Fall Photo: The Animas Canyon after Dark

Fall Photo 2026: The Animas Canyon after Dark

A Rare Night-Photography Event with Pete Lerro

Dates: October 19th–21st, 2026

Booking: By phone only by calling 970-247-2733 or 1-877-872-4607.

Overview

To continue providing unparalleled experiences for our photography community, the Durango & Silverton is proud to announce an incredibly rare night-railroading excursion: “The Animas Canyon After Dark.”

This exclusive event takes you deep into the heart of the Animas Canyon under the night sky to capture signature locations along the line. Guided by the expertise of Pete Lerro of Lerro Photography—a master who has been coordinating renowned railroad night-photo sessions for nearly 20 years—each scene will be professionally staged and illuminated with specialized LED lighting to create dramatic, portfolio-worthy imagery of both still and action railroading.

To ensure the highest level of safety and an intimate, uncrowded shooting environment, capacity is capped at 35 guests.

A Unique and Incredible Experience

Over the course of your choice of one or two nights, you will experience either 5 or 10 completely different professionally lit setups (5 unique locations per night). To maximize your comfort and convenience, the itinerary is designed so you can maintain a single hotel room in Durango for the duration of the event—no checking in and out or hauling luggage between towns. Bus transportation is fully integrated into your ticket.

If guests are riding both nights, they are encouraged to book a room at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton at a discount. Guests must call Grand Imperial and reference Durango & Silverton Photo Event to book and obtain discount. Hotel rooms cannot be booked online for this event.

Required Gear: Participants must bring and be familiar with their own DSLR or mirrorless camera, a sturdy tripod, a remote cable release, and a reliable headlamp as well as sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Weather is unpredictable-please bring a rain coat and winter coat.

Itinerary & Schedule

Night 1: Monday, October 19th (Northbound Shoot)

6:40 PM: Train departs the Durango Depot. Shoot your way through the canyon under the stars.
4:30 AM (Oct 20): Train arrives in Silverton.
5:00 AM (Oct 20): Chartered bus departs Silverton, returning you to Durango in time to rest during the day.

Night 2: Tuesday, October 20th (Southbound Shoot)

6:00 PM: Chartered bus departs the Durango Depot to bring guests to Silverton.
7:15 PM: Train departs Silverton for a completely new set of night-photo locations.
5:00 AM (Oct 21): Train arrives back at the Durango Depot.

Ticket Pricing & Packages

Space is extremely limited. Secure your spot to experience the historical railroad as very few ever see it.

Full Two-Night Package: $1,404. (Includes all 10 photo locations, train excursions, and return/drop-off bus transportation)
Single-Night Pass: $810. (Select Night 1 or Night 2)