Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Sometimes taking a step back in time only requires a short drive through the mountains. A short 20-minute drive from Bass Lake and only 4 miles south of the Entrance to Yosemite on highway 41 you will find a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of classic western culture. Get your tickets and climb aboard a narrow-gauge steam train as it winds through the old logging routes of the Sierra. Hear the long whistle and see the steam puffs rise out of the locomotive on the start of your adventure.

HISTORY

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a historic narrow-gauge railroad with two operating steam train locomotives. The Sugar Pine Railroad was reconstructed, starting in 1961, by Rudy Stauffer along the historic right-of-way route of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company. The current railroad follows a portion of grade carved out of the mountain in the early 20th century when logging was the big business of the central Sierra. 

Photo by: Chris Mohs / Source: https://www.facebook.com/YMSPRR

In 1899 the Madera Sugar Pine Company purchased the remnants of the Madera Flume and Trading Company and moved the operation to Lewis Creek and constructed a large modern sawmill in the town of Sugar Pine. The history of the Madera Sugar Pine Company is one that can still be found in remnants all over the Sierra National Forest.

Over the years of its operation the company acquired fifty thousand acres of forest, including almost everything to the north of Bass Lake. The company operated seven locomotives, over 100 log cars, and 140 miles of tracks in the surrounding mountains. They also had a 54-mile long flume to transport rough lumber from Sugar Pine to Madera. Narrow gauge tracks from the company were even laid over the dam at Bass Lake where lumber coming from the large logging camp of Central Camp would switch over from narrow to standard gauge railcars in the town of Wishon on the west side of the dam. 

THINGS TO DO

Currently the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is one of the most visited attraction in the area and offers:

• variety of Train Rides on the massive steam-powered log trains
• Special events: Moonlight Special with BBQ and campfire
• Gold panning
• Thornberry Museum
• Gift Shop
• Railroad Cafe

GIVEAWAY – March 31 – April 5, 2021

The Pines Resort has partnered with YMSPRR to celebrate their 2021 Season opening (opens on April 1st) and is offering an Ultimate Getaway Package for one (1) lucky family.

PRIZE valued at $405!!!

• One (1) Night stay for a family of max. 4 people in the Pines Chalet
• $30 Breakfast credit at Ducey’s on the Lake
• Four (4) tickets for the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
• Boxed Lunch at the YMSPRR
• Two (2) Gold Panning tickets

Fine print:  Overnight stay valid in April or May 2021; Sunday through Thursday only. Ticket rides are based on availability, Early arrangements encouraged, as some rides sell out in advance.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Follow “The Pines Resort” on Facebook click here
2. Follow “YMSPRR” on Facebook click here
3.  *** THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED ***

All steps are mandatory to participate in the giveaway. Emails collected in the process will be used solely by the Pines Resort and YMSPRR and will not be shared with 3rd parties.

Entries are being accepted from March 31, 2021 until April 5th, 2021. The winner will be announced by Friday, April 9th, 2021. One entry per family please. This giveaway is open to Facebook followers only and eligibility is subject to verification. Void where prohibited.