Roaring Camp - Felton, California

Discover the Timeless Charm of Roaring Camp: A Comprehensive Guide

Nestled in the heart of the redwood forests in Felton, California, Roaring Camp offers a unique and enchanting experience that transports visitors back to the golden era of railroading. This historic destination, located at 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA 95018, United States, is a must-visit attraction that combines the thrill of train rides, the charm of a historical village, and the beauty of the great outdoors.

Main Services

• Historic Train Rides: Roaring Camp is renowned for its vintage steam and diesel locomotives that traverse the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains. Rides include the popular Redwood Forest Train that travels to the beach in Santa Cruz, as well as the Bear Mountain Train that climbs to the summit of Bear Mountain.
• Historical Village: Step back in time and explore the authentic 1880s logging camp, complete with original buildings, and a fascinating collection of century-old logging equipment. Guided tours and demonstrations offer insight into the era's history and culture.
• Special Events: Throughout the year, Roaring Camp hosts themed events, such as the popular Railroads in the Pines and Thomas the Tank Engine™ Days, providing fun and engaging activities for all ages.
• Group Bookings: From schools and churches to weddings and corporate events, Roaring Camp caters to various group sizes, offering customized experiences and packages to suit every need.

Location and Access

Roaring Camp is situated approximately 3 miles north of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. The facility offers ample wheelchair-accessible parking, with designated spaces available near the entrance. The historic village and most train rides are wheelchair-accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the attractions with ease.

Public transportation is available via the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District's bus route 35, which stops near the entrance. Visitors can also reach Roaring Camp by car, with the journey taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes from San Francisco and 45 minutes from San Jose.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Locomotives: Roaring Camp's fleet includes several vintage steam and diesel locomotives, such as the 1924 Shay locomotive, No. 10, and the 1946 Baldwin diesel locomotive, No. 85. These iconic machines are meticulously maintained and provide an authentic railroading experience.
• Redwood Forest: The train rides offer breathtaking views of the majestic redwood trees that dominate the landscape, with passengers crossing over trestle bridges and passing through tunnels carved into the mountainside.
• On-Site Dining: The Mountain Chipmunk Café serves a variety of delicious meals, snacks, and beverages, catering to various dietary preferences. The café is located near the historic village and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including wheelchair-accessible seating.
• Gift Shop: The Roaring Camp Gift Shop is stocked with an assortment of unique souvenirs, Rails & Trails-branded merchandise, and train-themed gifts, providing the perfect keepsake to commemorate your visit.

Practical Information

Roaring Camp is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with train departure times varying depending on the season. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance or arrive early, as some popular rides and events may sell out. The attraction accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Tours and demonstrations at the historical village are included with the price of admission. However, some special events may require additional fees. Be sure to check the Roaring Camp website (roaringcamp.com) for the most up-to-date information on schedules, ticket prices, and special events.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Roaring Camp holds an impressive average rating of 4.6/5 from over 4,455 reviews on Google My Business. Visitors consistently praise the attraction for its:

• Charming and immersive historic experience, with many noting the meticulous attention to detail in the village and train rides.
• Gorgeous scenery and views, particularly the redwood forests and ocean vistas on the Redwood Forest Train ride.
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff, who provide excellent service and enhance the overall experience with their enthusiasm and expertise.
• Variety of special events and activities, catering to diverse interests and ages, with many families and groups returning for different experiences.

Roaring Camp's unique combination of historic charm, stunning natural beauty, and engaging activities make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a train aficionado, or simply seeking a memorable day out, Roaring Camp offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to captivate and inspire.

❓ Frequently asked questions about Roaring Camp

👍 Reviews of Roaring Camp

Liam

5/5

You can travel the world, and you will not find a place like Roaring Camp. It's impressive collection of century-old logging equipment, being put to work daily in environments most other railroads can't fathom or come close to topping, has earned it's distinction in railroading. The beautiful property, breathtaking nature and friendly staff tie the whole experience together into an unforgettable visit. It is a must for anyone visiting Santa Cruz and it's surrounding areas!

Rodolfo M.

5/5

Amazing place-I love it! There's a lot to do, with easy hiking trails that are perfect for a relaxing day. Sometimes they also have extra activities, which makes the visit even better. The train ride is around $50 and is a really fun experience. Definitely worth checking out

Daniel B.

5/5

Fantastic live stream, narrow gage railroad. The entire setup is great. Like an old frontier town. The gift shop was heated by a wonderful potbelly stove when we were there, providing the perfect glowing warmth (late Dec). The snack bar was surprisingly fresh and good. And the location being right next to a redwood forest is like a two-for-one. We spent an hour walking around redwoods after our train ride and lunch. Really a great experience.

Jenny X.

4/5

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.

Kevin G.

5/5

We went on December 27 it was crowded because of the holiday. It was also raining, we still really enjoyed the experience. The train ride is great with beautiful scenery. The ride length is just right, not ridiculously long. A great experience for adults and kids. They do allow dogs on the train. My only complaint and not a big one was, the conductor who talks on PA system on the trip. He did have some interesting history to share, but he literally does not shut up the entire trip, even when he talks How quiet it is in the forest. Not a hudge thing, my reclamation would be to take some breaks in the presentation.

Kristen J.

5/5

We were excited about taking the tour through the redwood forest, having been to the adjoining park, but this was beyond our expectations. The scenery was beautiful, of course, but the tour was 10/10!!! Don was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic without being over the top. He provided so many interesting facts about the area, redwoods, local flora, and trains that made us appreciate the park even more! We can't wait until the beach tour opens next year, because it is definitely worth the trip!

joel R.

5/5

It was our first time and we had a great time! The day was sunny, warm and beautiful day. No clouds in sight. There were plenty of ppl as to be expected but not crowded. As we got up the mountain the weather got slightly cooler. The conductor was very informative about the train, history and about the mountain itself. It is a 20 minute drive from Santa Cruz so that was very convenient. We will surely go back again.

Kytka

2/5

Instead of a quiet, awe-filled ride through one of nature’s most sacred places, this experience felt like a cheap amusement park attraction with one man determined to fill every second of silence. The beauty of the redwoods, the rhythm of the train, and the magic of the steam were all drowned out by a guide who simply would not stop talking — for nearly the entire 75 minutes. We came to hear the clickety-clack of the tracks, the hiss of the steam, and the whispers of the forest, not one loudmouth endlessly babbling about himself, his friends, and random stories no one cared about. Every chance for reverence or reflection was shattered by his nonstop chatter, jokes, and forced enthusiasm. A short ten-minute introduction about the history of the train and the redwoods would have been perfect — then let nature speak for itself. For guests who truly want every detail, put a historic video or display in the opera house or station so they can learn at their own pace. But on the train, please, let us experience the peace and majesty that make this ride special. The scenery is breathtaking, the train itself is a treasure, but the guide’s endless noise completely ruined what should have been a serene, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Silence is part of the magic. Until they understand that, this ride is not worth it.