Adventure Brief
Ride a historic train through towering redwoods to the 1880s logging town of Roaring Camp for a scenic and educational adventure in Santa Cruz.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Ride a historic train through towering redwoods to the 1880s logging town of Roaring Camp for a scenic and educational adventure in Santa Cruz.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, no special physical condition required.
Wildlife
History
Roaring Camp was established in the 19th century during California’s logging boom, preserving a piece of history with authentic buildings and artifacts.
Conservation
Roaring Camp Railroads supports sustainable forestry practices and strives to educate visitors about the importance of redwoods and responsible land use.
Roaring Camp Railroads
Ride a historic train through towering redwoods to the 1880s logging town of Roaring Camp for a scenic and educational adventure in Santa Cruz.
Roaring Camp Railroads, located in Felton, California, operates scenic train excursions and a year-round calendar of themed events set in the towering Santa Cruz redwood forest. The operation offers a variety of experiences for families, school groups, and adult visitors, combining vintage train travel with live entertainment, food, and hands-on programming.
Key offerings include heritage steam train rides, family-focused events like Day Out With Thomas featuring Thomas the Tank Engine™, seasonal festivals such as the Brewgrass Festival, and specialty evenings like the Moonlight Evening Dinner Train that include dinner, live music, and stopovers at Bear Mountain. Roaring Camp also hosts community-oriented events at the historic Bret Harte Opera Hall, including the Spring Barn Line Dance and Winter Warmer Fest.
Educational programs are available for school groups aged 7–11 through the Living History experience, designed to bring the mountain man era and westward expansion to life. Seasonal attractions include Drive-In Movie Nights among the redwoods, a Chanukah Train with community menorah lighting and kosher refreshments, and competitive culinary events such as the Cook-Off with tastings and craft beer.
Visitors traveling from Santa Cruz can join specialty trains like the Father’s Day Brew Train and VIP tasting trains for Brewgrass. The combination of scenic rail routes, themed programming, and family-friendly activities makes Roaring Camp Railroads a notable destination for both residents and tourists seeking historic rail experiences and community events in Felton, CA.
Location
Felton, CA
Situated in the Santa Cruz redwood forest
Tours Offered
10 Experiences
Heritage rides and themed events
Family Events
Multiple
Includes Day Out With Thomas
Signature Rides
Vintage Steam
Moonlight Dinner Train to Bear Mountain
Reserve tickets for scenic steam train rides, family festivals, or themed dinner trains and secure a memorable day in Felton’s redwood forest.
Bring layers
Weather can change quickly along the coast and in the redwoods, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Arrive early
Get to the station 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Bring binoculars
Enhance your experience by spotting local wildlife and enjoying distant forest views.
Reserve tickets in advance
Popular trips sell out quickly, especially during peak season, so book ahead.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good footwear helps you comfortably navigate train stations and walking around Roaring Camp.
Layers of clothing
Layered clothing prepares you for variable coastal and forest weather.
spring
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor activities and waiting times.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your scenic journey and time in the town.