What is eagle mountain railroad?

Eagle Mountain Railroad is a former short-line railroad located in Riverside County, California, USA. It operated between 1948 and 1986, exclusively servicing the iron mines and processing plants of Kaiser Steel Corporation located at Eagle Mountain and nearby Talc City. The railroad was constructed to transport iron ore and limestone from the mines, to the processing plant, and to ship finished products to various destinations, including ports in California.

The Eagle Mountain Railroad was operated with a fleet of Alco diesel locomotives and various types of rolling stock specifically designed for the unique conditions of the desert terrain it traversed. The railroad was known for its unique operating practices, including the use of gravity-fed trains to haul heavy loads down steep grades, and the use of a cable-powered incline at Talc City to transport ore from the mines to the plant.

The railroad ceased operations in 1986 when the iron mines at Eagle Mountain were shut down due to declining demand and increased competition from foreign producers. The rail line and its equipment have since been largely dismantled and removed. Today, only a few remnants of the railroad remain, including sections of track, buildings, and equipment. However, the old rail bed has been converted into a hiking trail, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and desert.