What are the best spots for watching trains at Tehachapi Loop and how do you get there?
There are signs on route 58 directing you to it. You have to walk at least 1/4 to 1/2 mile on uneven ground to see where the train loops itself. Bring a LONG lens. Do not miss Caliente on your trip there [:o)]
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Originally posted by neil300
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There are three spots I frequent. And they are all along Tehachapi Wodford road. Get off on Keenan road and go north turning right on Tehachappi Woodford road. You will go under 58 and about a mile up there is a turnoff at a big water tank. That’s Woodford sideing and driveing along the service road a little further you can find a shady place good for shooting both west and east bound trains. Then if you get back on TW road and go another 3/4 mile or so you will come to a left turn onto a dirt road that goes to the Walong (the loop). There you can park and watch the action. I don’t advise crossing the tracks though as that is a private ranch and you will be tresspassing. Then if you continue on TW road about another 3/4 mile up there is a historical landmark plaque on the left side of the road. You can park there and walk out to a viewpoint overlooking the whole loop on one side and Marcell on the other side (Warning this trail is about 1/8 mile on a hillside and is not much more then a narrow trail).
Those are the spots I like for various reasons. You can continue east up into Tehachapi proper but there are few spots between wher you can really see the tracks. Though there are side roads that will take you to the tracks, most of which are dead ends. Going back to keenan on the TW road and continueing west the road stays fairly close to the tracks and there are some good spots along that road too.
Another good spot is the loop at Bealville. To get there take Bealville road north from 58. It will take you down to the loop. Then on the other side of the loop take a left and that road roughly parrallels the tracks down to Bakersfield.
From Tehachapi east, Tehachapi blvd parrallels the tracks to Monolith then 58 down to Mojave parrallels the tracks but sometimes 1/4 mile or so from the tracks. There are a few access roads that will take you trackside though.
Here are a few shots around Woodford (my favorite spot)