Western Railroad Discussion > Soon these views will not be possible - Summit Overlook

I've been  going to the Summit Overlook in the Cajon Pass to photograph and video the views from the overlook since 1964. Railfans for many years have used the overlook for photographs and video. Because of the State Highway 138 improvment project the overlook will disappear and the road will pass at track level. The overlook provides some spectacular views down the Pass to the west and very good views of Summit to the east. I have recently spent some time at the overlook getting some "last" photos and videos before it changes forever. The road will close on March 21 and remain closed until April 4. While the project is not slated for completion until 2018 it's anybody's guess what will be left of the overlook when the road re-opens on April 4. It seems appropriate to say, "get 'em while you can." Best of luck to all.

​Overlook-030117-1 is a BNSF eastbound going through the cut March 1, 2017
​Overlook-030117-2 is another BNSF eastbound entering the cut. March 1, 2017 Note the end of the train in the background. This view will soon be impossible to get.
​Overlook-030917-1 is a UP westbound leaving Summit

Have fun, be safe,
Bruce "Doc" Jones  Sierra Madre CA

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Very nice set and view, thanks for sharing!
 

SouthWest RailCams
CA, NM, CO, TX, AZ
https://SouthWestRailCams.com

That sounds like a completely unnecessary road project!

16,000 shomes scheduled to be constructed in Summit Valley.

 

"Progress."

BobE
 

dwatry Wrote:
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> That sounds like a completely unnecessary road
> project!

You've obviously never driven that road. Trust me, it's needed.

Reminds of the 'original' Summit and the changes that were made 20 years ago or so...

James Nelson
Thornton, CO
www.flickr.com/mojaveflyer

Yes, if you ever shot old Summit, the current scene will not be missed that much. Imagine a view more like the second photo with an actural "TRAIN" sign warning you of an approaching manifest or passenger or set of helpers. The Summit station, the wye with a fire train on it, or later with a trainorder cupolar caboose on the SP. Oh well, I'm sure another spot will open up somewhere. I really miss old Devore, where I could snooze in my  chariot next to the rely cabin on a warm Spring afternoon, only to be awakened by the sets of grade crossing gongs warning of a train approching on one, two or all three mainline tracks.  

I like the look of Pic 1!!

Doc,

I'll cross Summit onboard #3 on 27 March. I'll raise a cold one to the memories that we've shared there, especially the Cajon Pass Railfan, Historical & BS Society turkey weekend meets. Who can ever forget standing at Summit with the Master, Chard Walker and listening to his stories?  

It's all crap now!

Regards,
Burlington John

Any improvement to 138 is bound to save lives. It's a death trap

Bill Deaver
Tehachapi, CA

Not so bad if people drove accordingly. 

16,000 new homes in an area with no water supply????  No wonder the Governor wants to build new tunnels for water so L.A. can slurp away without fear...I really wish those 16,000 new homes would be denied.

16000 new homes to an area...(so cal)...that has several million too many people...

burlingtonjohn Wrote:
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. Who
> can ever forget standing at Summit with the
> Master, Chard Walker and listening to his stories?

The man was pure gold. I surely do miss him. Etched in our memories forever.
Lane

Great photos.

Ronda Thomas

dwatry Wrote:
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> That sounds like a completely unnecessary road
> project!

You drive that road a lot, do you? East S-138 has been crying for major improvement ever since years ago when Silverwood lake became a recreational hotspot and not to mention it's daily use by the commuters from SE Hesperia who bravely use it as a shortcut to the I-15, although that traffic has probably diminished somewhat since the Rancho Rd access to the 15 was opened. The existing road has been a nightmare for a long time.

This is one that is completely necessary, even if safety is taken out of it. That stretch of winding up and down canyon is murder on the families car sickness resiliency. Now add safety and it's really a win for 99% of the population.

dwatry Wrote:
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> That sounds like a completely unnecessary road
> project!

As I have been in Cajon Summit for my trainspotting in many times in few years ago,  but I am asking whereabouts does 16,000 homes to be built? It would be much appreciated. Your 1st photo is awersome with beautiful mountains and lots of snow.

From Barry Cook
Yass NSW Australia.

So very sorry to hear about the removal of the lookout. Over the years I have visited Cajon I had always made that area a photo and video location for picture taking. I am so glad I never missed an opportunity to make that area a stop on my visits to California.
Jim
Hatboro, PA