Really fun experience. We went on the steam train ride through the forest! So fun! