Tehachapi Loop Overlook

What a cool place to watch the trains circle around. We were fortunate enough to see two trains going opposite each other. We got some great pictures but unfortunately they were with our regular cameras and not our cell phones. I recommend this brief stop especially if you are a train buff!

I highly recommend going here, even if you arent a train person. Now you might have to set a while so maybe pack a lunch. It is truly a wonder.

From this spot may be seen a portion of the world-renowned “Loop.” It was completed in 1876 under the direction of William Hood, Southern Pacific Railroad Engineer. In gaining elevation around central hill of loop a 4000 foot train will cross 77 feet above its rear cars in tunnel below.

We were able to watch a very long train go around the loop, through the tunnel and out on the other side. Because of trees, etc. You can only imagine it go in the tunnel and out. Very fascinating.

Pretty cool to see, saw two trains just before dusk. There is really only space for a couple of cars to park across from the viewing point, then you have to cross the street. There was one other family that showed up after me and a car that stayed down a little further. It was neat and something different to see for sure!

The Loop Overlook is a good spot for tourists and train buffs to watch a mile of freight heading up the mountain pass, looping over itself in a brilliant engineering feat. As far as I know, its one of just a few such designs in the world, where steep elevation gain and rugged terrain made the grade of ascent infeasible, even with booster engines. The answer? A graded loop. Even with this its slow going so theres plenty of time to observe the design in practical use.

Scenic. Didnt see a train. But saw lots of train tractors. The one with the port-a-potty really entertained the kiddos. Hopefully next time we visit we will be able to see a train go around the loop!

This is a great little spot of history and an engineering marvel. Still in use today, we frequently see multiple trains using the loop.

This is a really neat place to stop and admire civil engineering genius. Trains run through about every 20 minutes to a half hour, so you might want to bring a chair and a snack. The parking along the road is minimal and cars zip by, so be extra cautious when pulling out. If you are a fan of trains or have a child that loves them, this is a great place to stop!

I liked the old spot on private property better, but at least this one wont get you shot. Its a great view of the loop. You just cant see the underpass, like you could at the old spot. Still, its easy roadside parking, and lots of trains to see. Highly recommended.

A unique railroad attraction in California.Its hard to time the train though. If youre patient enough to wait for an hour or so, you have a good chance of seeing the train loop around the curve

Nice view, very cool piece of history. Amazing workmanship what they where able to build with just hand tools and very little machinery.

Very unique place to watch and marvel 19th century transportation engineering. Trains are frequent.

Great area to see the famous Tehachapi Loop. I am from Pennsylvania and have been to Horseshoe Curve a few times, and wanted to experience this Western treasure when out here for business. I drove up from Los Angeles and was not disappointed! The actual overlook with the plaque isnt a great viewing area, but slightly up the road there is a private viewing area which overlooks the curve with a much better angle. The chain to the road was down when I arrived and a church van filled with people was up there, so I walked up and talked to the van driver. There is a picnic table under a tree and a great view of the loop. The church van left and I hung out for about two hours and saw three trains. I read online that the property owner doesnt mind you visiting as long as you clean up after yourself. I would have never walked up the path if the chain was up, and the van wasnt up there, but I am glad that I did, as the view was spectacular and this was probably a once in a lifetime visit for me.... It was really, really windy up there, which was bad for video, but seemingly a normal part of the local weather, judging by the windmills in the area.

Interesting place. You can see the trains coming from a far and then wrapping around as if you were watching a train go around a Christmas tree. Beautiful scenery. We found signs on the expressway after doing the navigation. Make sure to go all the way up until you see the markers that tell the history of the place.

I would suggest going to the dirt road that appears just to the right of this (if you’re looking towards the loop). It has a great view and many place to sit.

Is you enjoy trains and modern engineering, youll like the overlook. Its better on weekdays when trains are running regularly.

Amazing railroad engineering feet from the late 1800s still in use today.

To get here, make sure you navigate to Tehachapi Loop Overlook.Im not much of a train guy, but I had the opportunity to go see the loop and think it was well worth the hour drive (from Palmdale). Seeing a train loop over itself is a unique experience you cant get in many places.One thing to note - both Waze and Google Maps were slightly inaccurate as to the location. One suggested that I drive a gated private road (I didnt) and the other routed me a bit further down the highway to the correct road, but claimed that I had arrived about 1/2 mile away from the actual loop.Luckily the road was too narrow to turn around, so I continued along the road and came across the actual location (look for a pull off on the road and a few free standing plaques).

