Roaring Camp Railroads
- Admission
- General admission to the camp is free. Train tickets start at approximately $35 for adults and $24 for children. Parking is $10.
- Hours
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though train departure schedules vary by season.
- Duration
- 3 to 4 hours for the forest train and town; a full day if riding the beach train.
- Parking
- On-site parking is available in a large dirt lot for a daily fee of $10 per vehicle.
- Access
- Wheelchair-accessible train cars are available with advance reservation. The historic town site has dirt and gravel pathways that can be uneven.
Step back in time to the 1880s at this historic narrow-gauge railroad nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Ride authentic steam trains through towering redwood forests or take a scenic excursion to the Santa Cruz beach. It is home to some of the oldest regularly scheduled steam locomotives in America.
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Founded in 1963, Roaring Camp Railroads preserves a slice of 19th-century American history. Visitors can ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train, pulled by historic 1890s Shay and Heisler locomotives, up steep grades through ancient redwood groves to the summit of Bear Mountain.
Alternatively, the Santa Cruz Beach Train departs from the mountain depot and winds down the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge directly to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The camp itself is styled as an 1880s logging town, complete with a general store, blacksmith shop, and chuckwagon dining.
Throughout the year, Roaring Camp hosts various themed events, from civil war reenactments to holiday trains. It offers a rare, hands-on opportunity to experience the raw power of steam engineering amidst some of California's most spectacular natural scenery.
Ratings
attraction◆ Visitor Tips
- ◆ Book train tickets online in advance, especially for weekend runs and holiday-themed events.
- ◆ Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled train departure to secure parking and board.
- ◆ Dress in layers as the redwood forest canopy keeps temperatures significantly cooler than the open camp.
- ◆ Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
Heads Up
- ◆ The steam locomotives emit real soot and coal smoke; avoid wearing white or dry-clean-only clothing.
- ◆ The Beach Train is a longer, multi-hour commitment, so check timetables carefully before planning your day.
Common questions
What is the difference between the Redwood Forest Steam Train and the Santa Cruz Beach Train?
The Redwood Forest Steam Train is a 75-minute round-trip ride on a historic narrow-gauge steam train through the redwood forest to the summit of Bear Mountain. The Santa Cruz Beach Train is a longer, 3-hour round-trip excursion that travels down the San Lorenzo River Gorge to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Are dogs allowed on the trains at Roaring Camp?
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train for a small ticket fee. Dogs are not allowed on the Santa Cruz Beach Train, with the exception of service animals.
Do you have to pay for parking at Roaring Camp?
Yes, there is a flat daily parking fee per vehicle to park in the Roaring Camp lot, which is not included in the price of train tickets. You can avoid this fee by walking in, but parking on nearby public roads is highly restricted.
Can you walk into Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park from Roaring Camp?
Yes, Roaring Camp immediately adjoins Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and you can easily walk between the two properties on foot. However, parking at one does not cover parking fees at the other, as they are operated separately.