Winter Photo Special 2023

February 10- Night Shoot* 6:30pm-9:00pm
February 11- Winter Photo Train   7:45am- between 4:00pm and 5:00pm
February 12- Winter Photo Train   7:45am- between 4:00pm and 5:00pm

*Must Purchase a Winter Photo Train ticket in order to participate in Night Photo Shoot. If there are any spaces available 24 hours before the night session, they will be made available to the general public.

Online booking is not available for the Photo Special events. Please call 1.877.872.4607 to book!

Overview:

Back by popular demand!

Join us for a truly unique Winter Photo Special featuring Locomotive 476 highlighted by a 1970’s consist with Rio Grande lettering and a Diamond Stack!

Unlike the regular excursion trains, Photographer Special Trains allow you to de-board at pre-determined locations both northbound and southbound to experience and photograph the pure majesty of the winter landscape in the San Juan Mountains. Opportunities abound to photograph this retro train against a backdrop of the high mountain peaks of the Rocky Mountains of southwest Colorado!  This will be a trip where you will make lifelong memories!

The 6 car consist will include Locomotive 476 with Rio Grande lettering and a Diamond Stack  Consist will be Coach 330, Coach 331, Coach 332, Concession Car 212, Coach 327, and Gondola 412..  Coach seating includes a boxed lunch and water. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic only).  Additional snacks and beverages will also be available for purchase.

Winter Evening Shoot
February 10- Night Shoot* 6:30pm-9:00pm.  Guests will need to arrive by 6:15pm in the depot for a safety briefing.
A rare opportunity to photograph locomotives in the D&S railyard at night.
(Must purchase photo train ticket to participate in Night Shoot*)*If space is still available within 48 hours of the Night Shoot, then it will be available to purchase as a stand alone event. 
Cost:
$75 per person

Winter Photo Special- 50 Years Ago In The Snow
2 Dates with two different run by locations!

Winter Photo Special
February 11
Train Departure 7:45am
Train Arrival between 4:00 and 5:00pm

Due to popular demand we have added a 2nd Photo Train.
Winter Photo Special
February 12
Train Departure 7:45am
Train Arrival between 4:00 and 5:00pm

Photo above by Jerry Day during the 2022 Fall Photo Special

This is a never before seen opportunity to experience this consist in the winter. Runby locations to be determined.

Fare:
$375* Coach seating (includes lunch)
*plus 8% historic preservation fee

Booking by phone only by calling 1-877-872-4607.  No online booking available.

This Photo Special includes lunch and water/soda. Guests with dietary restrictions are strongly encouraged to bring their own lunch.

Call 1.877.872.4607 to book

To view the D&SNGRR Policy on Commercial Use of Photographs, click here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL PHOTO SHOOT GUESTS:

Requirements For All Photo Shoots:
Physically Capable: We ask that guests be prepared for strenuous physical activity. This includes but not limited to being able to maneuver in rough, hilly, snow-packed, and unstable terrain.
Sturdy shoes. NO open toe/open back shoes. Hiking boots highly recommended.
Signed “Release of Liability” form.
Name badge must be worn at all times. These are distributed at the Durango Depot during orientation.
Guests must maintain silence during runbys.
Please wear neutral colored clothing in case you step in another person’s photo line.
Any participant not adhering to the direction of Railroad staff will be escorted off the property and no refund will be given.
Safety will not be compromised. Thank you for your cooperation.

General Information:
Please be aware that due to steep terrain and the possibility of deep snow, moderate to extreme physical activity will likely be required to access most run-by locations. Those who wish to avoid this exertion will always have the option to remain on board in the comfort of the train.

Tips and Suggestions for Riding the Photography Specials:
A sturdy tripod and a camera capable of long shutter speeds. Tripods help get a great photo but can be burdensome. Please use your best judgement.
A remote release or cable release isn’t critical but will certainly improve your odds of getting sharp pictures.
A small penlight or headlamp is helpful to see settings on your camera and help illuminate the ground around you.
Be sure to have plenty of battery power, memory cards or film to capture the unique opportunities of night photography.
Lens lengths from wide angle to 300mm are suitable.
Be rested and prepared for a full day on board the train. If you are coming from lower elevations, acclimate yourself to the altitude (6,512) a day in advance and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Clothing Suggestions:
A February night may get very cold in Durango and in the mountains. We recommend that you dress in layers, bring a coat, some gloves and ear warmers too!

Disclaimer:
Although the D&SNG strives to maintain the published schedules, consists and runbys, the D&SNG assumes no liability for any changes to the above. Consists, schedules and equipment may change without notice. In order to do all the scheduled runbys, photographers must listen to the directions of the staff. Accidents happen when people are rushed so we will not rush anyone. However, we may need to skip runbys in order to keep on schedule.

The D&SNG reserves the right to prevent any passenger from participating in photo runbys for failure to comply with railroad rules and regulations or directions set by the Conductor. If the Conductor has any safety concerns for for any passenger at any runby location, the D&S reserves the right to keep that passenger on board

The D&S reserves the right to change or cancel the Night Shoot if unforeseen circumstances arise. This includes but is not limited to severely inclement weather, equipment problems and schedule changes. Safety is our number one priority.

Run-bys: You will have opportunities to get photographs and videos of scenes few people will ever have a chance to get as the train stops in the remote wilderness for you to disembark at specially selected stops. The train will back out of view and once instructed by the conductor, with two long whistles it will proceed toward the photo line with smoke and steam hissing and billowing in the cold mountain air! Once passed out of sight, the train then returns to pick up the passengers to take them to the next photo run-by. We will plan on having at least 6 run-bys between Durango and our furthest destination of Cascade Canyon!

Photo Lens Recommendations