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Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad: A Ride into History

Step back in time on a historic steam train journey through Yosemite's Sierra National Forest. Experience the sights and sounds of a bygone logging era.

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Experience a nostalgic journey on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railway located near Yosemite National Park's southern entrance. Ride vintage Shay steam engines through the Sierra National Forest, reliving the sights and sounds of early 20th-century logging operations.

A brief summary to Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Local tips

  • Book your train ride in advance, especially during peak season (April through October), to secure your spot and get the best price.
  • Arrive early to allow time for parking, exploring the museum, and trying your hand at gold panning.
  • Consider the Moonlight Special for a unique evening experience, including a BBQ dinner and campfire entertainment.
  • Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family.
  • Upgrade to the First Class Coach or Cupola for a more exclusive experience with enhanced seating and views.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located on Highway 41, approximately 4 miles south of Yosemite National Park's South Entrance. From Yosemite Valley, take Highway 41 south for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The railroad will be on your left. Parking is available on-site. Limited parking may be available during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides seasonal bus service along Highway 41. From Yosemite Valley Lodge, take the YARTS bus towards Tenaya Lodge. The closest stop is at Tenaya Lodge, a few minutes away from the Railroad. Check the YARTS schedule for current fares and times. As of July 2025, a one-way fare from Yosemite Valley to Tenaya Lodge/ Fish Camp area is approximately $15-$40.

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Discover more about Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (YMSPRR) offers a unique and engaging step back in time, transporting visitors along a portion of the original Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company route. Established in 1961, the YMSPRR utilizes meticulously preserved historic railroad tracks, rolling stock, and locomotives to recreate a tourist line that echoes the region's rich logging history. Located just a short drive from Yosemite National Park's southern entrance, the railroad showcases two operating Shay steam locomotives, originally used to haul massive log trains through the Sierra Nevada. These powerful engines, dating back to 1913 and 1928, represent a bygone era when lumberjacks felled timber and flumes carried lumber to distant valleys. The one-hour narrated tour aboard "The Logger" takes passengers on a 4-mile route through the scenic Sierra National Forest, where the conductor shares captivating stories about the railroad, trees, and local wildlife. Beyond the train ride, visitors can explore the Thornberry Museum, offering insights into logging life at the turn of the century, and try their luck panning for gold in an authentic sluice box. For an extended experience, the YMSPRR offers special events like the Moonlight Special, a three-hour evening ride featuring a barbecue dinner and campfire sing-along. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is more than just a train ride; it's an immersive journey into the past, celebrating the history and heritage of the Sierra Nevada's logging industry.

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