The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad will host a photographers spectacular excursion on the La Veta Pass Route August 22 - 23.  This event is located in Alamosa but it will take place right after Railfest in Durango so be sure to hop on over to Alamosa for this great event. 



Photographers and train enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to pair their passions on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad’s Photographers Spectacular Excursion, scheduled for August 22-23 along the La Veta Pass route. This two-day event will be one of the most comprehensive photo opportunities and content-rich events in the railroad industry during 2011.

For the serious photography enthusiast, this event offers:

• A two-day excursion to maximize light and weather opportunities
• Up to 24 different run-by opportunities
• Three different trains
• Train crew in period dress
• Classic vehicles staged at strategic locations and crossings
• Steam train and diesel train combinations
• Freight and passenger train combinations
• Flexibility in photo location selection to take advantage of lighting and photographic angles
• An even mixture of close-up, run-by, video, and long-lens photo opportunities

Other amenities to make this excursion fun and memorable include private label beer, live music, onboard meals and locomotive cab tours. 

“Our Photographers Spectacular Excursion is one of the most unique rail events in the United States, and it is tons of fun for anyone who loves trains and likes to tinker with photography or videography,” said Matt Abbey, General Manager of the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. “Amateur and professional shutterbugs will have an entire train line and a fleet of antique engines and cars at their service, like they are Cecil B DeMille or John Ford directing a grand cinematic epic. It’s tremendous fun for all of us at Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, and a truly unique opportunity for our passengers.”

Scheduled photo stops are designed to maximize chances of getting that “once in a lifetime shot.” Day one is primarily run-by, close-up shooting with a couple of long-lens opportunities. Some stops will include staged period-correct automobiles. The train will depart from Alamosa and head east to the summit of La Veta Pass at Fir. There will be two trains to shoot; one steam powered passenger train and one diesel powered passenger train. There will also be a night photo opportunity in La Veta with the regular interchange freight train. Day two offers primarily canyon, long-lens shots with a few close ups as well. The train departs from La Veta, Westbound to Fort Garland. Again, two trains will be available to shoot, including a steam powered freight train and a diesel powered passenger train.  Passengers can purchase ticket for both ways at $299; an eastbound train with a shuttle return for $199 or a westbound train with shuttle return to La Veta for $199.

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad depot is located at 610 State Ave., Alamosa, Colo. To purchase tickets or for more information call 877.726.RAIL or visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad conducts fun, nostalgic and entertainment-filled train excursions through one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the Rocky Mountain region. Founded in 1878 as the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, it played a critical role in the region’s development for decades and today provides memorable trips from Alamosa to the Spanish Peaks and the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad will host numerous special events during 2011, including a summer concert series onboard the trains, the Rails & Ales Brewfest, special steam trains to Antonito and Monte Vista, Saturday evening dinner trains, a Photo Spectacular excursion, and much more. The Rio Grande’s sister railways include the Mount Hood Railroad in the Columbia River Gorge, the Copper Spike Train in Arizona, the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad in New York State and the West Texas Polar Express™ and charter excursions with High Iron Travel. For more information, visit the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Online.

Current News, Information, Fun Things To Do, Accommodations, Ski Packages, Weddings, Family Reunions Or Simply An Amazing Vacation In The Southwest Colorado Mountains ~ Durango.com Is Your Resource Covering Durango, San Juan Mountain and The Four Corners Area!