Big Boy to Make Two Whistle-Stops in Colorado During Limited 2025 Excursion
Big Boy will be accompanied by UP’s No. 1616 Lincoln Locomotive, the Class I’s newest commemorative locomotive, honoring Abraham Lincoln’s role in “uniting the nation through rail and laying the foundation for America’s freight rail network.”
As part of this year’s summer excursion, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum will auction off four exclusive cab rides between Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Denver, Colo. All proceeds will go to the museum, a nonprofit that shares American history through the lens of the railroad. More details are available here.
Although this year’s excursion is limited, UP says Big Boy will return to the rails “in a big way” in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Stay tuned for details.
The 2025 excursion:
- July 17: Cheyenne, Wyoming, departs 10 a.m. MDT; Greeley, Colorado, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. MDT
- July 19: Greeley, Colorado, 8:30-8:50 a.m. MDT; Cheyenne, Wyoming, arrives 10:30 a.m. MDT
Twenty-five Big Boys were built during World War II, but only eight survived. No. 4014 is the only one of the eight still in operation and remains the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.
UP reminds all rail fans to keep safety top of mind and stay 25-feet back from the tracks when taking a picture or viewing the colossal locomotive. That means never take a picture or video standing on the track or the ballast and never climb on the locomotive or equipment.
To stay informed about Big Boy’s schedule and future steam excursions, please join the Union Pacific Steam Club at up.com/SteamClub. A map showing No. 4014’s location and route will be available here.
