Roaring Good Time

Ride a Stream Through a Redwood Forest in Santa Cruz County

There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. It’s a fun way to roll! Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

In the late 1800s, steam locomotives hauled massive redwood logs through the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains. Today, some of those very same engines—dating back as far as 1890—transport passengers up Bear Mountain for a close-up look at two-thousand-year-old trees.

During the 75-minute ride, you’ll chug across wooden trestles and steep mountain switchbacks through the redwood grove. The train’s conductor offers engaging commentary about the area’s history and the locomotives themselves. An open car offers the best neck-craning tree views, but from any seat you can hear the rhythmic clack of the tracks and see the impressive billows of white steam.

At the top of the mountain, you’ll have time to explore the forest on foot before reboarding for the return trip down.

From Santa Cruz, drive on CA-1 South and take exit 442 for Ocean St. Turn left on Ocean St. and continue onto Graham Hill Rd. for about five miles until you reach the Roaring Camp Railroads on your left. Redwood Trains depart daily, though advance reservations are recommended–especially on summer weekends. Tickets and parking passes.

Story and photos by Yvonne Pasquini, @yvonne_pasquini

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View