San Bernardino, CA
Public overlook on the National Forest side of the pass. Walk-in from the unpaved pullout off Cleghorn Road. Sullivan's Curve is the long S-curve visible from the rim.
STAY ABOVE THE TRACKS on the National Forest land. The ROW below is BNSF and UP property — trespassing is prosecuted. No climbing down to track level. Cliff edges are unmarked; mind footing especially with camera gear.
Dirt pullouts off Cleghorn Road (exit I-15 at Cleghorn). 4WD not required but the road is unpaved and washboarded; clearance helps after rain.
Morning light favors westbound (downhill) trains; afternoon/evening light favors eastbound climbers and is the classic photo angle.
Very high — BNSF Transcon main + UP traffic. 60-100+ trains per day, often multiple in sight at once during peak.
No services at the spot. Gas + food at the I-15 Cleghorn exit and Cajon Junction (Mormon Rocks).
For the parent, spouse, or friend along for the ride — restrooms, food, and what to do while your railfan watches trains.
Enjoy the stunning views while your railfan is captivated by the trains at Cajon Pass.
While your railfan is watching trains, you can take in the beautiful scenery of the National Forest. Bring a book or some music to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you're feeling adventurous, a short walk along the overlook can be refreshing.
Safety: Make sure to keep kids at least 25 feet back from any track and stay above the tracks on National Forest land.
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Class 2 reflective vest. Not for trespassing — for legitimate trackside viewing on public sidewalks and parking lots near busy lines, so the engineer sees you and you don't get a friendly 'move along' from BNSF police. Looks the part too. ($10-$20)
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Budget gateway scanner — under $30. Program the 97 AAR channels yourself (CHIRP software is free) and you have a real working scanner for the price of dinner. Most railfans owned one before they upgraded. ($25-$35)
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Reading a CSX road number off a passing unit at half a mile = magic. 10x42 is the railfan sweet spot — enough power, still light enough to hold steady. Nikon's PROSTAFF 3S is the standard recommendation: under $150 and the optics punch above the price. ($120-$170)
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