The Niles Canyon Railway offers something that feels increasingly rare in modern California: a slow, scenic ride through a rugged canyon where the landscape—oak-studded slopes, creek-side brush, and rock cuts—still looks much like it did when railroads were stitching the state together. Operated by the Pacific Locomotive Association (PLA) as a working “living history museum,” this heritage line blends railroad preservation with hands-on interpretation, turning a simple excursion into a moving exhibit of American transportation history.
While the railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails—a two-hour outing that pairs canyon scenery with curated tastings from local breweries, plus lunch and a relaxed, social on-board vibe.
A Living Rairoad Museum
The Niles Canyon Railway isn’t a static display of locomotives behind a fence. It’s a railroad that runs—powered by historic diesel and steam locomotives—using restored passenger cars and volunteer effort to keep the equipment operating and the experience authentic. That “museum that moves” approach is central to the PLA’s mission: interpret how heritage railroads shaped California and the nation, while also preserving the machinery and skills that made rail travel possible.
Regular excursions typically run during the peak season on the second and third weekends of each month (Saturday and Sunday) from March through October, with motive power varying by date. In other words, you might ride behind a vintage diesel one weekend and find yourself listening to the deeper cadence of a steam locomotive on another—part of the fun is that the railroad’s roster and operating plan can change throughout the season…