Roaring Camp Railroads

Roaring Camp Railroads operates two distinct train experiences from its base in Felton, California. The primary attraction is a narrow gauge steam railway that climbs into the ancient redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. During the summer, a separate standard gauge train provides service to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. These rides are highly popular with families looking for train travel with kids and railway enthusiasts interested in historic logging routes. The operation runs year round, though the beach trains are seasonal. Because it offers both forest scenery and coastal access, the railroad appeals to a wide variety of visitors exploring the California coast near Santa Cruz.

The ride

The signature ride at Roaring Camp Railroads is the narrow gauge steam train journey. Passengers board open cars pulled by historic steam locomotives, which were originally built to haul heavy loads of timber. The train departs from Felton and immediately begins climbing through dense redwood groves. The route ascends toward Bear Mountain, winding through the forest canopy and crossing wooden trestles.

This mountain route features grades as steep as about 8.5 percent. This makes it among the steepest of any passenger railroad in North America. The slow pace of the steam train allows passengers plenty of time to view the massive redwood trees that dominate the landscape.

In addition to the mountain route, a separate standard gauge train operates during the summer months. This beach train travels from the forests of Felton down to the coast, terminating at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The journey provides a transition from shaded woodland environments to the sunny shores of the Pacific Ocean. Passengers can choose to ride either the forest route or the beach route, depending on the season and their preferences.

Planning your visit

The narrow gauge steam train operates year round, while the standard gauge beach train runs only during the summer season. Since these rides are popular tourist attractions, it is wise to book tickets in advance during peak travel periods and holidays. You can read more about the best time of year for train travel to help plan your visit.

Passengers should dress in layers. The coastal weather near Santa Cruz can be unpredictable, and the shaded redwood groves are often much cooler than the sunny beaches. Bring a jacket even in summer. The railroad accommodates passengers with mobility needs, but it is best to contact them directly to arrange accessible seating. Always check the railroad's official website for current schedules, operating days and booking information.

Getting there without a car

There are no mainline passenger routes that stop directly at Roaring Camp Railroads. The nearest major rail hub is San Jose Diridon (CA), which is served by Amtrak. Felton is located about an hour from San Jose. To reach the railroad from the Amtrak station, you will need to rent a car, use a rideshare service or book a local tour. The drive takes you south through the mountains toward Santa Cruz before reaching the depot in Felton.