Roaring Camps Railroads Day Trip Santa Cruz California

Roaring Camp Railroad offers a wonderful day trip for the whole family, from grandparents to young children. If you are in the Santa Cruz area, be sure to add this unique train experience to your to-do list. Roaring Camp features two train rides: the Redwood Forest Steam Train ride and the longer Santa Cruz Beach train, which travels from Felton to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. A trip on this historic narrow-gauge tourist railroad is
a step back in time amid California’s majestic redwoods.

Roaring Camp: Train Rides and Experiences

Roaring Camp operates two main routes, both narrated by conductors sharing tales of the railroad, forest, and logging history. Most visitors opt for the shorter Big Trees steam train ride.

Redwood Forest Steam Train: Experience a scenic round-trip journey on the 3-foot narrow-gauge track from the Felton depot to the summit of Bear Mountain. Riders will cross wooden trestles, pass through majestic redwood trees, and take in breathtaking panoramic views. Vintage steam engines power the train and cover approximately 2.5 miles, and include a brief stop at the summit of Bear Mountain before returning to Roaring Camp. Departures are available multiple times daily.

Santa Cruz Beach Train: A scenic 3-hour round-trip from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, along the San Lorenzo River Gorge, over a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel back to Roaring Camp. This diesel-hybrid route connects the mountains to the coast, with options for reverse trips from the beach. Both open-air and enclosed cars are used on this trip.

Special Events: Starlight Evening Train with colorful forest lights. Western Moonlight Dinner Train featuring a campfire supper and sing-along. Great Train Robbery, a family-friendly reenactment. Holiday rides with festive decorations and visits from Santa.

History of the Railroads

With roots dating back to the logging boom of the 1880s, this area was originally part of Big Trees Ranch, which was purchased in 1867 to protect the giant redwoods from overlogging. During that time, narrow-gauge steam locomotives transported massive redwood logs from the Santa Cruz Mountains. In 1930, portions of the land were designated as part of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Founded in 1958 by F. Norman Clark, Roaring Camp recreates an 1880s logging camp, featuring period buildings such as a blacksmith shop, a general store, and an opera house. A highlight of the operation is the historic narrow-gauge railroad, which connects to the South Pacific Coast Railroad, leading to Santa Cruz, California.

Visitor Tips and Tickets

Location: 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018 (about 7 miles from downtown Santa Cruz; accessible via Highway 17 or scenic Highway 1).

Hours: Open daily in summer; weekends in spring and fall. Arrive 30-45 minutes early for parking and boarding.

Tickets and Parking: Train tickets can be purchased online or via phone (831-335-4484). Children under two ride free. Parking: $10 at Felton. There is no admission fee to enter Roaring Camp, unless a special event is taking place.

Accessibility: Dog-friendly (leashed pets welcome on select rides); strollers and wheelchairs are accommodated with advance notice, although some areas have uneven surfaces.
Tips: Dress in layers for mountain chill; rides can sell out in peak season.

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or seeking family fun, Roaring Camp delivers a step back in time amid California’s majestic redwoods.

Roaring Camp Nearby Attractions

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of only three beachfront amusement parks in California, along with Santa Monica Pier and Belmont Park in San Diego. While many visitors opt for larger theme parks, which often come with high entrance fees, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk charges no admission. The park features over 40 rides and attractions, with the Giant Dipper Wooden Roller Coaster being the most popular among them.

Santa Cruz Mystery Spot: The Mystery Spot was discovered in 1939 by George Prather while surveying land for a logging camp. Since the 1940s, it has been a popular tourist attraction. Located in the redwoods, just three miles from downtown Santa Cruz, this unique site challenges the laws of gravity. Visitors can witness phenomena such as water seemingly flowing upward and balls rolling uphill.

New Brighton State Beach: New Brighton has a rich history tied to the Chinese community that once thrived there, making significant contributions to local fisheries and railroad construction. New Brighton State Beach features a one-mile shoreline and a campground situated on the bluffs overlooking the beach. The visitor center at New Brighton Beach includes exhibits that explore the history of migration into the Pacific Northwest by the various peoples who have made this region their home.