Railway Adventure with Roaring Camp Railroads in Santa Cruz
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels, no special physical condition required.
Overview
Ride a historic train through towering redwoods to the 1880s logging town of Roaring Camp for a scenic and educational adventure in Santa Cruz.
Beach Train | Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Roaring Camp
Round Trip Ticket | 1-hour layover at Roaring Camp in Felton!
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a scenic journey aboard the historic Santa Cruz Beach - Felton Train, traveling through majestic redwoods and an 1875 tunnel. Enjoy an hour in Roaring Camp, an authentic 1880s logging town, where you can pan for gold, meet the Town Marshal, and savor delicious burgers before returning to the beach.
Santa Cruz Beach - Felton Train
This historic train departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Your round-trip ticket takes you up through the redwoods to our train depot in Felton. Here you'll have an hour to explore the town of Roaring Camp, a recreated 1880's logging camp.
Visit our gold panning or blacksmith stations, say howdy to the Town Marshal, or grab a burger from Georgie's Cookhouse before winding back down the mountain to the bustling beach boardwalk where your journey began.
Rates (before fees)
- Adult (Ages 13 and up) - $41.95
- Child (Ages 2-12) - $27.95
Infants under 2 are welcome to ride for free!
Duration
- 3 hours
Itinerary
- Depart: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 12pm
- Arrive: Felton - 1pm
- One Hour Layover in Felton
- Depart: Felton - 2pm
- Arrive: Santa Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk - 3pm
Please note: All tickets are roundtrip.
About
Departing from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, travel through an 1875 tunnel, across a 1909 steel truss bridge past the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge and through the iconic Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park before arriving at the Roaring Camp train depot in Felton.
When this route opened in 1875 it carried lumber as well as picnickers and tourists to the Big Trees and Santa Cruz. Today, The Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates passenger and freight services on one of the oldest and most historic lines in California. A family-friendly event, you'll experience all the best of Santa Cruz with this round-trip train ride.
What to Bring
- Light jacket
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Northern Spotted Owl
- Redwood Squirrels
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.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Santa Cruz
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
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 specific
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor activities and waiting times.
summer specific
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your scenic journey and time in the town.