With the rolling hills of Tehachapi's western slope radiant in the colors of Spring an eastbound lumber heavy Roseville to West Colton manifest approaches Caliente. Having just emerged from the confines of the Caliente Creek Narrows, amidst hills carpeted in seasonal wildflowers, the eastbound will follow the northern bank of Caliente Creek 'into town' where the railroad will cross the creek on the famous horseshoe curve. While Caliente is certainly not the start of the climb up the western slope, Caliente does mark the beginning of the spectacular climb to the summit, mountain railroading at its absolute finest.
