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Roaring Camp Railroads

3.8 (915 reviews)
Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

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Ida J.

Omg such a cool place for railroad enthusiasts who love an old timey style! I took my line for a steam train ride and it's about 1.5 hours going through the redwoods. The conductor and staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable and we learned so much about the beautiful redwoods. We had a brief stop to get off and explore the trees and even spotted some banana slugs! Before or after the ride they have spots for food, shops for souvenirs, and can even do candle making or look for gold!

Jenny X.

I came here on my own and went on a run beforehand. Good: - They really play up the acting and make the experience entertaining - I liked that it was a beautiful day and the train ride wasn't too slow and still fun for an adult - There are some nice food options in the area so you can grab food and coffee before riding - The area is super well themed, feels like you're transported into the past - Easy ticketing pickup and logistics - Area is good for a long run! Bad: - We didn't start on time, we were delayed by 20 min or so so I was confused where to go Overall this was a very calming experience and I felt super zen and refreshed as I was sitting on the train.

Dawn F.

Felton, CA What a wonderful steam locomotive train ride through the redwoods. I will admit that I was not pleased with the parking attendant who did not direct us to the correct space for handicap accessible entry. When seeking more info, the staff on the property was more than accommodating once we got on the property and helped us navigate a drop off pick up point, a wheelchair since the place we parked was too far a distance to walk for someone in our party and even reserved a spot on the train for us while we made our way to the depot. Buying tickets agead of time is highly recommended. The train was completely full I think some people were not able to get on. The train ride through the forest is beautiful and scenic I would highly recommend it especially if you love trains and forests. The conductor was so great we had such a blast! Towards the end of the ride you will get steam mist in your face if you are sitting up in the front FYI.

Katie R.

After years of going to Henry Cowell and walking around Roaring Camp afterwards, we finally decided to go on one of the trains! We booked a Mother's Day train ride online a few days beforehand and arrived ready to ride under the redwoods! Check-in was easy, we went to the ticket booth, gave our name, and then got our tickets. Order instructions didn't tell us to do this, but you will need to get physical tickets here since they do check them on the ride. We did one of the redwood trains vs the beach train. Online it said the train ride was 75 minutes, but it was actually closer to 90 minutes. We got a couple of minutes to get off the train in the mountains and walk around/use the bathroom if needed. The train seemed to stay fairly close to the park, but spent a good amount of time going up. Since it was a lot of up hill, the ride was pretty slow. The train had groups of all ages, I figured it would only be families with little kids, but there were just as many families with adult kids as there were small children, lots of couples as well. I was worried about getting burnt so I sat in one of the covered cars. Big mistake, there's a lot of shade on the ride and you spend very little time in the sun, so if you want a better view of the trees up above, the uncovered cars are the way to go. One thing that was annoying, I was charged $10 for parking, which I didn't see as a charge or an option to uncheck when purchasing the tickets. We have a state park pass and parked and walked at Henry Cowell first, so it was an unnecessary $10 charge.

Persey taking a break
Kashyap J.

This was our second time riding the trains. Toddler loves trains and this was a great opportunity for him to ride the trains with his "train buddy". Lot of fun activities building blocks, Lego, train puzzles, photo ops and pumpkin decorating to kiddos engaged. They have a huge parking lot and you might have to park in additional ones. It's definitely a walk from parking lots to the station. The park itself is open and free even if you are not riding the trains. The two locomotives as "Thomas" and "Persey" were quite entertaining. They have food options like burger, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, fries and beverages. The bigger gift shop also has the toys on display where the kids could play. Overall ride took 35-40 minutes. It's not exciting if you have done any other train ride at least for adults. Definitely a huge line to take photos with Thomas and Persey. Tip: reach early!

Miguel R.

