About Us

The Pacific Coast Railroad is a privately-owned narrow gauge (36″) steam railroad at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, ten miles north of San Luis Obispo, California.  Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Rob Rossi, the railroad is part of a substantial heritage revitalization project at the Mission era Rancho, and was built to portray the importance of the Iron Horse in the development of California Central Coast. A Golden Spike ceremony was held over the Summer of 2004, and the two-mile line has operated for various charters, charity functions, weddings and other events ever since.

As of 2009, the railroad rosters three steam locomotives, two Plymouth gas hydraulics and more than a dozen pieces of rolling stock, including three ex-Denver & Rio Grande Western boxcars, a former International Railways of Central America caboose and business car, and the four 5/8 scale passenger coaches from the Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad.