Ride the Rails w Rail Explorers in Amador County

Only a 30 minute drive from Folsom and you can take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on our pedal-powered 'Rail Explorers' - a unique activity suitable for everyone.

The breathtaking Amador Central Railroad traces the contours of rolling hills revealing panoramic views from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains all the way to the Coastal Ranges. Just 45 minutes south of Sacramento, surrounded by gold rush towns steeped in history, wineries, and warmed by the northern California sun. This is Gold Country - the Heart of the Mother Lode.

Visit https://www.railexplorers.net/ for more information.

(photo from https://www.ione-ca.com/)

What is a Rail Explorer?

A rail explorer is a pedal powered vehicle that rides on railroad tracks. They have 4 steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each seat, and are comfortable, fun and easy to ride. Although the rail explorers require pedalling, the magic of steel wheels on steel rails makes the experience very different from riding a regular bicycle. There is no need to carefully watch the road ahead, there is no need to steer and riding is hands free - making it easy to take photographs and video as you roll along. Choose either the Tandem Rail Explorer (2 seats) or Quad Rail Explorer (4 seats) for your ride.

Pedal powered rail vehicles date back to at least the 1850’s, when maintenance workers used hand-cars and ‘rail bikes’ to travel along the tracks. They were used to transport crew and materials for track inspection and repairs. Today, there are a variety of designs in use around the world: the ‘Draisine’ of Europe; ‘rail bikes’ with aluminum frames and rubber wheels; and modified road bikes with an outrigger wheel.

Our custom built explorers are the latest development of this technology, and are the global leader in safety, design and ease of operation.

Who can ride the rail explorers?

Everyone! Couples young and old, groups of friends, and families of all ages and abilities can enjoy this unique experience.

Can children ride the rail explorers?

Yes! The explorers are easy to ride and children are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a rider at least 16 years of age to operate the brakes. Groups of children can ride on their own explorer, provided it is coupled to an adult's explorer.

For safety all riders must be secured in their own seat. The only exception is infants, who must be secured in a chest harness to an adult rider. Infants in a chest harness travel free. Younger children may not be able to reach the pedals but can be safely buckled in to enjoy the ride. We offer toddler harnesses for additional security for little explorers. It is not safe for children to be seated on your lap and this is strictly forbidden.

Do I have to book ahead of time or can I just show up?

Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Due to the popularity of Rail Explorers, and the limited number of seats available, many tours sell out quickly, particularly on weekends. Seats are not held in reserve for walk-ins.

Are tickets per person?

No, tickets for our regular tours are not sold per person. When you book you choose your rail explorer: either a Tandem, Quad or any combination of these, depending on how many are in your group. A Quad has 4 seats, a Tandem has 2 seats. There is no discount for empty seats. Each rider must have their own seat.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are permitted at other Rail Explorers Divisions, but their safety and control is your responsibility. Riding on the railbikes may not be suitable for every dog. The ride can be noisy, and there is vibration from the rails. Dogs must be able to sit calmly on the floor of the railbike or ride in a carrier. Dogs are not permitted to be carried by the brake operator. Dogs must be restrained with a leash or harness.

Many dogs have ridden with us, but space on the explorers is limited, so larger dogs may not fit comfortably and may be in danger of being struck by the pedals or pinched by the chains. For this reason there is a limit of one dog per railbike.

Visit https://www.railexplorers.net/ for more information.