Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam locomotive D&RGW 168 in rounds a curve as the engineer keeps a watchful eye ahead, on its way 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, Nikon 70-300 @ 185mm, f/5, 1/1000, ISO 80.