After a six year absence, Union Pacific 4-8-4 844 return to the rails, double-heading with Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 for the UP’s holiday tour this November. 

The two steam locomotives will travel from Cheyenne, Wyo. to Denver, Colo. on Nov. 21, with a fundraising excursion scheduled between Greeley, Colo. and Denver for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The locomotives will be on display at Denver Union Station later that day, with Santa Claus and his elves handing out limited edition gifts at the terminal.

The public will have a rare opportunity to ride behind steam in cars from the UP’s heritage fleet between Greeley and Denver. Tickets will be sold through the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, and the trip will support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The UP’s Community Ties Giving Program will also donate to the foundation as part of the event.

The last time 844 operated was in May 2019, when it double-headed with 4014 to the 150th celebration of the driving of the Golden Spike in Utah. 

Tickets will first go on sale to patrons of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum on Oct. 16, while remaining tickets will be sold to the public on Oct. ​19. 

UP wants to remind everyone to remain 25 feet back from the tracks when viewing their steam locomotives.

— Nick Stewart