Roaring Camp offers a unique way to experience the Santa Cruz mountains, with many reviewers highlighting the memorable train rides. Regulars recommend sitting in the open-air cars for the best views and keeping an eye out for banana slugs after rain. It's a great spot for families looking for an engaging outdoor activity.
Family-friendly park offers train rides amid natural landscapes, seasonal routes & special events.
Ratings & Reviews
★ 4.64,608 Google reviews
Betty Cooper★★★★★
We thoroughly enjoyed the time on the train. It was not crowded that day, so we were able to enjoy talking at a regular tone of voice. There were single people, families of all shapes and sizes. Some of us sat inside while others enjoyed being outside watching the scenery. I wish we would have stayed longer at camp, but next time we will.
3 months ago
Kim Jacobi★★★★★
Definitely a "must experience" if you are in the Felton, CA or Santa Cruz, CA area. We took the Redwood Forest Steam Train and it was so awesome. I definitely recommend sitting in the open air cars so you can fully see everything. Its shaded almost the entire time by the trees. Bring a hat and sunglasses for when its not, which was just at the beginning, the middle when we get out for a short break, and the end.
2 months ago
Gina Blom★★★★★
Such a great place to learn about the Santa Cruz mountains, trains and history. Kids had a blast as the morning had rain subsided so we were fortunate to have plenty of banana slug sightings after the rain. Their educators there were excellent with the children. Taught them some fun factoids about the critters in the area. Nice little museum, general store, picnic areas.
4 months ago
Good to know
👶Good for kids
🚻Restroom
🅿️Free parking
🅿️Paid parking
♿Wheelchair accessible
💳Credit cards
📲Contactless payments
Hours & Price
Closed now
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Offerings
REDWOOD FOREST STEAM TRAINTravel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest. In the 1880s, narrow-gauge steam locomotives were used to haul giant redwood logs out of the mountains. Roaring Camp’s steam engines date from 1890 and are among the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines providing regularly scheduled passenger service in America.
SANTA CRUZ BEACH TRAINDeparting from the Santa Cruz Mountains, travel through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Reverse roundtrips departing from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back are also available.
Sequoias At NightExperience the magic once again as this beloved art and light installation returns to the Santa Cruz Mountains for its second year. Lighted lanterns hang high overhead surrounded by thousand year old redwoods that are uplit to create a unique and awe-inspiring retreat back to nature. No train scheduled. Activities include a lighted walk through the redwoods and the General Store open for snacks and glow sticks.
Moonlight Dinner PartyTreat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp's Moonlight Steam Train Dinner Party. Start with a hearty BBQ dinner followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars. Activities include a hearty BBQ Dinner (vegetarian options available), campfire, line dancing, and live music.
Santa Cruz Starlight Evening Dinner PartyRide, dine, and dance! Board the Beach Train at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and ride into Roaring Camp. When you arrive, enjoy dinner and a boot stompin' good time to a live band. Your round-trip ticket takes you back to the Boardwalk with an evening ride beneath the stars. Activities include a hearty BBQ Dinner (vegetarian options available), live music, dancing, and a campfire.
Labor Day WeekendThis Labor Day Weekend, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Join us in the Town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities and live music from Steve Bennett. Activities include live music, gold panning, blacksmith, printing press, and Farmer John Mini Tractors.
Thomas and Percys Halloween PartyDress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy, for a 25 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family. Activities include photos with Thomas, Percy & Sir Topham Hatt, Thomas Train Play Tables, Pick-A-Pumpkin, Bounce Houses, Bubble station, live music with Peter Apel, and Mr. Miraculous the Magician.
Holiday Tree WalkGet in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. In town, enjoy winter themed activities. Activities include a visit from Santa, hot cider, and winter themed activities.
Holiday Lights TrainA seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of Santa Cruz. Activities include a holiday sing-along, live music, hot-spiced cider, and a Santa visit.
Chanukah TrainWe’ll share in Chanukah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Chanukah music and enjoying warm latkes and hot apple cider provided by Chabad by the Sea. Play festive games and win prizes! Activities include warm latkes & apple cider, games, treats & prizes, a dreidel mascot, and Chanukah music.
New Years TrainBring in the new year aboard the New Years Holiday Lights Train. Ride vintage train cars beautifully decorated with holiday lights through the streets of Santa Cruz. Light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ will keep spirits bright and help bring in 2026 right. Activities include light-up hula hoopers and a live DJ.
Rainforest WeekendsLearn about California's own Coastal Redwood Forest, aboard a 100 year old steam train. Along the journey, hear fascinating information about the coastal redwoods and their ecosystems from docent specialists. Activities include learning about the coastal redwoods, a craft table, and Georgie's Cookhouse.
Winter Warmer FestivalWelcome to the second installment of the cozy Winter Warmer Festival inside Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp. Let’s bring the community together to boogie a little bit when the days are short and there’s fewer things happening around town. In addition to a day of great live music from some of our favorite Bay Area musicians, the festival will feature art vendors, full coffee bar, local craft beer & wine, free 10-minute massages, fresh churros, food artisans, family-friendly, supervised kids activities and most importantly, a S’mores Bar!
Eggstraordinary Easter Egg HuntThe Easter Bunny makes a stop at Roaring Camp. Hop aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain for an Easter Egg Hunt and participate in Easter activities in Town. Activities include an Easter Egg Hunt (prizes include toys, candy & free train rides!), live music, Easter crafts, ride along tractors, blacksmith, and gold panning.
