The Tehachapi Loop is a major railroad main line through the Tehachapi Mountains in south central California, connecting the San Joaquin Valley to Los Angeles via the Antelope Valley. Hailed as one of the greatest engineering feats of its day as well as being the world's busiest single-track main, the line is shared by both the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad.

The line derives its name from the circuitous route it takes through mountains, considerably lessening the angle of the grade. If a train is long enough, it can actually loop back onto itself. The area is considered to be one of the prime railfan areas in the country with its combination of frequent train traffic and spectacular scenery. A railroad museum with many historical rail artifacts is located in the small city of Tehachapi.

See also

• Horseshoe curve
• Spiral (railway)
• Tehachapi Pass

External links

• Trainorders.com Loop video and sound camera

Transportation in California | United States railfanning locations | Historic civil engineering landmarks | Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway | Southern Pacific Railroad