PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM

GOLDEN STATE LIMITED


Campo Weather

Sit back and relax while the San Diego countryside rolls by during a pleasant one hour, 12-mile round trip train ride aboard the historic San Diego & Arizona Railway. Afterwards walk through the Museum's collection of antique locomotives and railroad cars.

The Golden State Limited is the Museum's classic weekend excursion that has been in operation since 1986. You will depart from the historic Campo Depot for the 60 through 90-minute ride after visiting the Museum's gift shop.


Golden State locomotive cab rides are also available. Please check Cab Rides for further information.

The Golden State Limited operates between Campo and Division only on selected weekend dates.

Please check the Museum's on-line Excursion Calendar for all available excursion dates. Reservations are not required for the Golden State Limited, but tickets may be purchased on-line from the Calendar if desired.

The Golden State will be running only on the days shown on our Excursion Calendar.

The Golden State departs from the Campo Depot at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM Saturdays & Sundays except when special trains, such as the Pumpkin Express, Santa Train North Pole Limited, are scheduled, or during the summer months.

Always check the Museum's on-line Excursion Calendar for all current excursion dates and times.

Departure Times: 11:00 & 2:30 on selected Saturdays and Sundays

Fares
adults$15
seniors$12
children 6-12$5
children under 6 free



Departing the Campo Depot on Saturdays and Sundays throughout most of the year, the Golden State Limited transports Museum guests back in time aboard antique locomotives and passenger cars, traveling the historic San Diego & Arizona Railway. Built by developer, entrepreneur and sugar heir, John D Spreckels, passengers enjoy the rugged back country scenery of San Diego County as the train travels toward the Mexican border, crosses the Campo Creek Viaduct and enters into International Tunnel #4. The train then returns to Campo where you can visit the Museum's collection of steam & diesel locomotives, passenger and freight railroad cars, and other displays. You can also visit the Museum's gift shop in the exquisitely restored Campo depot.

The Golden State Limited is also available for general public and weekday group-rate charters on the selected Tuesdays. A minimum passenger count is required for these weekday trips, advance reservations ARE required. Please check the Museum's Excursion Calendar to see if the Golden State's minimum passenger count has been met and is scheduled for a given Tuesday. If the trip date does not appear on the Calendar 30 days from the trip date, the excursion won't be run.

Watching a "run around"
#7285 runs around the train

A walking tour of the Museum's restoration area is included at the completion of the excursion. See and inspect steam and diesel locomotives, freight equipment, passenger cars, cabooses and even a Railway Post Office car.

We also offer the opportunity to ride in the cab of the Diesel-electric locomotive on the round trip to Miller Creek or Division. The engineer and brakeman are happy to talk with you about how the train operates, and give you the chance to blow the horn!

Passengers enjoying the scenery aboard SD&A coach #250
Cab riders Gracie and her mother Dawn enjoy the ride in #7285

Locomotive Cab Ride Information

Excursion Calendar
This is your opportunity to ride in the locomotive cab with the Engineer and the crew during the round-trip to Miller Creek or Division. During the ride, you'll get to experience what railroading is like from the cab, and, most likely, be recruited to join us in our volunteer train operations! The cost of the cab ride also includes the train ride, for a total of $35.00 round trip for every person riding in the locomotive regardless of age. We do allow sharing whereby one person rides in the cab and another on the train, and they switch positions for the return trip. Only two riders are allowed in the cab at one time. We do allow a total of four per trip by allowing two to ride in the cab to the turn-around point, then two others in your group may ride in the cab back to Campo while the first two ride back on the train.

We have found that children younger than about six years old tend to be sensitive to the loud air horn on the locomotive. We do have ear protection available. Also, depending on which locomotive we are using, you may be required to stand for the trip.

Reservations may be made for one or two people to ride in the locomotive cab. Please check the Museum's Excursion Calendar for available cab ride dates. Click on your desired date and you will be shown if space is available at your desired departure time. You may then purchase your tickets using the Museum's on-line reservation system.

Walk up tickets may be available on the day of your visit, space permitting. Check with the Ticket Agent on duty in the Campo Depot upon your arrival.


Ticket Return Policy

We understand that unplanned emergencies arise from time and time and could interfere with your plans to ride a train with us. There are NO REFUNDS. However, if you give us at least 30 (thirty) days advanced notice, we will be happy to:

You may send an email to the Reservations Manager with your change requests.

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Page by Randy Houk and others, updated 11/02/13 at 0730 PST