Niles Canyon Railway

Quick Facts

Railroad Name	Niles Canyon Railway
Website	https://www.ncry.org/
Train ride	Steam or Diesel ride featuring heritage equipment
Location	Two stations: Niles 37029 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA 94536 Google Maps Sunol 6 Kilkare Road Sunol, CA 94586 Google Map
Length of trip	6 miles
Cost of single ticket	$30.00
Special Trains	School and Summer Education Trains Speeder rides Ride the Rails for Relay for Life Train of Lights

Information

Nestled in the heart of California’s East Bay, the Niles Canyon Railway, which is operated by the Pacific Locomotive Association, is a historic railroad line that provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. This 6-mile stretch of track runs through a picturesque canyon, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can step back in time as they ride aboard vintage trains, which have been lovingly restored to their former glory.

History

The right of way the Niles Canyon Railway uses has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The original railroad line, built in 1869, was known as the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad. It was later acquired by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1870, and the line was extended to Oakland in 1876. The Niles Canyon Railway was once a part of this historic route.

The railway played a vital role in the development of California’s transportation infrastructure, allowing people and goods to travel easily between San Francisco and the surrounding areas. However, as time passed, the line fell into disuse, and it was eventually abandoned in 1984.

Former Owner of the Right-of-Way

The right-of-way for the Niles Canyon Railway was owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad, which later became part of Union Pacific Railroad. In 1987, the Niles Canyon Railway was established as a non-profit organization with the goal of preserving and operating the historic railroad line. The organization signed a lease agreement with Union Pacific Railroad, which gave them access to the right-of-way.

The Ride

Today, visitors can ride on the Niles Canyon Railway aboard vintage trains that have been restored to their original condition. The train takes passengers through a scenic route, passing through tunnels and over trestles as it winds its way through the canyon.

As the train makes its way through the canyon, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The canyon is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds of prey. Visitors can also see the Alameda Creek, which runs alongside the tracks and provides a serene backdrop for the journey.

Conclusion

The Niles Canyon Railway is a unique experience that offers visitors the chance to step back in time and explore a piece of California’s history. With its stunning scenery, vintage trains, and rich history, it’s no wonder that this railway is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the Niles Canyon Railway is well worth a visit

Notable roster

The Niles Canyon Railway has an impressive collection of vintage trains, including steam locomotives and diesel engines. One of the most iconic trains is the Southern Pacific No. 9010, which was built in 1956 and is still in operation today.

Passengers can also ride on the historic Caboose train, which features a restored caboose and vintage freight cars. The Caboose train is pulled by a diesel engine, and passengers can enjoy a leisurely journey through the canyon as they take in the scenery.

Selected Steam Locomotives

Locomotive	Type	Builder	Note
4	2-6-6-2T	Baldwin Locomotive Works	Ex- Clover Valley Limber Co. Operational
12	3-truck Shay	Lima	Ex-Pickering Lumber Co. Operational
5	3-truck Heisler	Heisler Locomotive Works	Ex-Sugar Pine Railway
2	2-6-2T	ALCO	Ex-Quincy Railroad
3	2-6-2T	ALCO	Ex-Walter A. Woodard Lumber Co Operational
30	2-6-2	Baldwin Locomotive Works	Ex-Sierra Railroad

Selected Diesel Locomotives

Locomotive	Type	Builder	Note
918-D	F7	EMD	Ex=Western Pacific
713	GP7	EMD	Ex-Western Pacific
9010	ML 4000 C’C’	Krauss Maffei	Ex-Southern Pacific
5472	SD9	EMD	Ex-Southern Pacific
5623	GP9	EMD	Ex-Southern Pacific

Getting There

Amtrak
The closest Amtrak station is Fremont California.
Amtrak’s Capital Corridor train stops here.
The Niles station is only a little over 3 miles from the Amtrak station.