Historic V & T Railroad Begins Season With Annual Mother's Day Wild West Train Ride

Mothers will be the star passengers Sunday, May 11 on a special edition train ride from Nevada's capital, Carson City to the 1860's boom-era mining town of Virginia City. Tickets are on sale now for a window seat into Nevada's Old West aboard the historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad. The ride features storytelling, history and lore, shopping, a long stem rose for mom, and brunch opportunities in Virginia City.

With tracks through the famous Comstock-era right-of-away, the historic train travels the same silver route paved by residents of that time. The ride features scenic vistas of the Carson River and majestic Sierra Nevada, with engines passing through two tunnels, past abandoned mine shafts, and old cemeteries along the countryside where sightings of wild mustangs are routine. The V&T Railroad’s 16 miles of track reopened in August 2009 after 70 years of non-operation and is among the area’s leading attractions.

The Mother's Day train features a 1953 American Locomotive Company (ALCO) heritage diesel locomotive leading 100-year-old Pullman coaches displaying the distinctive yellow and green of the V&T. Tickets are $41 for adults, $25 for children ages 3 to 16, and $38 for seniors and veterans. Tickets are available online at www.vtrailway.com or (877) 724-5007. The train departs from the Carson City Depot at 10 a.m.

The regular V&T season runs May 24 through Oct. 19. Weekend steam trains feature a 1916 Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0 or a 1914 Baldwin-Built Mikado 2-8-2 steam engine leading 1914 Pullman cars. Trains depart Carson City Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. Diesel trains run Fridays from June 20 to Aug. 29, departing Carson City at 10 a.m.

The Toast of the Canyon wine and appetizer round trip train rides from Carson City through nearby scenic canyons will run the last Saturday of each month beginning June 28. Designed for train enthusiasts with a taste for the finer things, it’s a vintage train ride down into the canyon among spectacular high desert scenery paired with appetizers and a glass of wine.

Returning for a second season is the "Kids Ride Free" promotion. Where children 12 and under can ride the V&T Railroad diesel trains Fridays throughout the summer for free. This promotion runs online only with the code KIDSFREE. (One free ticket, per paying adult, is available with online purchases only).

Discounted private group charters are also available. For group fares and special excursion trains contact Candace Duncan at (775) 721-6255 or (775) 291-0208. Email candy@vtrailway.com.

The Carson City passenger station is located at Eastgate Siding on Flint Drive off U.S. Highway 50 East. To keep the memories rolling passengers can stop by the station’s gift shop stocked with V&T souvenirs. For the latest train updates or to purchase tickets visit www.vtrailway.com call (877) 724-5007.