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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Roaring Camps Railway Santa Cruz |
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By Matthew
Martz |
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The
Roaring Camp's collection of steam engines is among the
oldest and most accurately preserved regularly scheduled
passenger service trains in America. In 1988, The ASME designated
three of the engines in use as historical landmarks. The railroad’s pair of Shay locomotives handles regular service, with an appearance by a Heisler. "Kahuku," the oldest in use, provides shuttle service for special events and occasions, but due to size it’s not capable of hauling trains up the mountain. Roaring Camp offers two different tours to suit your tastes. The Roaring Camp & Big Trees is a steam-powered narrow gauge line using Shay and Heisler locomotives. Starting at the Roaring Camp depot in Felton, California, the line runs up steep winding grades through redwood forestry to the top of nearby Bear Mountain. At an estimated 9.5 percent grade, it’s the steepest passenger grade still in use. The trail is the southernmost remaining portion of the old Southern Pacific line. It’s an hour-long ride that travels about 2.5 miles. The second tour is on the Beach Trains. This line travels through Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, then across a steel truss bridge built in 1909 and on through an original tunnel, before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It travels nearly the same route established in 1875. |
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 Roaring Camp Railroad Shay locomotive |
Keeping
with its original purpose, the railroad carries tourists on
the seasonal beach trains, as well as freight to the San Lorenzo
Lumber Co. If plan to take this trip there are plenty of Santa
Cruz hotels within a few minutes of the tains. Special events are held several times a year with funds used for repair and restoration of the locomotives at Roaring Camp. In 2003, the first "Day out with Thomas" event was held. The event was the largest in the 40-year history of Roaring Camp with an estimated 25,000 supporters over three days. During the summer the romantic Santa Cruz Starlight Evenings allows you and that special someone to enjoy the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night while traveling under the stars. Evening trains depart for a two-hour round-trip excursion along the San Lorenzo River Gorge and return to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. Advance purchase is recommended. The annual Summer Gathering of Mountain Men takes mid August . Wander through the recreated 1830’s wilderness encampments of trappers and traders. Moonlight Steam Train Dinner Party offers a barbecue dinner, live country music, and a train ride by flashlight, culminating with a mountain bonfire and sing-along on August, September, and October. Lodging and dining at various rates are available throughout the areas of Monterey County, Santa Clara, and in nearby Santa Cruz. |
Roaring Camp Railroad |
Santa Cruz Beach train |
Roaring Camp is located six
miles north of Santa Cruz, which is a 6.5-hour drive north
from Orange County, and 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco.
If traveling from the south, plan on spending at least one
night. Hotels are very affordable with rates from $50.00 and up. There are lots of nearby attractions including the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, making this road trip perfect for the whole family. |
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Discount
Tickets |
Half
Price Family Deals |
Beach
Camping |
Fun
Things To Do |
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