Join the Moonlight Special dinner train at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad for an evening of scenic beauty and delicious cuisine. Experience a historic railway ride through towering redwoods and mountain vistas, all accompanied by exceptional local fare.
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More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Wildlife
History
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad has been operating since the early 1900s, originally used for logging in the region—today, it preserves that heritage through its vintage locomotives and scenic trips.
Conservation
The operation emphasizes sustainability by maintaining the historic rail line and supporting local conservation initiatives, minimizing environmental impact.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Join the Moonlight Special dinner train at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad for an evening of scenic beauty and delicious cuisine. Experience a historic railway ride through towering redwoods and mountain vistas, all accompanied by exceptional local fare.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp, California, operates scenic and themed train experiences through the Sierra National Forest and Lewis Creek Canyon. The railroad offers a range of narrated and live-entertainment trips, including steam and diesel excursions, dinner trains, seasonal holiday rides, and family-friendly events. Guests can choose covered or open-air log cars and often enjoy hand-crafted boxed lunches or chef-prepared appetizers during longer journeys.
Popular trips include the Lil' Logger Diesel, a 40-minute narrated scenic ride that is dog-friendly and offers boxed lunches; the Logger Steam Train, a narrated one-hour steam excursion with similar dining options; and the Yosemite Jazz Train, which features intimate live musical performances, a chef-prepared appetizer, and post-show conversations with artists at the Lewis Creek Amphitheater. Evening offerings include the Moonlight Melodrama — a dinner at the depot followed by a train ride and a live Golden Chain Theatre performance — and the Moonlight Special, a three-hour dinner train that runs rain or shine. Seasonal events such as the Halloween Limited mix costume fun, trick-or-treating, storytelling, and optional Fright Class upgrades.
The railroad emphasizes authentic historic rail travel, scenic storytelling, and accessible experiences for a wide range of visitors. Its varied schedule, themed programming, and clear trip descriptions help guests plan visits from nearby Yosemite and Fish Camp communities. Many events include on-site shopping, costume-friendly activities, and upgrade options for enhanced experiences. Schedules vary seasonally; guests should review specific trip details before booking and plan accordingly safely.
Location
Fish Camp, CA
Gateway to Yosemite adventures
Tours Offered
6 Main Trips
Scenic, dinner, jazz, seasonal
Ride Lengths
40–210 min
Short scenic to multi-hour dinners
Dog-Friendly
Selected Trips
Some trains permit dogs
Book narrated rides, dinner trains, jazz shows, or seasonal events — select trips allow dogs and boxed lunches.
Arrive Early for Better Seating
Get to the station at least 30 minutes before departure to secure your preferred seating and settle in comfortably.
Dress for the Weather
Bring layers and rain gear if necessary, as outdoor cars are exposed to the elements, especially in the evening.
Bring a Camera or Smartphone
Capture the scenic views and magical moments during the ride, especially at sunset or twilight.
Book in Advance
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to ensure your spot on the train.
Warm layers
Layered clothing helps you stay comfortable in variable weather, especially during evening train rides.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic landscapes and memorable moments during your adventure.
Binoculars
Spot wildlife like deer and birds along the route for a closer look at local fauna.
Rain jacket
Protect yourself from unexpected rain showers during outdoor parts of the experience.
spring|fall|winter