Is prior photography experience required?

Basic night photography knowledge is helpful but not mandatory; guides can provide tips during the event.

What time does the photo session start?

The session begins shortly after the Parade of Steam concludes, typically at dusk.

Are children allowed to participate?

Yes, but children should be supervised closely due to low light and railroad proximity.

Can I bring my own tripod and camera equipment?

Absolutely. Bringing your own gear is highly recommended to capture the best images.

Is parking available near the event site?

Limited parking is available near the depot in Chama; carpooling or arriving early is advised.

What if the weather is poor on the event night?

In case of adverse weather, the event may be postponed or rescheduled; check with Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for updates.

100th Anniversary Night Photo Session in Chama, NM | Photography Tour | Train

Celebrate a remarkable milestone with the 100th Anniversary Night Photo Session at Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Chama, New Mexico. This rare event brings multiple historic K-36 steam locomotives together for a unique night photo opportunity after the Parade of Steam, offering a striking scene of vintage engines illuminated against the starry sky. Photographers and train enthusiasts alike will appreciate the chance to capture these powerful machines in action under dramatic lighting, making it a memorable experience. The crisp mountain air and clear desert skies add to the magic, providing perfect conditions for long-exposure photography while honoring a century of railroading heritage. This private session combines history, art, and nature, allowing guests to witness a one-in-a-lifetime reunion of these legendary locomotives and create an extraordinary keepsake.

About Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad based in Antonito, Colorado, that operates scheduled scenic train experiences across the historic Cumbres Pass corridor. The railroad runs vintage 19th-century train cars and operates the historic locomotive 168 on select departures, delivering authentic steam-era travel through high mountain landscapes.

Trips include themed dinner and wine trains, deluxe and parlor-car Cumbres Express services, coach and open-air gondola options, geology-focused excursions, one-way journeys between Chama and Cumbres, and combined bus–train itineraries covering the Antonito–Chama route. Many departures feature a hot lunch or dinner at Osier station, interpretive commentary from knowledgeable guides, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

The railroad highlights the region’s geology, historic trestles, and sweeping mountain vistas while preserving original rolling stock and track alignment. Visitors travel across iconic structures such as the Wolf Creek trestle and ascend Cumbres Pass, experiencing panoramic views of the Rio Grande Rift and surrounding peaks.

Tickets are offered for specific named departures, including Dinner & Beer Train, 168 Dinner & Wine Train, Cumbres Express (Deluxe, Parlor, Coach), Continental Divide and Geology trains, and All Aboard Antonito one-way combinations. Passengers can choose seating classes ranging from coach to premium parlor cars and open-air gondolas for unobstructed scenery.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad emphasizes historic preservation, guided interpretation, and curated dining options to create memorable, authentic western railroad journeys from Antonito, Colorado. Reservations and ticketing details are available through channels for each named departure and seating class. Plan ahead for limited seating on popular dates.