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Roaring Camp Railroads - Redwood Forest

5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, California

Description

Roaring Camp Railroads operates two narrow-gauge tourist railroads departing from the Roaring Camp depot in Felton, California. They use old locomotives such as 'Dixiana', a 2-truck Shay built in 1912 originally used in a coal mine in the Appalachian Mountains. The route reviewed here is 'Redwood Forest Steam Train', a 75mins out-and-back to the summit of Bear Mountain - 5km away - with commentaries about the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and forest by the conductor.

Access & Transport

Address: 5401 Graham Hill rd, Felton, CA 95018 Driving directions: https://www.roaringcamp.com/driving-directions Parking fee is $10 Santa Cruz Metro Transit Route 35 stops at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Felton Covered Bridge, a short walk from Roaring Camp

Instructions & Recommendations

There are several activities at Roaring Camp Gates open at 9h00 and parking closes at 17h00 unless trains are operating.

Meta review

Ignoring the many fake online reviews, the majority of visitors seem to have enjoyed their 'cool little train ride' experience among the beautiful redwood supplemented by funny and informative comments. The main gripe relates to the overpriced tickets and parking fee. 2 useful tips: give yourself enough time to walk from the parking lot to the train and the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is close by so you may want to consider a visit/hike there afterwards.

Environmental & Social

Unfortunately, the train runs on diesel. Helps preserve a technical heritage and the Roaring Camp depot.

Conclusion

A short entertaining ride through the redwoods that is let down by its pricing - what a budget for a family! If money is no object and you are in the Santa Cruz area, this is worth a stop. Otherwise, probably not great value.

Key positive

Original

Fun, especially for children

Key negative

Very expensive tickets

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and based on our research, the usual train can accommodate 2 wheelchair users

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
In the summer, rides depart at 10h30, 12h00 and 13h30 + 15h00 on weekends. Rest of the year: 10h30

av. transport time:0h 45m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jun, 06

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 15:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 15:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 15:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 15:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 15:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 16:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 16:30

Start of Season 2:Sep, 06

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 12:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 12:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 12:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 12:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 12:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 15:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 15:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$40
Adult
13 - 64
US$40
Child
2 - 12
US$25
Infant
0 - 1
US$0

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