Moonlight Train Ride with Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

---

---

This week I’m thrilled to be partnering with Visit Yosemite | Madera County to share a truly magical adventure nestled in the Sierra National Forest, just minutes from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. We’re stepping back in time and experiencing the Moonlight Special train adventure with the historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. With vintage steam engines, starlit canyon views, live entertainment, and a hearty mountain meal, this one-of-a-kind family-friendly experience combines history, nature, and pure joy. So come along and let’s ride the rails together on an unforgettable moonlit adventure.

---

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

---

What Is the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad?

Tucked into the charming town of Fish Camp, California, just 4 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (YMSPRR) is a must-do activity for anyone exploring Yosemite National Park and the nearby southern gateway communities. This historic, narrow-gauge steam railroad gives visitors a chance to ride vintage Shay locomotives through the towering pines of Lewis Creek Canyon, offering a scenic and soulful journey through the Sierra National Forest.

Conveniently located right off Highway 41, the railroad is only about 10 minutes from the town of Oakhurst and makes for an perfect day trip or evening outing while you’re exploring the Southern Yosemite region.

 

---

Shay locamotive #10 at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

Logger steam train heading into the Sierra National Forest

---

A Living Piece of Logging History

This isn’t just a train ride...it’s a step into California’s past. Originally built in the late 19th century, the tracks were once used by the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company to haul massive sugar pine logs from the mountains. Today, you’ll ride aboard vintage open-air train cars pulled by fully restored Shay locomotives, like Shay #10, built in 1928, and Shay #15, built in 1913, both of which once powered California’s booming logging industry.

The story of this railroad’s preservation is just as inspiring. In 1954, train enthusiast Rudy Stauffer purchased a stretch of abandoned logging route, and began laying track with the help of his family. By 1967, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad officially opened to the public. Today, the Stauffer family continues to share their love for steam trains, offering guests from around the world a rare glimpse into the golden age of logging and railroading.

---

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad General Store

Thornberry Museum at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

---

Attractions & Activities: More Than Just a Train Ride

Whether you’re a train buff, a history lover, or traveling with kids, there’s something for everyone here.

Narrated Train Rides (Daytime): The one-hour narrated tours offer journeys through the forest, where conductors share stories of logging, locomotives, and life in the Sierra. Boxed lunch options are available for purchase for those looking to enjoy a picnic during the scenic ride.

Narrated Train Rides + Special Events: Unique train ride tours are offered as well, which typically combine the one-hour narrated tour with a special activity, such as the Moonlight Special (more on that below), Moonlight Melodrama, a Halloween ride, and Yosemite Jazz Train,

Thornberry Museum: Step inside this rustic museum for a deeper look into the Sugar Pine Railroad’s past. You’ll find original artifacts, photographs, tools, and treasures from the early logging days in Oakhurst and Fish Camp.

Gold Panning: Channel your inner prospector with hands-on gold panning, a fun and interactive way to experience California’s Gold Rush history.

Gift Shop & Snack Bar: Browse charming railroad-themed gifts, local souvenirs, and grab a treat before your ride.

Each visit offers a perfect blend of fun and education, making it ideal for families, history fans, or anyone looking to slow down and connect with nature.

---

Barbeque dinner during the Moonlight Special train ride

Live music by campfire during the Moonlight Special

---

Moonlight Special Dinner Train

While the daytime rides are wonderful, the Moonlight Special Dinner Train is where the magic truly comes alive.

Held on select summer evenings, this special excursion begins with an opportunity to explore the grounds, tour the museum and even pan for gold. Then, guests enjoy a hearty dinner at the station, where you can choose from favorites like New York steak or BBQ chicken while enjoying the cool mountain air, friendly company, and live music. After dinner and dessert, it’s time to board the train as it chugs into the twilight.

You’ll travel deep into Lewis Creek Canyon, surrounded by whispering pines, with the possibility of spotting local wildlife like deer, foxes, or even the occasional black bear. Midway through the ride, there’s a stopover where you can disembark for live bluegrass music, storytelling, and classic campfire vibes under the stars. The wonderful musicians draw you in with toe-tapping tunes that echo through the canyon as the sun fades and the stars start to shine.

Then it’s back on the train for a moonlit ride back up to the station, where the glow of the firebox, the rhythmic whistle, and the crisp mountain air wrap up your evening with nostalgic wonder. It’s peaceful, thrilling, and wonderfully timeless.

---

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Moonlight Special

Trading cards for the Yosemite Adventure Vacation Contest

---

Yosemite Adventure Vacation Contest & Prize

When checking in for your train ride at the main gift shop, make sure to request your “Ricky” the Raccoon trading card. The more of these “Fossils to Falls” collectable cards you find, the greater your chances are of winning a Yosemite Adventure Vacation Package.

The Fossils to Falls Road Trip was created by Visit Yosemite | Madera County, and 10 unique trading cards can be found at the stops along the itinerary. Each card shows off a different member of their “Welcoming Committee” characters, which are super cute and fun to learn about for kids big and small 😊. The more cards you collect, the better your odds are of winning monthly drawings and a Yosemite Adventure Vacation package grand prize. Check out YosemiteThisYear.com/welcoming-committee for all the contest rules and prize details, and follow along my journey along the Fossils to Falls Road Trip here.

---

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad open air train cars

---

Know Before You Go

• Location: 56001 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623 (Google Map - Apple Map)

• Booking: Reserve your tickets early, especially for Moonlight Specials...they often sell out. Book conveniently online at ymsprr.com or by phone at (559) 683-7273.

• When to Visit: The railroad operates seasonally, generally from spring through fall depending on winter weather. Moonlight Special Dinner Trains typically run on Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the summer.

• What to Bring: Layers! Even summer evenings can be chilly in the forest. Closed-toe shoes for walking on dirt and gravel. A camera or phone to capture those magical twilight moments.

• Dining Details: The Moonlight Special dinner is served buffet-style before departure...arrive early and bring your appetite! Vegetarian options are usually available, but check ahead when booking. Complementary juice, coffee, and water are offered. There’s a bar with sodas, beer and wine for an additional cost.

• Pets & Accessibility: The station and train are family-friendly and great for all ages. They even allow “friendly dogs” on leash. For accessibility questions, contact the railroad directly to ensure your needs are met.

• Current Conditions: The Travel Alerts page on YosemiteThisYear.com is a great resource to reference prior to any Yosemite and Highway 41 trip. There you’ll find up-to-date park information, road conditions, and links to everything you might need while preparing for your adventure.

---

Riding along the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

---

In Summary & Post Sponsor

Thanks so much for joining me this week just south of Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of my Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad experience, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here.

I’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsor of this post, Visit Yosemite | Madera County. Please consider stopping off to support the small businesses and local economies of the gateway communities surrounding the park. For great information on what to do inside Yosemite National Park and in Madera County directly to the south (along Highway 41), check out YosemiteThisYear.com and @yosemitemadera on Instagram. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

---

Boarding a train car at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

---

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…

---

About Me

I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.

---

Search the Blog

---

Featured Posts

---

Etsy Shop

---