Roaring Camp Railroads
Ride historic steam trains through majestic redwood forests, stepping back in time for a magical adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Roaring Camp Railroads
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride historic steam trains through majestic redwood forests, stepping back in time for a magical adventure.
"The steam train ride through the redwoods in California is absolutely magical."
Pack a Picnic 🥚
You can bring your own food and drinks, perfect for enjoying on the train or during the layover.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
There's walking involved, especially if you explore the surrounding areas or the state park next door.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Steam Train Through Redwoods
Felton, CA
Ride a historic steam engine through ancient redwood forests, feeling like you've stepped back in time.
Sequoia Lights Installation
Roaring Camp
Experience a magical lantern-lit journey through the redwoods at night, a unique art installation.
Holiday Lights Train
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
A festive train ride adorned with thousands of lights, accompanied by holiday music and hot cider.
Thomas & Percy Halloween Party
Felton, CA
A family-friendly Halloween event with themed train rides, character meet-and-greets, and activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Consider the Open Coach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🥚
You can bring your own food and drinks, perfect for enjoying on the train or during the layover.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
There's walking involved, especially if you explore the surrounding areas or the state park next door.
Confirm Your Train 🚂
Ensure you're boarding the correct train route, as there can be multiple departures. Staff are helpful!
Prepare for Noise 📣
Steam engines are loud! If you or someone in your group is sensitive to noise, consider this.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🥚
You can bring your own food and drinks, perfect for enjoying on the train or during the layover.
Wear Comfy Shoes 🥾
There's walking involved, especially if you explore the surrounding areas or the state park next door.
Confirm Your Train 🚂
Ensure you're boarding the correct train route, as there can be multiple departures. Staff are helpful!
Prepare for Noise 📣
Steam engines are loud! If you or someone in your group is sensitive to noise, consider this.
Explore Nearby 🌲
Combine your train ride with a visit to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, just next door.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Roaring Camp Railroads for its magical steam train rides through stunning redwood forests and its friendly, engaging staff. The unique historical experience and family-friendly atmosphere are major draws, with special events adding extra appeal. Some wish for more dining options or longer excursions, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and memorable outing.
"I was confused that there will be scorching heat but to experience new adventure we book our tickets,as seats are limited and number of train per day are also limited.
We reached camp before the. Train time we can explore the area as well as we have to take pass on base of digital tickets.
We reached on railway platform, there is announcement of train but it was train for santa cruze so confirm it though staff is very cooperative and humble.
We still experience heat but as soon as we take our seats in train, we take open coach so we enjoy nature. In few minutes we enter the forest there is no heat or sun rays and enjoy the nature.
Thick forest is very beautiful.
Wow the train route is also engineering
Marvellous and also beautiful scenes. There is one break also for 10 to 15 min. There is restrooms too.
Again we take our seats and back to camp. There we enjoyed ice cream."
pradip shah
"The forest train was absolutely amazing.
We had such a great time at Roaring Camp Railroad. The staff were more than friendly and it was just all around a terrific experience. I highly recommend the open top train cars as there is SO much to see as you traverse through the forest.
The only thing I could recommend, is that I really anticipated it to be an all-day experience. I wish you could have had lunch at the top, say a nice BBQ'd cheeseburger and come back down when you were ready. That would have knocked it way out of the park."
Zack Simms
"A wonderful experience for the family! I bought tickets online, which was quick and easy. The area is beautiful and is surrounded by tall redwoods. The conductor was entertaining and staff were all friendly and welcoming. The ride itself was fun, with some parts being a bit warm and more dense shaded areas were cooler. Overall didn’t really use a sweater. The trees and scenery were absolutely stunning! It is a great outing for families. So glad we finally did it and crossed it off our bucket list!"
Raquel Aguilar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Roaring Camp Railroads is located in Felton, California. You can drive directly to the Felton location. Alternatively, some trains depart from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offering a scenic route to Roaring Camp.
Yes, there is parking available at the Felton location. It's recommended to arrive a bit early, especially during peak times or special events, to secure a spot.
While direct public transport to the Felton site might be limited, you can take public transport to Santa Cruz and then potentially catch a connecting bus or rideshare to Felton. Some trains also depart from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is more accessible.
Roaring Camp does offer accommodations for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility for boarding the train. However, be aware that much of the surrounding area is unpaved, so plan accordingly.
The drive from San Francisco to Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Roaring Camp Railroads website or at the ticket booth on-site. Booking in advance is highly recommended as trains can sell out. +1
Ticket prices vary depending on the specific train ride and any special events. For example, the Halloween party train is around $25+ per person. It's best to check their website for current pricing.
