travel eastbound—a direction seldom photographed on this spectacular section of the line.
Beginning at sunrise from Cumbres Pass, witness the K-36 silhouetted against the dawn sky before descending through landscapes typically seen only in afternoon light during regular operations.
Our journey east will take us to Antonito with multiple runby locations along the way.

Sunday:

Photo Freight – Antonito to Osier
Journey Through Rugged High Desert, Canyon Walls, and Historic Tunnels
Experience the dramatic transition from high desert to towering rock walls as our K-36 locomotive powers through the most diverse terrain on the entire line.
This special excursion travels through steep-walled canyons, navigates two historic tunnels, and offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Our journey west will take us to Osier with multiple runby locations along the way.

What’s Included

Friday:

• Two runs up Cumbres Pass with different freight consists of roughly 8-10 cars, powered by two K-36 engines with a rear train helper
• Photography experience from early morning to late afternoon with multiple runby locations capturing unique angles
• Bus transportation between photo locations with the locomotives held at each location until all photographers are in position

Saturday:

• Full-day of photography from dawn to late afternoon
• Photo runbys at locations like Cascade Trestle, throughout Los Pinos Valley and on the way to Antonito
• Boxed lunch

Sunday:

• Full-day beginning with a sunrise photo location
• Multiple photo runbys showcasing the train against towering canyon walls and high desert vistas
• Special focus on Phantom Canyon’s spectacular scenery and challenging railroad engineering
• Boxed lunch

Check in Details

Please arrive 30 minutes before departure.

What to bring

• For your comfort, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad recommends that you consider the following when planning your trip.
• The mountains can bring about sudden changes in the weather. It is important to wear layered clothing and in the late summer and fall, bring a jacket.
• Sunscreen and ball caps are also suggested to protect you from the stronger sun rays.
• Wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is also important to protect your toes and ankles when in the yard and on the train.
• It is very important to wear protective eyewear to protect against cinders getting into your eyes. Sunglasses and prescription glasses are fine. We also sell safety glasses for your convenience.
• We also recommend bug spray because mosquitoes sometimes stow away on the train during the ride.
• Camera(s) of choice