Leaving the wide open and sand swept desert at Basin, CA the rails of Union Pacific's Cima Subdivision come to ride along the northern bank of the Mojave River Wash as the two snake through the confines of Afton Canyon. Originally built by Union Pacific predecessor, the Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railway, the railroad follows either the northern or southern bank of the wash throughout the Canyon's 8 mile length. On a sunny November 29th, 2014 Union Pacific's westbound North Platte, NE to West Colton, CA manifest approaches the heart of the Canyon with its train highlighting the railroad's course through its eastern end.
