Trains.com

Best Tehachapi Locations

4104 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3 posts
Best Tehachapi Locations
Posted by dukiedog on Friday, August 23, 2013 11:03 AM

Never been to Tehachapi but going to get there next week. Have heard getting "near" is hard. Any advice on where and how to get to the best spots?

Dukiedog

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by M636C on Friday, August 23, 2013 6:21 PM

The classic photo locations on the hill to the south west of the loop itself are still easily accessible.

There are signs on the road to the grade crossing suggesting that access is not allowed, although these might not be strictly legally correct. Despite this I saw a few railfans standing beside the line taking photos last June, and some track maintenance workers nearby did not appear to be concerned.

I think the best photos are obtained from the hill. Access to the hill by motor vehicles is stopped by a chain across the path but it is easy to walk in.

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 339 posts
Posted by efftenxrfe on Friday, August 23, 2013 8:50 PM

Photos? Loop-centric? Got a "get-out-of-jail-free card?", in an other word trespass, or a 2 bazillion millimeter Inter- galactic tele-image-graphic capture device?

At Walong, timetable appelation for Tehachapi Loop, a memorial on tehachapi-woodford rd above the top end of the siding, gives you the classic views....

But with more conventional optics, there's a horse shoe curve at Caliente, that will warm the creative cockles of your being, Bealville road will bring you to a curve above an expansive valley scene, close to the 1950's earthquake tunnel destruction.

And there's Woodford,where  Highway 58 overpasses the West lower) end of Woodford Siding which stays with you on the Tehacapi-Woodford rd. And the history, Cesar  Chavez based there the heart of the United Farm Workers Union there.
From that monument on  Tahachapi-woodford road you're in an amphitheater: enjoy!!
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3 posts
Posted by dukiedog on Saturday, August 24, 2013 8:24 PM

M636C:

Thank you for the info. The info added to my Google Map "flights" really help in getting a feel for the place even from here in NC. 

dukiedog

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3 posts
Posted by dukiedog on Saturday, August 24, 2013 8:30 PM

EFFTENXRFE:

I really appreciate your inputs. I plan to stay out of the trespass zones and will bring a pretty long lens. I have some concerns about heat mirages, but will stay in Tehachapi overnight so I can get to sites before the sun is so hot.

Thanks for the Caliente tip. I wondered about that location after I did a Google Map fly bye, and it is good to have some confirmation.. 

Wish me luck in the 100 degree temps due during my visit!

dukiedog

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy