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Image of the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroads Shay #10 with new paint at the turnaround point in Lewis Creek Moonlight Ride Fish Camp California

All Aboard! Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Receives 10 Best Placement in USAToday

Fish Camp, CA June 17, 2024 - The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, an exciting excursion in the Sierra National Forest, ranked # 9 in the USAToday 10 Best Scenic Train Rides in 2024. The nominations for 10Best are selected by a panel of subject experts and voted on by editors before the list is voted on by the public, elevating the accomplishment of this ranking. 


“It is a great honor to be included in this list,” expressed Scott McGhee, General Manager of the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. “We are one of two railroads representing California and the only narrow gauge railroad in the state. We are extremely proud to represent the Southern Yosemite Gateway as one of the 10 best-voted train rides in the United States.” 

Exterior of the railroad station with guests enjoying the landscaping and waiting for the steam train.

The Stauffer Family has operated the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad since the 1960s, and it is home to two Shay locomotive steam engines. The Thornberry Museum on the property houses artifacts and detailed stories from the previous logging industry in Madera County. Children can experience their own “eureka” moment while panning for gold with the prospector and exploring the Toy Depot. 


The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a unique attraction, operates the 1-hour Logger Train ride daily from April to November, weather permitting. In addition, it offers a range of special edition trains throughout the summer and fall, each with its unique charm and entertainment. The Moonlight Special train, for instance, operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May through September, featuring a delightful BBQ dinner and live music performance at the Lewis Creek Amphitheater. The Yosemite Jazz Train, on the other hand, brings in talented artists from across the country for a live performance in the pines. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad also partners with the Golden Chain Theatre on the Moonlight Melodrama and the Halloween Limited Train. 


For more information on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and to book tickets, visit ymsprr.com

Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
Visit Yosemite - Madera County
Oakhurst Visitor Center, 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636
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