Roaring Camp - Felton, California

Grisha L.

Wow this place is fantastic, I would've never known it existed if I wasn't dating a bay area native. But it's got a great "hiking trail" especially if your with children or someone with mobility issues. Awesome way to get up close with old growth forest and learn a little bit along the way. Would recommend for hot days to be up in the mountains and in the shade! You can always cool off in the stream too!

Helen M.

Awesome spot in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a step back in time to 1880! The main draw is the steam trains and their stunning tracks through the redwoods, but there's also a fascinating town complete with printing press, blacksmith and sheriff. A fun look at history - just make sure you leave time for the train as it was the best part for me!

Erik V.

An adventure with history!!! The steam train was very impressive as it plowed up the mountain grade of 8% to 10%. The stop at the top of the mountain grade is short but enough time for photos and a bathroom visit. Excellent for kids from 7 to 70-years old.

Katrina J.

As a Santa Cruz local we have been to Roaring Camp here and there. This time I brought my 11 month year old daughter maybe too soon since she was a wiggly bear and was t able to enjoy as much as I did. A little taste of the early 1800s that the family of Norman Clark whos dream was to preserve this time and he has done just that and given a locomotive ride of the times through our beloved redwoods “Big Trees”. Let me start with saying when your tickets say arrive 45 minutes early please follow directions. highlight definitely was that we bought tickets for the 1:30 train and got caught up in horrible traffic getting here from San Jose so they rescheduled us to the 3:15 train and we had to wait a little. I went memorial weekend and they had a performer, pony rides, bbq vendors, picnic areas galore, a pond with booty water and no wildlife, a small gift shop and so much more… left me remembering my childhood and forgetting why I haven’t took advantage of all this wonderful little stop has to offer… Do not wear white for it will leave you covered in dust cowboy , in this western town feel set up here. If you’re looking for a reason to bust out your cowboy boots, you could get away with it here…

Jason H.

Had a great time in the train. Wish we would've gotten there a bit earlier to explore the quaint town vibe in roaring camp B4 our train departed to the Santa Cruz. About an hour ride directly to the beach boardwalk entrance. Conductor was friendly and informative and low key funny. Very relaxing and perfect Dad day for me!

Toby C.

It was my 1st visit, and I must admit the entire time there was impressive. To see the massive trees and to hear history while chugging very slowly with the train whistle blaring its iconic sound made for the foundation of a fantastic day adventure.
You need to reserve your tickets online. The $10.00 parking fee is automatically applied when purchasing the tickets online.
Midway through the journey, we took a 10-minute break at Bear Mountain. We found the silence in the forest to be deafening when alone and sill. The feeling from this place is spiritual if you will allow it into your life. The awesome size and presence of these trees is worth the trip.

Danny H.

We visited Roaring Camp on a weekend and did take the train — and it was the highlight of the day. The train ride is about 75 minutes round trip and costs nearly $50 per person, which might sound a bit steep, but the experience totally made it worth it.

The train winds through beautiful redwood forests, with open-air cars and a friendly conductor narrating parts of the journey. It takes you all the way up the mountain, drops you off for a short break at the top (super peaceful spot to stretch your legs or take some photos), and then brings you back down.

We happened to visit during a special event, so there were animals around — horses, pigs, goats — and even pony rides and a petting zoo. Great for families with kids or anyone who wants a fun outdoor day trip with a bit of history and nature.

Highly recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends. It’s a unique experience you don’t find in many places.

Mike E.

The ride through the big tree forest is breathtaking. It's hard to comprehend the age of some of these trees. The conductor was very informative and funny. The train is a cool piece of history too. Well worth a visit!