Pedal Your Way Through California's Citrus Groves...

Railbikes to the Pumpkin Patch

Pricing is Per Bike (Seats Two)
2.5 Hours, 10 miles, Includes Pumpkin Patch Stop, Holiday Fun

Beginning October 5th celebrate the Fall Harvest on the Railbikes as you make your way through the citrus and avocado groves of the Heritage Valley! Toward the end of the ride, we’ll stop at Prancer’s Farm’s Pumpkin Patch to pick out your perfect Jack-O-Lantern! While at the farm, experience the corn maze, hayrides, food, petting zoo and more! We’ll take a bit of extra time there to allow you to experience everything this great destination has to offer! Book your spot now for an adventure full of fun!

Picnic Lunches are available for purchase with Vegetarian and Gluten Free options available.

Patch admission is included for Railbike riders!

Operation Toy Train

December 7th

‘Tis the season for giving back and spreading kindness! Sierra Northern Railway is partnering with Operation Toy Train on Saturday, December 7 for the ultimate holiday experience. 

From Ventura to Piru, community members can join in the magical festivities and donate new, unwrapped toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots Foundation. View Sierra Northern’s unique railroad equipment, meet members of the Marine Corps and donation program, and even see Santa Claus himself! 

The Sunburst Railbikes

Pricing is Per Bike (Seats Two)
2 Hours, 10 Miles, Family-Friendly

Explore the scenic beauty of Southern California like never before on the Sunburst Railbikes. These patented pedal-powered (and electric-assisted) two-person Railbikes sit safely on our tracks, allowing you to lean back and soak in the views.

Enjoy a guided tour through the citrus and avocado groves of Ventura County, stop off at Prancer’s Farm to pick out some fresh produce and meet friendly animals, and leisurely wend your way toward Fillmore before returning to our historic Santa Paula depot.

Picnic lunches are available for purchase, and there will be time to enjoy a beautiful picnic before we turn around.

Our Railbikes are suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s a perfect way to spend the day outdoors: active and engaging, but relaxing and casual at the same time.

Railbikes by Sunset

Pricing is Per Bike (Seats Two)
2 Hours, 10 Miles, Family-Friendly

Our Railbikes by Sunset give you an opportunity to experience our pedal-powered electric Railbikes as the sun sets over the beautiful mountains on either side of our route, including a stop at Prancer’s Farm.

Our Railbikes are suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s a perfect way to wind down the day.

A Relaxing Picnic

Add a picnic lunch to your Railbike Experience, Just some of the choices are Ham, Turkey, and Roast Beef Sandwiches*. Multiple choice Chips and drinks are also available to add to your specially packed lunch in a custom lunch bag that you’ll be able to keep as a memento of your exciting trip!

*Vegetarian and Gluten Free options are available.

Prancer's Farm

Not long after your departure from the historic Santa Paula Depot, we’ll come to the family-owned and operated Prancer’s Farm.

We’ll stop here to explore and stock up on provisions. Prancer’s Farm carries a wide assortment of seasonal local produce (including the incredible citrus you’ll be passing through on your journey). They also have packaged snacks, beverages, and small gifts.

The fun doesn’t stop there, though! Meet goats, llamas, horses, and more at their petting zoo, situated on the 40-acre farm.

Conveniently Located

A world away, in your backyard.

Our departure point is the historic Santa Paula depot, located just off of Highway 126, twenty minutes from the coast.

200 North 10th Street
Santa Paula, CA 93060

 

Our ride has changed to a 10-mile, 2-hour roundtrip journey, with a newly-reimagined stopover at Prancer’s Farm, and a unique turnaround location amidst the citrus groves.

Calendar of Trips

History of the Line

Our track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad, and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Over the years millions of riders have experienced the beauty of the Santa Clara River Valley, Hollywood has used this span of rail as a scenic backdrop, and generations have fallen in love with trains.

The track was used extensively by Southern Pacific as late as the 1950s to haul citrus from packing houses at the communities along the Santa Clara River.

Today the Sunburst brings back the romance to this storied line, and takes us into a new millennium with the introduction of our unique Railbikes.

Gift Certificates

Share the magic of the season with the gift of a Sunburst Railbike adventure! This thoughtful certificate is more than a present – it’s an unforgettable experience. Your loved ones can pick their perfect day and time to glide through the scenic Ventura countryside, creating memories as bright as the holidays.

 

KCAL Feature

A great spotlight on KCAL of our very own Railbikes with Railbike Manager Nicholas Martinez!

Frequently Asked Questions

Check-in for your Sunburst Railbike ride is at the Santa Paula Train Depot, located at 200 N 10th St. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure to meet your guides and review Railbike rules. Late arrivals may miss their ride, but we can reschedule based on availability. 

The Sunburst Railbike experience lasts approximately 2 hours, from check-in to the return of the bikes at the depot. 

During the 2-hour Sunburst Railbike tour, you can pedal for as long as you prefer. Each bike is equipped with an easy to use electric-assist motor, and you will receive instructions on its use before starting your adventure. 

Helmets for your Sunburst Railbike ride are provided and sanitized for your safety. You may also bring your own bicycle helmet, provided it has a chin strap. 

Tickets are non-refundable. You may call to reschedule or receive a voucher for your reservation 72 hours prior to your event date.

Experience the beauty of Ventura County’s citrus and avocado groves during your Sunburst Railbike ride. The ride includes a stop at Prancer’s Farm, where you can pick fresh produce and meet friendly animals. 

The minimum age requirement for riding the Sunburst Railbikes is three years old. All children under the age of three must be in a front-facing carrier or use their car seat. Single riders must be at least 16 years old to operate the motor-assisted vehicle. 

Each Sunburst Railbike accommodates two people. For a single rider, one bike is sufficient. Contact us by phone or email if you need to adjust your booking. 

Yes, free street parking is available on both sides of the Sunburst Depot, at E. Santa Barbara and Railroad Avenues. A large gravel lot for RVs is at the northeast corner of 10th and Railroad, opposite the depot. 

We do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to vehicles or their contents. We recommend keeping valuables out of sight or with you during your visit. 

We recommend making reservations in advance for the Sunburst Railbikes as availability cannot be guaranteed on the day of your ride. 

Yes, groups booking six or more Sunburst Railbikes are eligible for a discount. Please call us to apply the discount to your reservation. 

Yes, filling out the Sunburst Railbike waiver digitally is preferred to avoid delays. If you have multiple participants, you can forward the waiver link from your confirmation email. 

No, you do not need to print your Sunburst Railbike confirmation email or waivers. 

While completing Sunburst Railbike waivers online will speed up the process, you can fill them out at the depot if necessary. 

Yes, restrooms are available at both stops along the Sunburst Railbike route. 

Small service dogs are welcome on the Sunburst Railbikes at no extra charge. 

The Sunburst Railbike rides operate rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, rides will be canceled for safety reasons, and a refund will be issued. 

We recommend wearing casual sports clothing for comfort during your Sunburst Railbike ride.

Closed-toed shoes are required for riding the Sunburst Railbikes.  

Yes, you can bring snacks or a picnic lunch on your Sunburst Railbike ride. Each Railbike has a basket for your belongings. Outside alcohol is not permitted on the Sunburst Railbikes. 

Drones are not permitted on the Sunburst Railbike rides.