Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

At a Glance

  • TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
  • LocationFISH CAMP, CA
  • Rating4.7 ★1,958 Google reviews
  • UpcomingThu, Aug 13

About Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

The Logger Steam Train departs from the depot at 56001 State Route 41 in Fish Camp, climbing a 4.5 % grade through second‑growth ponderosa and mixed conifer forest before reaching the Lewis Creek loop, then returning on a 4‑mile (6.4 km) round‑trip excursion.

📍 FISH CAMP, CA 93623

Plan Your Visit

  • ParkingFree lot · paid lot · street parking
  • AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
  • HoursMonday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Find the Depot

Address

FISH CAMP, CA 93623

Get directions →

The Trains

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad runs a 4‑mile (6.4 km) 3‑ft (914 mm) narrow‑gauge round‑trip from its depot at 56001 State Route 41 in Fish Camp to a loop in Lewis Creek Canyon, climbing a 4.5 % grade on the return leg. Its steam fleet includes three‑truck Shay No. 10 (built 1928, the largest narrow‑gauge Shay ever built), Shay No. 15 (acquired 1986), and Shay No. 12 (acquired 2026 from the Colorado Railroad Museum); the line also uses “Jenny” railcars in the off‑season, open‑air and covered passenger cars for guests, and the West Side Lumber Company narrow‑gauge snowplow No. 2 for maintenance.

History

See full history

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is founded by Rudy Stauffer in 1961, rebuilding a portion of the former Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company grade that had been abandoned in 1931 after the original company—originating in 1874 as the California Lumber Company—ceased operations. Public service begins in 1966 with the debut of Shay locomotive No. 10, described as the largest narrow‑gauge Shay ever built, and the line expands in 1986 when it acquires a second Shay, No. 15, from the West Side and Cherry Valley Railroad. After Rudy Stauffer retires in 1981, ownership passes to his son Max Stauffer, who remains operator until his death on March 10, 2017. In August 2017 the Railroad Fire destroys several pieces of former West Side Lumber Company equipment stored on a side track, prompting a recovery effort that leads to the 2026 acquisition of Shay No. 12 from the Colorado Railroad Museum.

Around the Depot

Tucked into Fish Camp, California, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a forested ride worth a deliberate stop.

Getting There & Staying Nearby

Optional trip extras from our travel partners.

Rent a Car

Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.

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Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.

Tours & Activities near Fish Camp

Tours

Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.

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Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad located?

FISH CAMP, CA 93623

How do I get tickets to Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad?

Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at http://www.yosemitesteamtrains.com.

When is the next event at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad?

The next scheduled event is "Logger Steam Train 🚂" on Thursday, August 13, 2026. See the full upcoming-events list on this page.

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