Ode to the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad

How do my boys love thee, let me count the ways…

Almost every Sunday after breakfast at the Los Gatos Town Plaza we head over to Oak Meadow Park and ride the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad.

It is a miniature railroad, with a 104-year-old steam engine and two diesel trains, which has been running since 1941. It was founded by Billy Jones, a retired railroad man, and originally ran in his orchard. In 1968 after Billy Jones death it was relocated to Oak Meadow Park and part of Vasona Park.

On the scenic 10-minute ride you cross Los Gatos Creek, and a trestle bridge, and occasionally see wildlife like squirrels and Canadian geese. The railroad runs year round, and it only costs $2 a person to ride the train, 2 and under are free.

Oak Meadow and the adjoining Vasona Park are beautiful. Parking is plentiful, except on Holidays and during festivals. You can park for free on University and Blossom Hill Road, or for $6 at Oak Meadow (Los Gatos residents are free, so it usually fills up after 10 am) or Vasona Park.

Vasona Park has a network of wonderful multi-use (pedestrian and bike) trails that connect to the Los Gatos Creek trail. Eventually Santa Clara County hopes to connect miles of trail, so you will be able to bike from downtown San Jose to Los Gatos. Currently you can pick up the trail on Meridian, and you don’t cross any streets until you get to Vasona Park. For older kids this could be fun… my boys can only manage about a mile on their bikes right now.

There are also several playgrounds. The largest is located in Oak Meadow Park. It includes an airplane, fire truck and choo choo train for the kids to play on, as well as some large jungle gyms and swings.

Not to be overlooked, there is also an antique Carousel originally constructed in 1915. It has a Wurlitzer organ, and although not as exciting as the railroad, on occasion my boys like to ride it. It also costs $2 a person, and children 2 and under ride for free.

The best time to visit the railroad is in the summer when the newly restored steam engine runs on weekends. During the weekdays and the winter months the Diesels run. It is also fun to take the kids to the Haunted Railroad in late October, and the Festival of Lights (bundle up it can be cold) in December.