In light of my recent attendance to 
Chasing Steel’s Cajon Pass Railfan Map (.PDF)a presentation given by Union Pacific’s Special Agent Mark Youngblood on the overall role of railroad police and, more specifically, the railroad right-of-ways through Cajon Pass, which is within the San Bernardino National Forest, I have prepared a map of the pass that, hopefully, should shed some light on the access roads in the area that is open to the public.
The map is a mashup of various map sources showing topographical features, highways and local streets, railroad lines and location names, and the United States Forest Service roads throughout the area. The USFS data came from their 2009 Motor Vehicle Use Map for the area.
The map is not meant to be a navigational tool, but rather a planning device to aid in route considerations and location accessibility. Special Agent Youndblood recommends that railfans remain on the forest service roads only and those roads should be clearly marked with USFS signposts to indicate their use. To view the most recent road/trail information visit these USFS SBNF web pages:
- Forest Rules & Regulations
- Current Conditions - “Know Before you Go”
- Order No. 5, Roads and Trails, San Bernardino National Forest
I have also included the emergency numbers for the BNSF, Union Pacific, and Amtrak on the map. I would recommend that you program those numbers into your cellphone so they are handy at a moments notice. Please report any unsafe conditions you see, such as: shifted loads, dragging equipment, derailed wheels, trespassers, or suspicious persons or activities.
NOTE: There is one forest road that is hard to see on the map and that road is 3N53. This is due to the fact that it parallels the Union Pacific track south of Hiland. It can be used to access most areas of the forest and can be easily reached off of Highway 138, the Pearblossom Highway.
Please contact me for any map corrections, concerns, or comments. Happy hunting!