PONDEROSA RANCH
Railroad Photography ~ "Gateway to Crawford Hill"
The BNSF railroad has track through the west part of the ranch. One can watch massive 12-15 thousand tons of coal being shoved over Crawford Hill. Set up your tripod on Breezy Pont (Windy Point) and get some great shots of the trains around horseshoe bend.
Beautiful scenery, tight curves, steep hills, and high traffic, between 40-60 trains per day, make this a "must see" for serious railfans. Our cabin is located 1 mile from the tracks on an unmaintained road. A high clearance vehicle, (truck or SUV) is recommended if you wish to drive to the tracks.
Photos courtesy of Dave Franklin and Tim Tonge
Dave's story: "...the Lund's property completely surrounds the horseshoe curve and gives you every angle, both high and low. It also provides the opportunity to take all your pictures with the sun at your back-the perfect training experience! With the trains traveling slow and approximately 26 per day, make sure you have lots of film! One other point, and probably the most important, I would like to acknowledge is that because the Lund's property surrounds the entire curve, there is absolutely no need for trespassing & the experience is completely safe." (Dave's Full Story)
Tim's story: Trainorders.com - Western Railroad Discussion, RailroadForums.Com - Crawford Hill - Windy Point trip
2008 Rates
Railfan package - Lodging, breakfast, and safe and legal access to photo
"hotspots" for 1 or 2 adults - $100 per night plus sales and lodging tax.
Add $15 per night for each additional adult
We are happy to provide dinner for $10-15 per person, advanced notice is requested. We serve pancakes or french toast with homemade bread, bacon or sausage, coffee, milk, or orange juice for breakfast. Please let us know if advance if you have any special requests.
Day use only (no lodging or meals)-
Safe and legal access to photo "hotspots"
- $25 per group/vehicle
For 2008, the day use rate will only be available
when both our cabins are rented
Deposit - We request a 50% deposit when making a reservation and the balance is due upon arrival. Nebraska State sales and lodging tax will be added to the price. We are happy to take a personal check made payable to Ponderosa Ranch as we don't accept credit cards. Thank you!
Cancellation Policy - You have the option to apply your deposit to a future stay this year, otherwise cancellation 90 days before scheduled arrival date- $50 fee retained; cancellation less than 90 days before scheduled arrival date - full deposit is retained, unless replacement renter is obtained, in which case deposit less $50 cancellation fee is returned.
Please Contact Us with questions!
What will my family do while I take pictures of the train?
Horseback riding & Area Attractions, History, and Events