Located in coastal wooded mountains, Roaring Camp Railroads runs two unique trains that offer the best of California scenery and vintage railroading. The Redwood Forest Steam Train operates steam-powered narrow-gauge trains through redwood forests, while the Santa Cruz Beach Train runs diesel-powered trips down a scenic river gorge to the Pacific Ocean.
Choices
Roaring Camp Railroads operates a fleet of 1880s-era Shay, Heisler and Climax locomotives on a winding route up Bear Mountain. The route passes through the Welch Big Trees Grove. The 75-minute excursions feature open-air coaches; passengers can detrain at the summit to briefly tour the forest or take a guided walk back. Santa Cruz boardwalk trains employ 1920s-era passenger coaches and open-air cars pulled by ex-Santa Fe CF7 diesels. The 3-hour round-trip runs through a redwoods state park, down the San Lorenzo River Gorge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the historic Santa Cruz boardwalk.
When to go
Despite heavier crowds, summer is a great time to visit as Roaring Camp operates the most daily trains. The higher altitude and marine climate bring moderate temperatures; cool and foggy days are common in summer. Seasonal trains include moonlight steam trains and dinner parties, days with Thomas and Percy, children’s ghost trains in October, and a holiday light train in November and December.
Good to know
The 1907 seaside boardwalk in nearby Santa Cruz is a historic gem and features a 1924 wooden roller coaster. Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach are a short drive away on scenic California Highway 1.
Worth doing
Roaring Camp re-creates an 1880s-era logging town and features historic buildings, a depot, an engine house, antique cabooses, and picnic grounds. Access to the grounds is free and picnicking is encouraged, but there is a charge for parking.
Don’t miss
Seasonal events include Civil War reenactments, mountain men gatherings, “brewgrass” festivals, rainforest weekends, harvest fairs, and steam festivals.
Getting there
Roaring Camp is 6 miles north of Santa Cruz off Route 17; take Mt. Hermon Road which ends at Graham Hill Road. Turn left on Graham Hill Road and drive a half mile to Roaring Camp. It’s a short drive from San Jose Intl. Airport.
Location: 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA
Phone: 831-335-4484
Website: roaringcamp.com
E-mail: Form on website
