tehachapi loop??? update

We used to have to run it with tractor trailers. Just slower than the 4 lane. You do mean Edison-Bena Rd? It's a good rd.

Last fall, I drove 58 from Bakersfield to Barstow, I-15. I don't remember anything that would keep me from traveling it again.
In fact, I did not know of the Tehachapi Loop. This will compel me to that route again when in the area.

Thanks. This I want to see.

Tehachapi Loop is on the Burlington Northern Sante Fe and Northern Pacific RR where trains climb a 2% grade and have to go around a loop, crossing the tail end of the train to avoid higher than 2% grading. AKA/Helix 2% is the maximum a set of locomotives can pull.

It's cool to watch a train in the loop. My memory is a little foggy, but I thought there was a place to pull off above the loop.

rv2go wrote:
Last fall, I drove 58 from Bakersfield to Barstow, I-15. I don't remember anything that would keep me from traveling it again.
In fact, I did not know of the Tehachapi Loop. This will compel me to that route again when in the area.

Thanks. This I want to see.

that's the new 4 lane 58. I'm talking about taking the keene exit and old hwy 58 to the loop.

Up in Western Canada they did almost the same thing, only there they did it inside of mountain.........

Bill

btilfan wrote:
Is old hwy 58 from the Keene exit doable in a 35 foot class A? We are spending some time in Bakersfield and would love to see it.

I've been up to the viewing area for the loop but I did it in the car. Based on my memory, I think you can make it in a Class A but it was a two-lane windy steep road and the view area is just a pullout on the side of the road. There were no trains while I was there so I turned around and went back down to 58. I don't recall if there would have been a place to turn around in a motorhome. If you have a toad you may be better off parking off the freeway someplace and driving the toad up.

Viewing area

This is the viewing area where you can see the loop. Note there is a pretty big motorhome pulled off on the shoulder watching while the Google car drove by. So it can be done.

If you like loops there is the Georgetown Loop in CO.




https://www.georgetownlooprr.com/