The El Dorado Western Railroad (EDWRR) is a historic, volunteer-run heritage railway in El Dorado County, California. It operates as a living museum under the El Dorado County Historical Museum, preserving and showcasing the region’s rich railroad history.
History & Background
- The El Dorado Western Railroad follows the path of the original Southern Pacific Placerville Branch, which was built in the 1860s to connect Sacramento to the gold rush town of Placerville.
- The line was abandoned in stages throughout the 20th century, and by the late 1990s, it had ceased commercial operation.
- The County of El Dorado acquired the rail corridor to preserve it for future use, and in 2008, the El Dorado County Historical Museum formed the El Dorado Western Railroad to restore and operate a portion of the line.
Operations & Activities
- The EDWRR offers excursion train rides between El Dorado and Shingle Springs, allowing visitors to experience the historic railway aboard vintage motorcars.
- Trains typically operate on select Sundays, using restored Fairmont railcars (speeder cars) instead of full-size locomotives.
- The railroad is staffed and maintained entirely by volunteers who restore equipment, maintain the track, and operate the trains.
Equipment & Rolling Stock
- The primary rolling stock includes Fairmont A4 Speeder Cars, which were historically used by railroad workers for track inspections and maintenance.
- Restoration efforts are ongoing, with hopes of eventually running larger trains on the line.
Community & Educational Role
- The EDWRR provides educational programs on local railroad history, track maintenance, and train operations.
- It participates in local heritage events and collaborates with the El Dorado County Historical Museum to preserve railroad artifacts.
- Volunteers are always needed for everything from restoration work to operating the trains.
Visiting the El Dorado Western Railroad
- Location: The depot is located in El Dorado, California, at the historic El Dorado Station.
- Tickets: Rides are available for a small donation, which helps fund restoration projects.
- Schedule: Excursion rides typically run on first and third Sundays, but schedules can vary.
Future Plans
- There are efforts to expand operations, restore more equipment, and potentially run longer excursion rides.
- The long-term goal is to fully restore and utilize the remaining track, connecting more of the historic Placerville Branch.
EL DORADO WESTERN RAILROAD SCHEDULE
March 2025 – August 2025 Rides on vintage railroad A-CARS SUNDAYS, on the hour, Weather Permitting
Regular Excursion Schedule Weather Permitting (If raining call 530 663-3581)
March 16 at Shingle Springs
March 23 at Shingle Springs
March 30 – Closed
April 6 at El Dorado
April 13 at El Dorado
April 20 – Closed Happy Easter
April 27 at Shingle Springs
May 4 at El Dorado
May 11 at El Dorado
May 18 at Shingle Springs
May 25 at Shingle Springs
June 1 at El Dorado
June 8 at El Dorado
June 15 at Shingle Springs
June 22 at Shingle Springs
June 29 – Closed
July 6 at El Dorado
July 13 at El Dorado
July 15 at Shingle Springs
July 27 at Shingle Springs
Aug. 3 at El Dorado
Aug. 10 at El Dorado
Aug. 17 at Shingle Springs
Aug. 24 at Shingle Springs
Aug. 31 – Closed
EL DORADO STATION DEPARTURES 4650 ORIENTAL ST., EL DORADO 1st and 2nd Sundays LOAM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM
SHINGLE SPRINGS DEPOT DEPARTURES 4241 MOTHER LODE DR, SHINGLE SPRINGS 3rd and 4th Sundays LOAM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM $8.00 for ages 9 and up $3.00 for ages 4-8 Free for age 3 and under
This schedule is subject to change due to changing weather conditions, availability of trained volunteers, and other circumstances beyond our control
Rides leave on the hour: 10am, llam, 12pm, 1pm (first ride leaves no sooner than 10am, last ride leaves no later than Ipm)
- Tickets are sold “first come first serve” starting at 9:30am (no reservations in advance)
- Call (530) 663-3581 for questions and to confirm departure times
- Limited number of seats available on each ride o
- Rides are about 35 minutes long and round trip o
- Riders under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- No animals are allowed on board
This railroad is run with volunteers. All donations, ticket sales and merchandise sales help to keep the Railroad alive. If you would like to volunteer, please let us know! Email us at eldoradowesternrailroadgmail.com. Visit us at facebook.com/E1DoradoWesternRailroad and www.edccrov.us/government/museum.