Yes, Roaring Camp offers various train rides, including the historic steam train through the redwoods, the 'Big Trees' route, and seasonal or themed rides like the Holiday Lights Train or Thomas & Percy events.
Most train rides are approximately 75 minutes long, with some shorter routes like the Halloween party train being around 25 minutes. There's often a layover in Felton where you can explore.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, snacks, and drinks to enjoy on the train or during the layover in Felton.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the Felton base camp, you can explore the general store, enjoy ice cream, and sometimes pan for gold. The adjacent Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers hiking trails.
Absolutely! Roaring Camp is very family-friendly. Children often love the steam engines, and special events like 'Thomas & Percy' are specifically geared towards them.
Many visitors recommend the open coach cars for the best views of the redwoods. However, be prepared for potential warmth and engine noise.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Roaring Camp base and also at the stop during the train ride.
Pets are generally welcome at Roaring Camp, especially during events like the Sequoia Lights, provided they are well-behaved and leashed. Always check specific event rules.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic steam engines, the towering redwood trees, and the festive atmosphere during special events. The open coach offers unobstructed views for great shots.
Yes, especially during the Sequoia Lights event, which transforms the redwood forest into a magical, illuminated landscape perfect for photography.
Absolutely! The train ride provides unique perspectives of the redwood forest. Consider using a wider lens to capture the scale of the trees.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other passengers and avoid using flash in a way that might disturb them.
Morning light filtering through the redwoods can be stunning. For dramatic shots, consider the golden hour before sunset or the special evening events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Special events like the 'Thomas & Percy' Halloween Party are specifically designed for kids, featuring character interactions, games, and activities that create lasting memories. Consider booking the open coach cars for the best views, and remember to pack snacks and drinks, as bringing your own picnic is encouraged. Beyond the train, the base camp offers opportunities for exploration, and the nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park provides easy, stroller-friendly walks.
The staff are known for being friendly and engaging with children, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. ❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
Consider the evening 'Sequoia Lights' event for a truly magical and intimate experience, walking hand-in-hand through the illuminated forest. You can also pack a picnic to enjoy during the train ride or the layover in Felton, adding a personal touch to your outing. Combine your train adventure with a visit to the nearby Santa Cruz area for a full day trip. The historic charm of the train and the natural beauty of the redwoods create a memorable and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for couples looking for something different from the usual city outings.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
The historic steam engines, including Shay locomotives, offer a glimpse into a bygone era of railroading. You can learn about their mechanics and history from the knowledgeable conductors who share stories of their working past, hauling logs out of the mountains. The 'Big Trees' route is particularly favored for its scenic journey through the dense redwood groves. For those interested in the technical aspects, observing the engines up close at the yard or during operations provides a unique opportunity.
The sound and feel of a working steam engine are an integral part of the experience, making it a sensory delight for railfans. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roaring Camp Experience: More Than Just a Train Ride
The experience is enhanced by the natural beauty of the surroundings, with towering trees and lush greenery creating a truly immersive atmosphere. Beyond the scenic ride, Roaring Camp provides a charming base camp. Here, visitors can explore a general store, enjoy a treat like ice cream, and even try their hand at panning for gold.
The proximity to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park also makes it an ideal starting point for further exploration of the redwood ecosystem. For families, special events like the 'Thomas & Percy' Halloween Party or the 'Holiday Lights Train' add an extra layer of magic and entertainment, making it a memorable outing for all ages. Travelers often highlight the friendly and cooperative staff, who contribute significantly to the positive experience.
Seasonal Events and Special Rides
These events are incredibly popular and tend to sell out well in advance, so booking early is crucial. During the holiday season, the 'Holiday Lights Train' offers a festive journey, often departing from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and adorned with thousands of colorful lights. Riders can enjoy hot cider and holiday music, creating a magical atmosphere.
Another enchanting winter experience is the 'Sequoia Lights' installation, which turns the redwood forest into a luminous art display at night, perfect for a unique evening stroll and photography. These special events cater to a wide range of interests, from Harry Potter fans who might draw parallels to the Hogwarts Express These themed rides often have shorter durations, like the 25-minute Halloween train, but pack in a lot of fun and activities.
Checking the Roaring Camp Railroads official website for their event schedule is the best way to stay updated on these exciting, limited-time offerings. Navigating the Roaring Camp Experience: Tips from Travelers
Practical tips include packing a picnic, as you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy on the train or during the layover in Felton.
For those concerned about accessibility, Roaring Camp does provide options for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility to board the train.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit