Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad & Thornberry Museum

Open seasonally from spring to late fall, dependent on snow levels, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a 4-mile railroad excursion that takes you back in time on a historic narrow gauge Shay steam train through the Sierra National Forest. 

Get ready to meet Locomotive #15, a living fossil that proudly claims the title of the oldest operating Three-Truck Narrow Gauge Shay Locomotive on the planet! Dating all the way back to the golden year of 1913, this iron giant has seen it all and lived to tell the tale.

But that’s not all! Say hello to Locomotive #10, a heavyweight champ among its narrow-gauge peers. Weighing in at a whopping 84 tons, this locomotive is a true testament to the engineering prowess of its time. Immerse Yourself in Nature

Take a seat on the carved-log benches and prepare to embark on a metaphorical time travel experience. Your conductor will spin yarns of loggers and stagecoaches while you keep a keen eye out for the towering Nelder Grove, majestically peering above the forest canopy on the eastern horizon.

The journey isn’t just about history; it’s a naturalist’s dream, too! Your guides will throw in some delightful surprises, pausing the historical tales to discuss the local flora and fauna. How did America’s wilderness look to those railroad pioneers and loggers? Unravel the secrets as you chug along the tracks.

For a truly enchanting evening, join the Moonlight Special barbeque dinner program. The conductors extend the tour to three hours, where you’ll enjoy a starlit sing-along by the campfire, savoring the ambiance of the bygone era.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a treasure trove of outdoor delights. Explore open-air railcars, savor delightful picnic lunches, discover the intriguing Thornberry History Museum, shop for the little ones at the toy depot, and try your luck at gold panning – all amidst the grandeur of nature. And don’t worry about leaving your furry friends behind – dogs ride for free, making this a truly pet-friendly attraction!

Climb aboard the slow train, and inhale the sweet aroma of Sugar Pine. The allure of the High Sierra is calling, and Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is ready to whisk you away on an unforgettable journey through time and nature. 

 Explore all the events and daily train rides— buy tickets now!