Just a few hours from San Francisco sits Yosemite National Park, which is known for its stunning natural wonders. The park is bordered by the Sierra National Forest, which regularly draws visitors for its mountain views and large redwoods. While the area is visited primarily for its natural beauty, it is also home to some fascinating California history, some of which remains today.
Logging started in the Sierra Nevada Mountains during the Gold Rush, and as a result, specialized locomotives were used to transport the lumber throughout the region. This is where the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad comes in. The company has preserved a part of California history with vintage trains, giving rides through the Sierra National Forest. The railroad has two historic Shay Trains, the #10 and #15. The steam trains date back to 1928 and 1913, respectively, and while they are retired from hauling lumber, they still offer a unique glimpse into California’s history.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is currently closed for the winter, but you can expect the rides to reopen in April 2026. The railway offers multiple ride options, with the Logger Steam journey being the most popular. The journey is one hour long, offering a scenic ride through the forest with educational narration to learn about the area’s history.
The railway also offers rides with a twist: the Moonlight Melodrama, featuring dinner and a show followed by a scenic journey. You can also take an evening trip that comes with dinner. Finally, you can embark on the jazz train, which features live music right in the forest.
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad’s history
The railroad was started by Rudy Stauffer and his family in 1967. The Stauffers moved to Fish Camp in 1954, which was located near the Sugar Pine Company sawmill at the entrance of Yosemite National Park. Rudy then built an Inn, which was located where the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company had transported lumber through the mountains. Rudy was fascinated with the logging history in the area, which eventually led to him purchasing the Shay locomotive, the #10, in 1965. The Stauffer family then laid 2 miles of track and opened a museum, officially inaugurating the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in 1967. The railroad is still run by the family today.
The railway is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from San Francisco. The area is filled with many scenic hiking trails and iconic viewpoints inside Yosemite National Park. You can learn more and book tickets here.
