Modoc Line Rail Trail - Viewland Segment

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Features Views · Wildlife

Stretching 86 miles through the way-out-there wild country in the states northeast, the Modoc Line is not one for those eager to socialize and people watch. Through remote ranchland and high desert landscapes, the Modoc Line has the character of an ornery outsider seeking refuge from the maddening crowds. Youll find it out here, along with wide open skies and spectacular star gazing, many miles from the nearest city.

Be prepared as there are no services.

This is one segment (southern) of the Modoc Line rail trail that traverses over 2,000 acres of some of northeastern Californias most dramatic rangeland, views of the Skedaddle and Warner mountain ranges and opportunities to see wildlife, including herds of pronghorn antelope. The trail corridor connects BLM lands from Biscar Reservoir to the Tule Mountain Wildlife Study Area.

Three segments of the trail are currently open to the public for use: The Sage Hen segment, the Snowstorm Canyon segment and Viewland. The trail is open to high-clearance road vehicles and shared use with bikes and equestrians. The surface is gravel with sections of remnant railroad ballast. The trail cuts through open cattle range. Caution is encouraged.

The Modoc Line began in the 1800s as a narrow gauge railroad operated by the Nevada-California-Oregon Railroad. It was later converted to standard gauge, and most recently operated by the Union Pacific Railroad until its abandonment in the 1990s.