Railfan Train Package
$75 per night. 4 beds (two bunk beds)
$35 to just watch for the day
Nestled in the serene wilderness of Northwest Nebraska, our charming rental cabin is a dream come true for train enthusiasts. Perched near the iconic Crawford Hill, also known as Breezy Point, this cozy retreat offers front-row seats to the captivating spectacle of trains chugging their way up the steep grade with powerful pusher engines lending their might from behind.
Imagine relaxing on the deck with a warm cup of coffee, the tranquil sounds of nature harmonizing with the rhythmic clatter of the trains as they conquer the hill. Whether you're a seasoned rail fan or simply looking for a unique getaway, our cabin provides the perfect blend of comfort, natural beauty, and railfanning excitement.
Crawford Hill is the steepest grade on the BNSF Railway in Nebraska. A 1.55% grade that features famous twin horseshoe curves in the Pine Ridge. This challenging section of track requires helper locomotives to assist heavy coal trains in ascending the incline.
Ponderosa Ranch is a 3,600 acre working cattle and premier hunting ranch located in Northwestern Nebraska approximately eight miles southeast from Crawford and 30 miles southwest of Chadron, Nebraska. The property is an easy drive and just a few hours from Denver, Colorado. Commercial air service, colleges, hospitals and other major services are offered at Chadron, Nebraska (30 miles to the east) and Scottsbluff, Nebraska (80 miles to the south), or Rapid City, South Dakota (120 miles north). The ranch is easily accessed off of Highway 71 by well-maintained county roads.
House Rules
Check-in: 02:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Payment Schedule
50% of the total amount is due at time of reservation.
Remaining balance is due upon arrival at the ranch
Cancellation Policy
90% of paid prepayments refundable when canceled 60 days before arrival or earlier.
0% refundable if canceled after.
Location
680 Saw Mill Rd. Crawford, NE
Amenities
Parking & facilities
Parking
Policies
Accept credit card, Accessible 24/7, Children welcome, Pets allowed
Kitchen & dining
BBQ gas, Coffee machine, Cooking utensils, Kitchen stove, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Spices, Toaster
Location features
Rural
Bathroom & laundry
Bathroom and laundry room, Bed linen, Essentials, Shower, Towel set
Heating & cooling
Ceiling fans, General heating
Entertainment
DVD player
Home Safety
Fire extinguisher, Smoke detector
“What a wonderful opportunity. I've stayed on the ranch twice before. Once in 2008 and once in 2012, both times with a fellow Railfan and both times in the cabins lower down the road on what is now a different property. This stay was my first in the cabin up by the main house at the top of Jaymes' property. The cabin sleeps four in two bunkbeds and would've still been perfect had I not been travelling alone. The kitchen and living areas are ample for four people and the deck outside is great too. I was greeted on arrival by Jayme and his two cats and five lovely dogs. I especially warmed to the large Labrador and small lab puppy. I stayed for two nights and one full day which was more than enough time for me to enjoy taking photos of the night sky and to get all the railroad line side and drone shots I wanted to get. Jayme kindly offered me the use of his quad bike so I didn't have to do much hiking to get to the trackside. This isn't included in the price and was given to me at his discretion so it might not always be available. I'm very grateful nonetheless. I was able to fly my drone over the property to get some incredible shots and I would love to come back in future and do that again. Crawford town is about a 25 minute drive if you need supplies. Best to get those before you drive up the road to the cabin. I managed to get up there with my 2 wheel drive compact SUV but I'd recommend getting a 4x4 to navigate the sandy terrain, especially if its been raining. Cheers Michael Ratledge Bristol United Kingdom”
— Michael Ratledge Bristol, United Kingdom.
