Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton

Roaring Camp Railroads is a dream! It is situated in a sunny clearing surrounded by mountains covered in perfect redwood forests. It is like heaven! Here you can ride in an open car in a train through the old redwood trees. The ride lasts almost two hours. The views through the forest and up above you are glorious. The steam train makes a loud whistle that echoes through the valley. Steam blasts out the side. It's all very exciting, especially for toddlers. I thought my 2 1/2 year old would be tired of it by the end, but she didn't want to leave!

Dogs can also ride the train, free of charge, as long as they are muzzled (a soft nylon muzzle will do).
The train used to be a logging train, and the area where you depart is decorated like an Old West town. Dress warmly because it's cold in the forest in an open car. There are clean modern bathrooms at the departure area and also at the top of Bear Mountain, halfway through the journey. You can also take a longer train ride to the beach boardwalk at Santa Cruz, or from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp (purchase tickets on either end).
A wonderful thing to experience is Sequoia Lights, when Roaring Camp Railroads lights up the redwood trees with blue, purple, and green beams of light, on Friday nights in October.
The nearby town of Scotts Valley is one of the prettiest towns I've seen. It is modern and new, yet in the middle of a pristine forest. I plan to explore it as soon as I can!
If you're driving back to Silicon Valley from here, stop at Vasona Lake and Oak Meadow Park, a super fun playground with jet plane, pretend train and fire engine, train rides, carousel, geese, stream, and beautiful creek.
Another spot in the redwoods is the University of California Santa Cruz campus, a gorgeous place to walk around. Land of Medicine Buddha Retreat Center is open to the public- here you can walk under the redwoods admiring the amazing temple, statues, and prayer wheels.

Directions

Roaring Camp Railroads is located at 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton CA 95018, call (831) 335-4484.
Take Highway 17 South toward Santa Cruz. Exit at Mt Hermon Road. Drive northwest for 3.5 miles to Felton. When the road ends, turn left on Graham Hill Rd. You will see Roaring Camp on your right after 1/2 a mile. Pull into the parking lot. Arrive 1/2 an hour early to allow for time to walk from your car to the ticket office and to get ready for the ride.
Cost for redwood forest ride is $44 for adults, $27 for children aged 2-12. Cost for Santa Cruz Beach ride is $46 for adults, $30 for children aged 2-12. Parking is $10 at Roaring Camp or $12 at Santa Cruz Boardwalk.
Click here for train schedule.

Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton

Directions

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