Descanso Alpine Pacific Railway

I have driven past this house many times and not paid attention to the sign that said "free train rides". I saw the Rail Road Crossing sign and just thought the people who lived there were train hobbyists.

wow, was I really missing out by not slowing down and reading the sign. There are many adventures right in your backyard...literally.

Roy, an Alpine resident opens his backyard and shares his love of trains every Sunday 1-3 pm. all free. Its a little over a mile of track and it is one of the only running 2 foot railways in California. He also built the longest 2 foot train trusses, over 110 feet long.

You get a ticket, and have to punch it at the station and then once on the train it is punched again. The kids just loved this. He tells you the history of the tracks, most of the track came from old mines. Some sections of track were made in Germany and some were made in the late 1800's.

We stop in the Engine Shed and he shows us the blacksmith tools he uses to build and repair the railway.

He isn't quite done with the caboose, but he built it all himself.

the train ride is 20 minutes long, so while we waited for the train to come we had a orange creme soda and a root beer.

If you live local, I totally suggest going to see this. it is located at 1266 Alpine Heights Rd. Alpine CA. 619 . 445. 4781 (there is a recording with info)