Smith Ranch - Julian Train & Gold Mine

The highlight of any trip to Smith Ranch is its Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour, also known as the "The Julian Train Ride." It is a one and a half hour adventure that includes a mile-long journey through gold country, over two trestle bridges, and around a 225-degree curve aboard an 18-inch gauge mining train with open cars. The destination is a real gold mine, where 140-year-old pick marks can still be seen in the rock walls.

Other features of the tour are a ride into the mine in an 1898 mine car, a visit to the 1906 Julian Consolidated quartz mill, and an opportunity to pan for gold nuggets. The train itself is electric and non-polluting, with a locomotive rated to pull 87 tons on level track. Rolling stock includes flat cars, tank cars, timber cars, ore cars, and more.

Bookings for the Smith Ranch Julian Train & Gold Mine Tour should be made in advance to guarantee a seat on the train. Departures are scheduled year-round at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 2:30pm every Monday through Saturday. Smith Ranch is located on the east side of Julian. It is a little less than a mile from the heart of town. Admission costs $15 for adults and $12 for children aged 3 to 12.