On my first trip to Santa Cruz, I decided to experience the Roaring Camp Railroad. I knew the risk I ran- I was doing a touristy suggestion associated with Santa Cruz. And we all know that touristy spots, which are almost a requirement when visitng a new spot, can be worthy of hype or are an inflated promise of awe and fun that never fully delivers. In my final assessment, I recommend this as a tourist requirement for the area of Santa Cruz because it allows a person to see, commune, and be impacted by the famed tall trees of the area. But I am not sure if it is worth a second visit. But, again, I highly recommend this, for what it is, a novelty train ride that delivers a grand view of what Santa Cruz promises: lush red woods that tell a story of days left behind, where moss and leafs defined the everyday. The whole experience lasted about two hours. A large part of the experience was getting into the trains. I imagined that the train ride was going to be one that afforded me a seat inside a caboose, instead, the train was more of an upscale tram. No one had window seats, there were no tables to sit around on, everyone had a seat on sideline bench. We did not have comfortable cushions, we just a row of chairs, and the view. So accept that you will be a person in a cramped train, not a passenger in a train that reminds you of the Hogwarts Express, or the train that the famous detective boarded on his way to the Orient, in the Agatha book. It really is just a mode of transportation decked in train details but, brother, was it still a train ride to remember. As we went along the tracks, I saw trees in a way, not only because they were tall, but because they were true to their core nature. For instance, some trees were so covered in moss that it looked like they had garbed on top of their wood. The fuzzy green moss was so consuming that one can believe that some trains have trunks of brown, while others had trunk of green fur. The forest had become a gallery of nature that offered an artistic expression of silent wood. In fact, I told my friend Denise that I felt that it was a tram ride and the scenery was digitally created. I am not sure if you have been on the tram ride in Universal Studios Hollywood, but I cannot help to make a parallel. In that tram, one sees scene of King Kong's world that were created with pixels and electric imagery, and again, what I saw in front of me was so fresh and pristine that I also thought it was pixilated in the colors of a forest. The train moved slow, and one sees different things that catch the attention. I note the moss that acts like skin above, but other things were seen that were arresting like a melody from nature given in oak, not chirps. For instance, I saw the huge trunk of a black tree. Had the treen burned its wood skin? Or had this tree become black for another reason? I loudly expressed that I had never seen a tree in black, all passengers looked at the tree. Dark looked good on wood. I am hoping the shared thought after I highlighted the black wood. Even seeing a tree on the ground covered by grass and trees around was meaningful, for it was the death of a tree, that still lived in the context of the forest. A tree fallen in the city is dead and removed, a tree fallen in its natural territory becomes texture, an addition to where it already belonged. My favorite part of the experience came, when the trained stop and we were able to commune amongst the forest. In this moment, the forest stop being a breathing tapestry and it became a green cathedral, where thought and prayer become one moment dressed in shades of gray and winter mist. I stood among the trees and looked up at them. I was viewing them, from the ground, seeing them touch the top of the air, and I asked for the peace they knew as a norm. For a tree never wonders if it makes a sound, when no one is present to view its departure from wholeness, for it only exists in place to stand, not to ponder or reflect. I wished for the green trees to give me their might and stillness for the two combined becomes ease in existence. For the thoughts of others do not sway trees into any type of action, for it cares only to remain still and in inflexible point. That was fancy and wordy way of saying remain strong with your forehead held up high, in any situation, like a tree always does. Eventually, the tree releases puffs upon puffs of steam. As the steam swirls into the forest, and it becomes a type of fog that dances. It comes and goes quickly, but its memory remains, like catching a ghost in movement for a whisper of a second. At its most basic level, this train ride is one that crosses the land of sequoias and splendid green. It offers sights of nature, and sounds of tracks being hit my steel wheel, you know the rackety sound that old things make when they move on tracks. I also saw squirrels and chimpunks that look differet than the ones in the city. They had more slender bodies and curved tails!

Santa Cruz train
Joyce T.

Expensive train ride. There are two trains, newer train goes to Santa Cruz and back, older train (steam engine) go around the park, both trains ride cost $42+ per person. Love the old town vibe in the train station. Go there and visit the Henry cowell redwood park together, pay one parking $10 for two locations

Shailesh M.

Nice train ride close to hour and half in the Santa Cruz mountains!! Our kids really liked this but felt the overall experience was strictly average for the price !! The historic steam train does stop in between for small break so can take pictures etc.

Anita T.

