Turns out that it is actually gonna be split up into two public tours this year! Here's the following regarding that:

Westward Bound Tour

Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will return to the rails this summer with a scenic tour across mountain ranges and high desert vistas in four western states: Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California.

Big Boy will journey from its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Sunday, June 30, en route to Roseville, California, before returning to Wyoming by the end of July. It will make numerous whistle-stops in communities along the way, with public display stops scheduled in:

• July 12-13: Roseville, California
• July 20-21: Ogden, Utah

Additional route details and approximate times for whistlestops will be shared closer to the tour.

During the tour, the Union Pacific Museum will host a special passenger trip. The unique experience is the annual gala fundraiser for the nonprofit organization and provides a rare opportunity to travel on this historic heritage equipment. More information on the specifics will appear at www.UPtrainTix.com when they become available.

And here's the map regarding the Westward Bound Tour:

Probably the most important highlights to look forward regarding the Westward Bound Tour are the following:

On the westbound leg, 4014 will pass through the Feather River Canyon area as shown here:

And on the eastbound leg, aka heading back for Cheyenne, Wyoming, 4014 will be heading over famed Donner Pass as shown here:

Both of which do mark the first time that a Union Pacific Big Boy is finally traversing over those two famed mountain railroad passes in Northern California! :D

But you may of noticed on the map that the following, aka..... The Cascades, Columbia River Gorge (via on the Oregon side) Blue Mountains, and Boise Idaho have been left out. That's because of the following stated by the UP:

Last fall, we had anticipated including Boise, Idaho, and Portland, Oregon on the Westward Bound tour. As planning continued, we determined that the network capacity on our northern corridor could not accommodate Big Boy No. 4014 along with anticipated demand on a single track. Our goal is to share the Big Boy with as many rail fans as possible across our network, and we look forward to seeing everyone track side – 25 feet back this summer and fall.

It's understandable when you think about it. When you take a look at the following two picture examples regarding of course the single track stretch for of the Blue Mountains and Columbia River Gorge (again via on the Oregon side):

Blue Mountains:

and Columbia River Gorge via on the Oregon side:

You can see that both lines only have one track, and with today's Precision Scheduled Railroading (or just PSR for short), it can be quite the nightmare to get a long bill paying Union Pacific freight into the siding and have Big Boy 4014 be thundering on by while the freight waits.

Remember: Union Pacific did start out as a freight carrier when it was established back in 1862, so it does make sense to have freight go through first and earn money for the company and of course allow 4014 the right of way. :)

And besides.... hopefully one day 4014 will visit the Pacific Northwest at long last. ^^

Anyways.... getting back on topic; To close out on the thread, as I said at the top of it:

This is one of two public tours planned for Big Boy in 2024, with a second tour planned later this fall with stops in Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Illinois, among other states. Details of the second tour will be released later this spring.

So be on the lookout for when the details of the 2nd tour happen. ;)

But anyways... anyone here hyped for 4014 going through the Feather River Canyon and Donner Pass for the first time in his career?!!!! :D :D

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And on the eastbound leg, aka heading back for Cheyenne, Wyoming, 4014 will be heading over famed Donner Pass

The catering is to die for.

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For sure =3

I mean after all... Donner Pass is gonna be amazing regarding when 4014 travels over that stretch. ^^