Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad Day Trip

Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad is an exciting 4-mile railroad excursion near Yosemite Park’s south gate on Highway 41. Ride into history where powerful locomotives hauled massive log trains through the Sierra Mountains.

Where mighty loggers felled, the timber and flumes carried lumber to the distant valley below. The Sierra National Forest’s majestic woods provide the backdrop for the narrow gauge journey back in time. Open April through October, the Railroad features scenic train rides, gold panning, and an interesting little museum and gift shop.

Sugar Pine Railroad operates two steam shay locomotives along the historic route of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company. A Steam locomotive works twice a day during the summer months. The Railroad’s “Jenny” railcars, capable of carrying about a dozen passengers, run about once an hour if you miss the steam train.

The Train Ride

The Yosemite steam train ride lasts about one hour and takes you through the beautiful Sierra National Forest. The train travels about four miles on the historic Madera Sugar Pine Railroad through a forest of giant trees. Midway through the trip, there is a ten-minute break while the engine takes on the water before heading back to the station. You can sit in an open car resembling a log or in a covered car offering shade. This trip is pet-friendly; dogs ride free.

Steam Locomotive Number 10

Number 10 is a 3 ft narrow gauge three-truck Shay steam locomotive constructed for the Pickering Lumber Company. On March 2, 1928, the Lima Locomotive Works completed the locomotive in Lima, Ohio, and later acquired by the West Side Lumber Company in 1934. Number 10 burns oil and is the largest narrow-gauge Shay locomotive ever built.

Steam Locomotive Number 15

Number 15 is also a 3 ft narrow gauge three-truck Shay steam locomotive. It was initially constructed in 1913. It spent many years of service with the West Side Lumber Company until it shut down in the 1960s. From there, it hauled tourists for several years before becoming a static display in Tuolumne, California. The Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad acquired Number 15 in 1986 and has been there ever since.

Moonlight Specials

Along with the four-mile train trip, the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad offers moonlight specials during May. Enjoy a barbecued steak or chicken dinner and a stop-over in Lewis Creek Canyon for live music by the Sugar Pine band.

Getting There

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located at 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp, California. Tickets can be purchased online at the Railroad’s website or the gift shop before you board.  Plan on a one-hour drive from Fresno, California.

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