This is for specifically the Santa Cruz beach train for Xmas. Pros: The staff tried and you're paying for the little things making it for the kids. I'd say if your kids are under 3 they're not getting much out of it - they have cider, cookies, Santa visiting, no extra cost photo op, and songs, bubbles, etc. my kids enjoyed the ride which was about 40 -45 minutes. Near other Santa Cruz sites on the boardwalk They'll give you vouchers for the arcade to play when you're done. Cons: the boardwalk and surrounding streets are not particularly decorated for the holidays, most of it was just going through an everyday neighborhood , a tunnel my kids enjoyed, and eventually devolves into warehouses , industrial areas and sadly homeless encampments. Maybe it used to be a nicer route but there wasn't much to see outside the closer to the end of the route , before the train heads back to the boardwalk. Boarding was very disorganized. We were all told board on an even numbered car, and the lines were long despite having tickets in advance. They ran out of seats on the line we were in, and were told to go to another car where we had to outrun a stampede of yuppie parents cutting off my 70 year old mother. It took until quarter past the hour to get seated and it was a 1 hour time slot. Seating was tight and people on the train were pretty unforgiving of even kids and the elderly trying to get space to sit... the nyc subway is less cutthroat.

Daisy S.

What a cool outdoor space not too far out of the city! I visited Roaring Camp for the first time on Memorial Day weekend so they also had their annual BBQ festival going on. There was lots of FREE activities for the kiddos to do like jumpy houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more. The food was expensive and the lines were super long so we didn't purchase food but it smelled good! The redwoods train experience was about an hour long with a short stop in the woods. IMO the tickets are a little pricy for what it is. And only kiddos under 2 are free. But I get it, it goes towards supporting their whole operation. Our train tour guide was entertaining and shared lots of interesting history about the railroad. The train goes very very slow so I suggest you pack some snacks and water for the ride. There is a cute little store with history about the railroad, souvenirs, and snacks. There's also a quick to-go snack shack with some fast food options like hot dogs and fries. The kiddos I went with loved the whole experience! Would definitely return.

Marilan L.

I know people will describe this place as a tourist trap, and it possibly is, but it was a nice experience that my boyfriend and I enjoyed. Driving deep into the forests in a Felton, you're transported back in time with the historic layout of the town and steam trains. Upon arrival you'll check in at the front to get your tickets as well as pay for parking if you didn't previously do so. They do ask for you to arrive at least 30 minutes before your train is set to leave. They do have 1-2 establishments that serve food onsite incase you need to pick something up to much on. There was no baggage check and no assigned seating, so if you get there early enough you can pick the train carriage of your choice. Some have awnings and others are fully exposed which was great for the views but do bring some sun protection. As there is no assigned seats, please do be kind to make space for others as seating is limited. I noticed a lot of families would place their bags on the seats which limited availability of space for others. The train ride around is about 75 minutes and there is only one stop throughout the ride. They stop near the top of the mountain to let people off for a bathroom break and allowed us to walk around for 10-15 minutes before heading back down the mountain. They ask for people to stay in their seats at all times but the train is pretty slow moving. Throughout the ride you're driven across hiking trails which had active hikers. Throughout the ride you're provided with a history lesson of how the establishment came to be. I sat closer to the front of the train so it was difficult to hear what was being said. Overall the train ride through the redwood forest was enjoyable. I would definitely recommend people experience it once just to see what it's all about.

Ellen B.

It's my second visit and definitely not the last one! The first time was during Covid in 2021 and it was a great from beginning to end so we knew we want to come back again. Visited on Saturday during the Memorial weekend having booked the tickets at the beginning of the month. The check in was smooth and our conductor, Charlie, was knowledgeable, full of energy, and very funny. He kept on making sure everyone is seated and also checking on the railroad itself, so the company definitely cares about the safety. It is also a family owned small business so that makes me even more inclined to come back and support them many times. The views themselves are breathtaking. Tip: try to be there at least half an hour before the train departure time because you need to 1. park, 2. pick up the physical tickets, 3. the bathroom lines are usually quite long, at least for the women's ones, so keep that in mind.

