Donner Pass

Takes you to Southern Pacific's legendary Donner Pass where trains battle the rugged grades of California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Constructed in the 1860's, Donner Pass became the first rail line to cross the West. After 130 years of service, the Hill is still alive with today's trains pulled by modern diesel locomotives. Tours the entire mountain crossing including some difficult areas to access, such as the precarious Cape Horn where trains hug the cliffs above the American River Canyon. This section was hammered out by Chinese laborers who dangled in baskets thousands of feet above the American River. Also visited is Shed 10, one of the few only remaining track shelters that were installed to keep the rails clear of snow in risky slide areas.