We had a wonderful time trains in the loop.

A great place to watch trains. Also, take a walk a block or so up the road and go to the hill. Better view.

Not the best view when standing next to the monuments. I suggest walking east on the road about 100ft for the best view.

Interesting engineering to see a long train going over itself

I had wanted to see this place for a long time, and was lucky enough to see a particularly long taxon negotiate the loop. There we enough room along the road to park and she plaques give good information.

We got there in time to see the train go by and the kids were so excited. Theres a little walking path that will get you closer to the tracks. The guy driving the train blew the whistle for the kids and opened his window and waved to them. The loved it!

Great look at the Loop. Well marked

Neat observation point, great historicsl info on markers. But trees partially obstuct the view, watch out for roadway traffic at site, very limited parking and litter and cigarette butts are laying around.

Love this view of the loop. Lots of history here folks. Its worth a visit with the kids on a good weather day.

Enjoyed seeing the historic overlook. Wait an hour and youll get to see a train

It a wonderful experience to witness. Bring lunch kick back a wait for the train

This is a very unique location where you can see the train tuning in circles. It is usually busy here and you can see train coming in every 15 to 30 min. However we came on Monday morning and wait till 3 pm the trains start to come, so dont visit here on Monday morning!

Amazing! Read about it first and then go see it!

Really cool, we just happened to get there just before the train came by. Fascinating to see how the train crosses itself.

Great view of the loop.

Best place to see a train up close in motion.

Such a cool place! If you like trains or engineering, this is the place for you!

Very cool experience. Train does a loop and the front and the rear of the train overlap.

This is a must for anyone, even if trains dont particularly fasinate you. The history and need for this train track is interesting but to see a train pass through and over itself is not something you will see very often! There are at least 50 trains a day through this track so you wont need to wait too long usually to see one go around!

If youre a railfan you probably know about this landmark, a must-see. Its remarkable to watch engines come out of the portal under their train which is still passing above. Fans also find the heavy combined UP/BNSF traffic of interest. Its a busy line.

Really impressive engineering accomplishment.

Super cool to watch trains!!

Beautiful view. Lots of history. Cool road to drive up on also.

If you like trains, nature, or engineering; you can find all three here.

An amazing feat of railroad engineering. The train makes a °360 degree loop as it travels up or down the grade, its incredible to watch a train do this. A must see if your in the area.

An early engineering wonder of the world that helped California develop.

Nice view of the trains and loop

Set your GPS to this location TehachapI Loop Overlook. NOT THE ONE that just says Tehachapi Loop and has a camera on it. THANKS

What a marvelous invention back then without modern technology we have today!

If you are a train fan this is the place to check out the trains.

Very pretty view

Amazing! We arrived in time to see one long train heading east circle through. As soon as it finished another train circled through heading west.

It is pretty cool engineering but you cant really see it well. There is not a good vantage point to see the tunnel and loop at the same time. Cool if you are in thr area. Pretty drive to get there. Not worth a special trip unless you are combining with the depot museum in downtown Tehachapi.

The line was shut for maintenance so I went back to Tehachapi for lunch, when the first train went through town there was plenty of time to get back to the vista point. I watched several other long trains go though, very interesting!

It was cool to see, I never heard of it before until the day we went. Definitely worth a look at, but you gotta be patient cause you never know when the train is going to show up.

The Tehachapi Loop is well know among railroad enthusiasts, and they will likely ask you about it if you live in the area or they know your visiting the area. Its definitely something you should visit at least once and its quite impressive to watch a train travel along it. Its also a good place to take relatives from out of town to see.

I arrived just in time to ser a long train go around the loop. Pretty neat!

We were here before several times. This time we did not get to see any trains come over the loop. If you got time and enjoy trains it is worth the time and wait to watch a few trains go the loop

Great place to watch the train goes by and watch the train overlap them self

Very cool place to ride. Its scenic and interesting. ️

We were fortunate to see two trains passing each other through the loop! Fun!

What an awesome spectacle. It was really cool to watch a train circle over itself going around the loop. Will definitely go back and visit again.