Model TrainsAdults and kids alike will enjoy viewing California Central Coast On30’s large scale model railroad display. Watch model trains chugging through the Redwoods, around railroad bends and over the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Boardwalk with the miniature scale of the Central Coast spread out before them. During your visit be sure to see Roaring Camp’s authentic 1800s steam train. Activities include gold panning, children's activities, and blacksmith.
Bubble BonanzaGet ready to step on board the Bubble Train. Zillions of Bubbles will float through the air as you travel down the tracks through the Redwood Forest. Sing Bubble songs with the phenomenal Peter Apel on a 25 minute train ride full of bubble fun. Your train ticket also includes a show inside Bret Harte Hall. Activities include Bubble Magician Tom Noddy, live music by Peter Apel, a circus show, circus themed activities, bubble photos, and Kids Club activities.
Mothers Day BrunchTreat Mom to something memorable on her special day with a beautiful Mother’s Day train ride through the towering redwoods. Hallcrest Vineyards will be pouring their local wines for purchase. Activities include brunch at Bret Harte Hall, live music, Hallcrest Vineyards, and a craft table.
Guided Mushroom ForagingBegin with a scenic steam train ride to the top of Bear Mountain, then hike your way back into town while learning the core skills of safe mushroom foraging, identification, and fungal ecology. Led by Maya Elson. Activities include a steam train ride, foraging hike led by Maya Elson, and a picnic basket lunch.
Free Heritage EventsHeritage sounds like something old. Unless you’re talking Heritage Events at Roaring Camp. Free All Summer Long. Must have valid train ticket to participate in heritage activity. Activities include free days with Blacksmith on Monday, Printing Press on Tuesday, Candle Making on Wednesday, Crafts on Thursday, and Gold Panning on Friday.
Lumberjack DaysStep back into the days of steel, steam, and timber at Roaring Camp’s first annual Lumberjack Days, celebrating the heritage of West Coast logging. Watch skilled competitors face off in classic lumberjack events as they battle time and timber. Join us for a lively tribute to logging history as contestants compete for the title of King or Queen of the Woods. Free admission. Activities include a lumberjack competition, kids competition, BBQ, Kids Club, and live music.
Watsonville Community Band Memorial Day ConcertThis Memorial Day, take the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain or the Beach Train to the sea. Then join us in the Town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities and special performances by the Watsonville Community Band. Activities include a concert.
Redwood Mountain FaireThe annual Redwood Mountain Faire brings together a wide range of music styles on three stages. The Faire benefits nonprofit and service organizations and is organized by the Women's Club of the San Lorenzo Valley. Activities include live music, fine arts & crafts, kids activities, and local brews & wines.
Fathers Day BBQSalute Dad on Father’s Day by treating him to a ride on the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train and lunch. In addition, enjoy live music at the BBQ where Shanty Shack will be pouring the best local brew for sale. Activities include Shanty Shack Brewing, Chuckwagon BBQ, live music by Steve Bennett, gold panning, bounce houses, and mini tractors.
4th of JulyThis 4th of July, take either the Redwood Forest Steam Train or the Santa Cruz Beach Train. Join us in the Town of Roaring Camp for family-friendly activities and live music. Activities include live music, Kids Club activities, and Chuckwagon BBQ.
Line Dance PartyJoin us for a Line Dance Party in the beautiful Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp! Instructors will lead you in a variety of line dances to a multitude of hit songs. Drinks, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Activities include line dancing and music.
SCM Brewgrass FestivalDust off your dancing boots and get ready for the 7th Annual Brewgrass Festival! Join us in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Soak up the sounds of live Bluegrass music under the towering redwoods, sip on craft brews from local breweries, and dig into delicious eats from your favorite food trucks. Activities include an optional tasting train, live music, craft beer & cider, local food vendors, and free kids activities.
Blacksmith Hammer-InThe California Blacksmith Association Presents - The 11th Annual Hammer-In at Roaring Camp Railroads. Watch demonstrators push the boundaries of hot metal, bring ancient techniques to life and share with the community their talent and dedication to the blacksmith craft. Activities include gold panning, kids crafts, and live music.
Roaring Camp BBQ Cook-OffNationally recognized Pit-Masters battle it out for cash prizes, trophies and the honor of having their secret recipes voted Best BBQ at the Roaring Camp Cook-Off. BBQ vendors will be ready to serve full plates of a variety of BBQ favorites and sides. This event has no entry fee. Activities include live music, local breweries, lawn games, bounce houses, kids club activities, gold panning, and pedal tractors.
Race Through The RedwoodsThe Race Thru The Redwoods starts and finishes at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton. The majority of the 10K race takes place under the redwoods in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The first mile is on paved or dirt roads, followed by scenic trails under redwoods, through meadows, and alongside the San Lorenzo River. Activities include a 10K race, breakfast, and a T-shirt.
Chuck Wagon BBQOutdoor American BBQ and live music open holiday weekends during summer.
Annual PassCheck out our Annual Pass options as you can save a bundle! All Annual Passes get you unlimited rides on Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Beach Train. If you love our events, Gold and Silver Passes are valid for certain special events and discounts.
Location
Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018, USA Felton, CA 95018
