Pumpkin Express — Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association calls the Pumpkin Express its annual Halloween celebration. Decorated vintage railcars leave the Campo Depot, at the Campo Railroad Museum, and wind down the hill through some of the most scenic parts of the historic San Diego and Arizona Railway as fall descends on Campo, California.

Passengers of all ages are encouraged to arrive in costume. The operator offers two seating choices: Classic Coach in restored 1920s vintage commuter cars, which are the most numerous and lowest priced, and First Class in Santa Fe lounge car 1509, with a complimentary snack bar with attendant, parlor or dining-style seating and an open-air platform. Locomotive cab rides are sold separately, with only two cab spaces on each train.

The museum runs a separate adults-only Halloween train, the Sip & Scare Sunset Special.

A ride on decorated vintage railcars through the Campo backcountry, with costumes encouraged for every age. Coach Class seats are in restored 1920s commuter cars; First Class is in a Santa Fe lounge car with a complimentary snack bar and an open-air platform. The railcars are neither heated nor cooled, and there are no restrooms on board; restrooms are in the Depot area and the museum's Exhibit Hall.

Trains depart the Campo Depot at the Campo Railroad Museum, 750 Depot Street, Campo, California. The operator asks guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure because trains cannot wait for late arrivals. Online ticket sales close 36 hours before departure; limited tickets may be sold at the Campo Depot subject to availability, and the best seats tend to sell out quickly. All sales are final, with one free reschedule if requested at least 24 hours ahead. Trains run in all weather. Passengers are dropped at the museum's Exhibit Hall, 1,247 feet from the Depot, and can walk back through the outdoor exhibits; a shuttle runs when volunteers are available. A chairlift can help passengers with mobility needs board. No dogs are allowed on the trains, and outside alcohol is prohibited. Locomotive cab rides are for ages 6 and up.