Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton

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Description

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. 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 at Santa Cruz.
The nearby town of Scotts Valley is one of the prettiest towns I've seen. It's modern and new and yet in the middle of a pristine heavenly 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.

Photo Gallery

Heading into the forest...	Passing the first redwoods...	A Santa Cruz banana slug!
Stopping at Bear Mountain.	The engineers love what they do.	A covered bridge with hay stacks awaits you at the entrance to Roaring Camp.
Railroad crossing sign at Roaring Camp.	Old schoolhouse on the grounds of Roaring Camp. Brides prepare here for their wedding.	Train wagon on the grounds of Roaring Camp.

Directions

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. The red tab on the map is on the shady pavilion where you wait for the ride to begin! See the railroad tracks on the map.
Here is the train schedule and prices.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating: Unrated.