Riding the Rails at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Today’s post is part of “Where to Go in Yosemite With Kids,” a series about our favorite places to explore with kids in Yosemite National Park.

OK, I admit it: my boys love trains. So the prospect of hopping aboard a historic steam train and riding through the sugar pines in Yosemite was alluring – and I knew it would be an extra special way for the explorers to see the Sierra National Forest.

The 4-mile, hour-long, narrated excursions aboard steam trains at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad take riders over tracks once used for logging trains at the turn of the century. There’s nothing remotely speedy or mighty about the ride, but it’s a fun way to see the Sierras. And kids love it.

About midway through the ride, there’s a rest stop. Riders are encouraged to get out and explore the area – and the kids can have their picture taken in front of the giant steamer and even take a turn in the driver’s seat.

In addition to logger steam train rides, there are also Jenny railcar trips and even a “moonlight special” that combines the steam train ride with a BBQ dinner and music around a campfire.

After our train ride through the trees, we went panning for gold. (You may remember the big explorer is a huge fan of rocks and minerals at the moment, so this was a no brainer.) 

For $10, you’re given small-group instruction from the local prospector on correct panning technique. The kids were very serious about their panning and enjoyed learning a ton about gold and other metals from the (amazingly patient) prospector.

Our day at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad was the least nature-filled activities of our visit to Yosemite this summer. But ask either of the explorers for their favorite part of our trip and you know the answer. Which is a great lesson: Make time for what your kids love wherever your travels take you. 

Tips for Visiting With Kids

• Choose your seats wisely. The covered cars provide much needed protection from summer’s heat, but the open-air cars offer an unbeatable view of the forest. 

• Pan for gold. Little prospectors will enjoy the chance to pan for gold. And the “prospector” who assists you is a wealth of knowledge.

Planning Essentials

• Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located on Highway 41 just shy of the south gate to Yosemite National Park 
• The Logger Steam Train ride described above is $18 for adults, $9 for kids 3 to 12
• Other offerings include a Jenny railcar ride ($14.50 for adults/$7.25 for kids) & a moonlight special, which includes dinner & music ($48 for adults/$24 for kids)
• Trains run from spring through early fall, weather permitting; check here for a current schedule
• Panning for gold (which lasts about 30 minutes) is $10/person
• There is also a small museum, book shop and gift shop on site
• Several picnic tables are available at the train station
• There is also a small sandwich shop
• Restrooms are available at the train station
• Ample free parking available

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is located at:
56001 Yosemite Highway 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
(559) 683-7273