Credit: Yosemite Mtn Sugar Pine via IG @yosemite_steam_trains
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Ah, spring! Birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the days are getting longer and warmer. Flowers are starting to bloom everywhere, from backyards and city parks to the desert! It’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors without the scorching heat of summer or the biting cold of winter.
And though SoCal lacks the dramatic, lush green scenery of other regions, a short trip into the central Sierra offers a front-row seat to this seasonal spectacle. The Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad lets you ride through the forest’s vibrant spring scenery and is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in America by Visit USA Parks.
A winding road through Yosemite’s history
The railroad is a narrow-gauge line founded in 1965 along a restored segment of an old lumber company route. Vintage locomotives and carefully maintained cars give visitors a taste of early 20th-century rail travel. Open-air gondolas let passengers feel the crisp spring air, covered coaches provide a classic ride, and first-class options with cupola or caboose seating offer an upgraded experience.
The train ride operates along a restored 2-mile segment of the original route of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company, using vintage locomotives and equipment to offer visitors a glimpse into the past.
The ultimate steam train adventure 
Credit: Yosemite Mtn Sugar Pine via IG @yosemite_steam_trains
The train ride’s main excursion stretches about 4 miles into the Sierra National Forest, over a route that offers breathtaking views of the forest, with a brief stop in Lewis Creek Canyon to observe the locomotive up close and explore the surroundings.
But beyond the scenic vistas, the train ride excursion offers a variety of activities such as gold panning in an authentic sluice box and visiting The Thornberry Museum, housed in a relocated 140-year-old log cabin.
A magical train ride just in time for spring
The Yosemite steam train operates seasonally from spring through fall, typically starting in late March to November. This year, the first available rides can be booked starting on Saturday, March 28, with Standard rides starting at around $37 with reduced rates for children. First-class options are also available for those seeking an upgraded experience.
Spring trails and scenic views in Yosemite
To make the most of your spring adventure, the surrounding Sierra National Forest offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography. Just a short walk from the railroad, the Lewis Creek Trail winds through meadows and forests bursting with fresh green foliage and wildflowers.
You can take a quick 0.5-mile round-trip hike to see the 80-foot Corlieu Falls tumbling through a narrow canyon, or a longer 3-mile round-trip to Red Rock Falls, where the waterfall swells with the spring melt.
📍 Location: 56001 California 41 Fish Camp, CA 93623
📆 Hours: Daily, 9 AM-2 PM
🚂 Ticket info: General admission $37