Union Pacific Unveils Full Schedule for Big Boy 4014’s Western Coast-to-Coast Tour

Published: February 25, 2026

CHEYENNE, WY (February 25, 2026) — Union Pacific Railroad has released the complete western leg schedule for its groundbreaking 2026 Big Boy No. 4014 Coast-to-Coast Tour, the first transcontinental steam tour in the historic locomotive’s operational era. The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will make 27 whistle-stops and four public display days as it travels from its Cheyenne, Wyoming home base to California and back. The journey celebrates America’s 250th anniversary and highlights the enduring legacy of railroading in the nation’s growth and unity.

No passenger excursions are planned for this leg; instead, Big Boy 4014 will operate on Union Pacific’s active freight network, stopping briefly at communities along the route to give railfans and the public a chance to witness the 1.2-million-pound marvel under steam.

Tour Overview

Departure: March 29 – Cheyenne, Wyoming
Return: April 24 – Cheyenne, Wyoming
States Covered: Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California, and back through Nevada and Wyoming
Total Planned Whistle-Stops: 27
Public Display Days: 4 (extended viewing)
No Excursions: The western leg does not include passenger trains; it is planned as brief public stops only.

Complete Western Leg Schedule

Railfans should note that whistle-stops generally last 15–30 minutes and do not involve boarding or excursions. Safety guidance from Union Pacific urges spectators to stay at least 25 feet from the track and never stand on the rails or ballast to photograph or film the locomotive.

Wyoming

March 29 – Laramie
March 29 – Medicine Bow
March 30 – Wamsutter
March 31 – Rock Springs
April 1 – Green River
April 21 – Green River
April 23 – Point of Rocks
April 23 – Wamsutter
April 24 – Medicine Bow
April 24 – Laramie

Utah

April 2 – Morgan
April 2 – Salt Lake City
April 20 – Morgan

Nevada

April 4 – Wells
April 6 – Carlin
April 6 – Battle Mountain
April 7 – Gerlach
April 14 – Lovelock
April 15 – Carlin
April 15 – Elko
April 17 – Wells
April 17 – Montello

California

April 9 – Oroville
April 9 – Marysville
April 9 – Lincoln
April 10-11 – Roseville (Public Display Days)
April 12 – Colfax
April 12 – Truckee

Utah (Return Display)

April 18-19 – Ogden (Public Display Days)

Special Public Display Days & Events

The western leg features two extended public display events where visitors can view Big Boy up close — along with the “Experience the Union Pacific” mobile exhibit highlighting rail history:

April 10-11 – Roseville, California
April 18-19 – Ogden, Utah

In addition, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs is offering a cab ride auction for April 17 in Utah, with proceeds benefiting the museum’s preservation programs.

Historical Significance of the Tour

Originally built during World War II to haul heavy freight over the Wasatch Mountains, Big Boy locomotives are icons of American railroading. Of the 25 constructed, eight have been preserved, but No. 4014 remains the only operational example more than 80 years after its construction. Its role on this tour bridges heritage with a modern celebration of national innovation.

Although the western leg schedule is now complete, Union Pacific says details of the eastern leg — which will truly fulfill the coast-to-coast name — are slated for release later in 2026, possibly involving trackage rights over partner railroads for the first time.

Planning Tips for Railfans

Railfans should consult Union Pacific’s steam tracking resources for live location and updated timing as the tour runs.
Bring safety gear and plan for brief stops rather than long excursions.
Consider early travel lodging for peak public display dates in Roseville and Ogden.

For more information regarding 4014's Western Leg Tour please click here to visit Union Pacific's website.

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