V&T Railroad chugging through history

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad has expanded operations to Friday–Sunday rides through Oct. 31.

Round-trip steam trains operate every Saturday and Sunday with tickets $48 per adult, $40 for seniors 65 and better, $30 for children 12 and under.

One-way steam train rides on Saturdays and Sundays are $29 per adult, $25 for senior, $20 for children.

Round-trip tickets on V&T diesel trains operating Fridays are $29 for adults, $25 seniors and $20 for children.

One-way diesel trains running Fridays are $17, $15 seniors and $12 for children.

The V&T Railroad’s 16 miles of track re-opened last August after 70 years of non-operation. Each 75-minute ride includes scenic vistas of the snow capped Sierra Nevada, passing through tunnels, by abandoned mine shafts, old cemeteries and offering occasional sightings of wild mustangs. The V&T travels the same silver path paved by the excesses of the Virginia City mines of the infamous 1860s Comstock silver boom.

In addition to the V&T’s Carson City-Virginia City 16-mile excursion, known as the “Sisters in History” route, the V&T also offers its popular 4-mile, 35-minute loop through Virginia City and Gold Hill, or the “Historic Route.” Here, the V&T has run since 1972 under the ownership of the Gray family who have preserved the railway’s heritage.

The Saturday round-trip train feature a 1916 Baldwin consolidation 2-8-0 steam engine pulling two 1914 Pullman cars displaying the distinctive yellow and green of the V&T. Private group discounted charters for 20 or more passengers are also available to organizations or businesses.

For more information on the “Sisters in History” route between Carson City and Virginia City, go to www.VisitCarsonCity.com and for details on the “Historic Route” between Virginia City and Gold Hill, visit www.VirginiaTruckee.com or call (775) 847.0380.