Great historic landmark! Happened to catch a train going through which was really cool. Overlook is a little more than 3 miles but signs are good. Parking is a pullout on the hill side and then you cross the road to get to the signage. Apparently if you go up the road a bit farther you can walk out and get a better view but we had fun just hanging out with the crowd (4 people) watching a train go through!

Awesome spot to watch the sun set. Its somewhat secluded, which is always a plus

Nice viewpoint and worth waiting until a train passes the loop, because only then can you really see how special this loop is. The drive up to the viewpoint is also nice and not too long. You can continue to Tehachapi town to rejoin the highway (or exit the highway there already when westbound).

This is an inspiring site. The history of this build is something to see. Two historical plaques are at the site. Seeing a 4,000 ft. train overlap it self is amazing. A must see!

Very interesting place. Finally saw a train go through worth the time!

Got to watch a train actually do the loop. Every half hour or so. Cool!

Wow. Wow. Wow. Dont follow Google Maps to this place. You will encounter a dead end closed private road. Instead travel down the highway a little and travel through the little town a d you will travel parallel to the rail road untill you reach an overlook of the whole loop. You may have to wait for a train to enter the loop, but it is a busy area so hopefully you make good timing. Definitely well worth the wait.

Cool drizzle, clean and cool air amazing to see the train come through definitely a must if you like trains kids would love to see it too

Awesome location to see the trains

We were fortunate that two trains pulled through the loop as we arrived! Super cool!

I love to see giant freight trains when I am in the USA and this is an amazing place to do that. An incredible feat of engineering. A small winding tight steep road to get there with some scary bends but well worth it. Check it out on YouTube.

Great destination for motorcycles... Amazing sight to see trains go through the loop! Great road leading in and out of area. Bakersfield national cemetery just 10 minutes away.

Good view of the loop. When you go to Tehachapi loop, keep buffer time to wait for a train

Beautiful during the winter Christmas card beautiful

Great location. The trains traveling through the loop look like model trains from the overlook.

It just an ok viewpoint. The loop is kind of far away, but its still worth a brief visit. The historical markers include sime interesting facts about the engineering feat.

This was such an unexpected highlight to see a great engineering marvel built over 100 years ago still in daily use to transport goods and thrill foamers (train enthusiasts)!

Very bizarre to see the front end and back end of a train on a loop. Must be even stranger for the train conductor to see the back of their train while moving!

A spot where you can relax and watch freight trains

One of the great sites in California.

Railroad industry wonders.

Amazing view of the loop with trains going around.

We were lucky to be there minutes before a train appeared. It was awesome to watch the entire climb.

A must stop if you are interested in railroad or California history.

Absolutely spectacular. Saw a fully loaded grain train with 10 locomotives descend through the loop.

Very unique place. We were able to see two trains passing at the same time. Brings back the thoughts ofriding the rails.

A great drive through the country!

I just happen to be here while a train was doing the loop. Pretty cool to see the train and read the placard at the same time.

If youre not fit and able youve got pretty much no chance of getting track-side from the overlook, but therere dozens of great viewing spots around so its well worth a visit.

Beautiful view, interesting engineering spot but with no published schedule of trains we didnt see any pass through the loop, despite visiting twice (second time waited an hour)

100% beautiful.

Fun sight to visit. Would help if the railroads published a schedule so visitors could know when trains are expected.

Very cool National Engineering Landmark. Trains loop themselves at this location. It was designed in the 1800s to reduce the grade going through the mountains. Impressive.

Must see!

This place was so cool. May have to wait for a train, but it was worth it.

It was interesting...got to see a train go by....and enjoyed the diner down the road...would go again

Beautiful View amazing engineering!

If you appreciate modern engineering marvels, American history, trains or just seeing something that you may not get to see everyday from your home or office this is quite the thing to witness. Built in 1867 by 3,000 Chinese railroad workers and two engineers this loop of railroad track is still in use for trains traveling north or south between San Fransisco and Los Angeles. They say about 36 trains make the loop everyday on average. It only took about 10 minutes for us to see one. Look for safe trails just east and a little uphill from the overlook for the best vantage point. It took about 6 minutes for a 100+ car train to complete the loop and actually pass over itself when we saw it. Very cool thing to witness that is living history of the railroad and our country.

Fun place to see trains. Cool engineering