roaring camp & big trees narrow-gauge railroad

JeriLG

We had some switches for sure. I wanted to take my dad and cousins on the steam train. Their schedule only allowed us to go midweek. There was only a 12:30 diesel train. We purchased tickets and decided to enjoy ourselves regardless. When we walked in from the parking lot, we saw the small diesel. We had brought a picnic lunch in. When it was time to board, there was a Shay Steam Train filling up with water. I asked about the switch, and was told that more reservations had resulted in the need for the bigger train. Our luck! It was great. We sat in an open car and loved the cool forest and explanations. The kids were not bored. We did enjoy getting out at Bear Mountain and stretching our legs. The switchbacks are interesting and the story of the mysterious burned trestle caught our imaginations. Loved our day on the Dixiana!

r0bertw49

The Roaring Camp Railway at Fenton, near Santa Cruz has steam train rides that climb through Redwood forest.Situated adjacent to the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the site offers a unique trip into the past. The historic Dixiana engine was originally designed for very steep inclines, the return trip up to Bear Mountain takes an hour or so, and the little engine really works hard. The track winds through the redwood forest and a guide offers commentary along the way.There are food and souvenir shops at the station, we had been warned that tickets sell out early, so we pre-booked tickets on the internet, there was an $8 fee to park.This is an excellent way to spend half a day, and when finished here, walk across to the national park, their one hour loop walk as just outstanding, walking among those tall tress is humbling.

Stuart15734

I rode this train in absolute awe as we entered the redwood forest! I felt like a little kid! Do not hesitate to jump at the chance to take this train ride. It will be something you will never forget. My only wish was that I would have been better able to hear the narrator over the sound of the steam engine.

Chiefly1

This is a destination in the summer months with lots of fun and interesting things to do. But, in the winter its a train ride through the Redwoods available once a day. While it's enjoyable I would suggest visiting during the warm months.

sherryej

Train only runs once daily at 12:30pm. Train only runs once daily at 12:30pm. Train only runs once daily at 12:30pm.

LauraL267

How many times can you say you know a great place to take a whole family for a wonderful day out? Easy if you are going to Roaring Camp. Not only is it easy to get to ( who can say no to a lovely drive through the redwoods) but there is so much to see and do once you get there. We like to enter through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Park in their parking lot, walk the nature trail, have a picnic in the Park and then wander over to Roaring Camp. There is a walkway between the two parks. You might want to check the train schedule before planning your day so you don't miss the train. The train ride is great for young and old. Sit outside or inside and just enjoy the beautiful redwoods at their best.

884dianac

I decided to go on this ride, since I was passing through the area. It was raining for part of the time, but it was still very enjoyable. What a wonderful way to learn about the Redwoods, while riding through these beautiful forests!The conductor was fun, and very knowledgeable, which was great!The ride is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a short stop when you get to the top of Bear Mountain.I would highly recommend it - whether you are traveling with children or not, it's something you will always remember.

RonB947

Had such a great time last year, we went back this year and took my 93 year old mother-in-law. At the top of the mountain, she was greeted by Santa, who gave her a candy cane. We took a most memorable photo of that event. It was a chilly day and we were served hot cider. It was her best day out in a long while. Create memories and not regrets. Do this!

FrancisS496

Walked over to this place from the state park to eat our picnic lunch. We were not interested in the train ride, just a picnic. Our group of 4 was astounded at the $25 fee to use a picnic table. We didn't see any enforcement, so suspect a lot of people ignore the fee.

Smith61

I never even heard of this place, but it really is a lot of fun to jump on an old fashioned steam locomotive "Choo Choo" train and take a trip to the top of Bear mountain. An absolute must for families with kids and for people who still have a bit of a kid inside them.

SanDiegoJudi

We where recently in the area as we where visiting two missions and saw a brochure for the Steam Train ride through the redwoods and so glad we went. The train ride is about an hour and a half long and a beautiful site to see. Great for all age groups. Meet a mother and child on our ride who comes back over and over again with her 3 year old son who loves trains. The ride up is great and on the way back they talk to you about the redwood forest. There is a little town there and a good BBQ place to eat at a good price. All around it is a good place to go if you are in the area. Not a bad price either.They also have a train ride from there to Santa Cruz which is over three hours long and goes a long the river-we will be back to do that.

E-SFO

For a delightful day trip in the redwoods, jump on the narrow-gauge railroad and listen to the old steam engine of the Roaring Camp and Big Trees train, near Felton California. The cars are open, so one can look up to the sky and marvel at the tall trees as the engine chugs to the top of Bear Mountain. At the top there is time to get off and have a leisurely stroll. Not far from towns and cities, but one feels miles away and surrounded by the beauty of nature.

GreggL142

If you want to see the redwoods in a new way this is the place plus you get to ride a narrow gauge railroad.It was something else hearing that lonesome whistle sound through the trees and stir your soul.

paso57

Very well organized. We visited on a day that they had the "Thomas the Train" event. Lots to see and do, including photo ops and train rides in a beautiful setting. Highly recommend.

Shocking-Traveler

By dad loves trains and trees. He loved this, and its and easy excursion from Metro San Francisco, San Jose or Santa Cruz. Good for families (children will love the train) and for less mobile travelers.