Tami J.

Went on vacation to Santa Cruz, had to take the chance to see the redwoods. A tree fell on the track past the halfway point, so our trip was cut short. Their staff was incredibly helpful in coming to pick up all of the passengers. Shout out to Tracy, who came and helped us! It was definitely an adventure.

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Page 1 of 23

Ask the Community - Roaring Camp Railroads

Does the train have bathrooms?

The drain does not but it has a stop along the ride where you can access one.

Is the train appropriate for 2 older adults with mobility issues?

I would say no. You did sit aloe and it is a slow pace but you also get down to walk. So if they have machines and stuff to help them along their way no. It is about getting in and off like a tram. Have you been to the tram in universal studios… Read more

Are Tickets required for both the Parents to enter the Camp , if one of the Parents chooses not to board the Train?

We paid at the parking entrance at the booth. Then we were able to walk around at no extra charge to look at the stores. It didn't cost extra to walk the trail. We had to purchase a train ticket for each person riding the train. Their website has a… Read more

Has anyone asked if there's a microwave for public use? Do they provide hot water?

Do they have food for sale on site? Or is there anything nearby?

Yes they have food for purchase, you can eat before you board the train. They had a sandwich, chips, orange, bottled water and a cookie.

Are there a lot of twists & turns? Has anyone gotten motion sickness from riding the train?

It's very slow and the turns are gentle/they take the curves slowly. I get a little motion sick if I ride in the back seat of the car but I was fine for this.

Is there signal for cell phone to make calls?

I was able to use my cell phone with data. I took videos etc

Are there bathrooms nearby or on the trains?

Yes, Restrooms are available near the Train Depot. No restrooms available on the train.

Do they still do the BBQ dinners and evening train ride?

In 2022 the dates are 7/9, 8/13, 9/10 and 10/1. Check the Roaring Camp website for more info and… Read more

Is this good for 4 year olds?

If they have the patience for a 90 minute train ride, then probably yes.

I see that there is a picnic basket option, can we also bring outside food or drink to picnic?

Yes we brought our own lunches and ate at picnic tables.

The SANTA CRUZ BEACH TRAIN ride is 3 hrs. in duration according to their website. Is that from Felton to Santa Cruz? Or that accounts for a roundtrip?

The 3 hours is for a round trip as it takes the beach train 1 hour to travel from Felton to Santa Cruz where it drops you off at the boardwalk, a 1 hour layover at the boardwalk, and 1 hour back. . If you go in the morning @10 you can choose the 1… Read more

Does the ticket price include round trip or one way only?

It's a "loop ride".... They took us out and back

Are there bathrooms on the train?

There are very clean bathrooms available before you get on the train!

What does b -train stand for?

Often times they will put "A train" or "B Train" when they have multiple departures going out back to back. For example, 11 AM and 11:15 AM. The 11 am would be the "A" Train" and the 11:15 AM would be the "B Train." Other than a different steam… Read more

On the Boardwalk train do you have to come back on the next available train or can you wait until the last train ride at 4?

You can take either return trip from the Boardwalk back to Felton. Either at 12:15 PM or 4:15 PM. Many people like to take the 10:15 AM from Felton in the morning and wait to take the 4:15 PM return trip so they have 5 hours to explore in Santa… Read more

Is the train ride wheelchair accessible?

yes it is , they have a place for wheelchairs to get on and get off.

Are dogs allowed on the trains? Tried calling multiple times to ask but no one ever answered... I just wanna make sure ahead of time so that we don't bring our dog with advance purchase tickets only to find out that we can't bring him with us!

I bought my dog with me and she was allowed on the train! I got some pictures I posted too!

When can I purchase tickets from this summer's Day Out With Thomas? Looks like tickets are currently not on sale yet on Ticketweb.

Should I purchase a ticket for the open car closest to Thomas? I will be bringing my 22 month old toddler with me.

It's mostly an open cart ride. It would depend on the weather

View All 24 Questions

Review Highlights - Roaring Camp Railroads

The check in was smooth and our conductor, Charlie, was knowledgeable, full of energy, and very funny.

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