The world as it was back in the era of steam powered railroad logging comes to life at the Yosemite Mountain  Railroad in the Sierra National Forest south of Yosemite National Park. It is one of the best ways to see the sites of Yosemite. This unique Yosemite train service will take you back in time when railroads reigned.

From 1899 to 1931, the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company operated miles of narrow gauge railroad track. During that time, nearly one and a half billion board feet of lumber were harvested from the forests. Five wood burning Shay locomotives hauled massive log trains to the mill over the extensive rail network.

Today, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a restoration of the old narrow gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. A section of the original railbed has been reconstructed using the same techniques used at the turn of the century. Two vintage Shay steam locomotives have been brought in from the Westside Lumber company and restored to provide authentic motive power for the trains.

Special Events

• Logger Steam Train -- Thrill to the sights and sounds of steam powered railroading. Vintage Shay locomotives provide the motive power for the one hour narrated excursion over tracks once used for logging trains at the turn of the century.  
• Jenny Railcars -- Ride the quaint "Model A" powered railcars. Our railcars were once used to provide transportation for logging and track repair crews. Antique Model A Ford gas engines power the trolley-like cars over the same route as the Logger Steam Train. A 30 minute narrated trip.
• Moonlight Special -- A 31 year tradition at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. The spectacular, fun filled Moonlight Special operates Saturday nights in spring and fall, Saturday and Wednesday nights in summer. The evening begins with a delicious New York Steak BBQ dinner and music by the Sugar Pine Singers. Chuck, Dave, Robyn and Gina add that special mountain charm to the evening with old fashioned ballads and toe tappin' melodies.. Then it's ALL ABOARD for the Logger Steam Train excursion through the woods as the conductor's narration recalls the past when loggers and Shay steam engines ruled the woods.   Hold on to your valuables! Masked horsemen have been known to stop trains in the area searching for gold shipments or passengers booty. Sing-along with the trio around the campfire when the train makes a stop-over in the canyon. Hear the long, lonesome whistle blow on your return trip under the full moon as the locomotive chugs its way back to the station. Reservations are a must for this very popular event.
• Melodrama Evening -- The evening begins with a delicious New York steak BBQ dinner and music by the Sugar Pine Singers. Then its All Aboard for the Logger Steam Train excursion through the woods as the conductor's narration recalls the past when loggers and shay steam engines ruled the woods. The golden chain theatre presents a melodrama in the woods when the train stops over in the canyon. The train returns under the stars.
• Group Excursions -- Special steam train charters as well as delicious BBQ meals are available for tour groups throughout the season. Ample bus parking. Please call or write for reservations. 
• Field Trip Special -- Our steam train excursions provide a great learning experience for school children. Call for details and reservations. 
• Also at the Yosemite Mountain Station --