Overview
The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is a one-third scale steam and diesel locomotive that has been running through Oak Meadow Park and around Vasona Lake since the 1950s. The rolling stock is real — the steam engine dates to 1905 — and the ride circles the park through oak trees and alongside the lake, covering about a mile of track. Paired with the restored W.E. "Bill" Mason Carousel (also 1905), this is one of the most charming low-key train experiences in the South Bay. It is run entirely by volunteers and a certified 501(c)(3), which means every ticket goes directly into keeping the equipment operational.
How to Do It
The railroad is located at 233 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, within Oak Meadow Park. From San Jose or San Francisco, take CA-85 South or I-880 South to CA-17 South toward Los Gatos. Exit at CA-9 toward Saratoga, turn right on University Avenue, then right on Blossom Hill Road, and take an immediate left into Oak Meadow Park. The railroad is at the back of the park.
The Oak Meadow Park parking lot has limited spaces and fills early on weekend mornings in spring and summer. The adjacent Vasona Lake County Park lot (accessed separately off Blossom Hill) has more capacity but charges a $10 parking fee administered by Santa Clara County. Free overflow parking is available along University Avenue and within walking distance of the park entrance. Arrive before 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday to get an Oak Meadow spot. The ticket booth is right at the station — no advance purchase, cash and cards accepted.
The natural sequence is: ride the train first (the queue builds through the morning), then take the carousel while the train queue resets, then let kids loose on the playground. Los Gatos Creek runs along the park's edge and kids can wade at the edge with shoes on. The park also has a decommissioned jet airplane and a fire truck cab that kids can climb into, which tend to occupy the under-5 set for a while.
Tips & Tricks
The steam engine does not run every day — it alternates with the diesel locomotive on a schedule posted at the station. If seeing the steam engine specifically matters to your kid, check bjwrr.org or call ahead, or arrive early enough to ask at the booth before buying tickets. The steam runs are visually and sonically more dramatic; the diesel ride is still solid.
Summer hours (June through early August) extend to weekdays, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., which means this becomes one of the better low-crowds weekday options in the South Bay during that window. The weekend crowds are noticeably larger. If you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday in July, the park feels completely different.
The carousel horses are individually crafted antiques — each one has a name and a distinct character, listed on the website under "Meet Our Carousel Horses." This sounds like a small detail but kids who are told that in advance spend the pre-ride time debating which horse they want, which occupies 10 minutes of the queue nicely. The carousel accommodates strollers parked nearby; the train does not require you to fold or leave a stroller anywhere.
Wild geese patrol the creek and picnic areas near the lake and will aggressively defend territory near goslings in spring. This is not a minor note — the geese are large and they will chase small children. Keep kids away from any goose that is standing still and watching them.
Planning
Train and carousel tickets are $5 each per person. Children 2 and under ride free with a paying adult. Riders with disabilities ride free; the train is wheelchair accessible. Group tickets (30 or more) are $4 each. Special event tickets start at $6. All tickets are purchased in person at the railroad ticket booth — no advance online purchase for regular operation. Tickets never expire and can be used on future visits, so buying extras to keep on hand makes sense.
Operating hours by season: Spring and Fall (weekends only), Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer (June through August), Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. plus Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winter (November through February), Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The snack shack operates during weekend hours and serves light food. Bring a picnic blanket and snacks regardless — the park has good grassy areas and picnic tables. Spring (March through May) is the best season for a visit: green hills, comfortable temperatures, and the carousel and train running at full weekend capacity without peak summer crowds. Ages 1 through 6 get the most out of the train and carousel; the playground and creek extend the appeal for older kids up to 8.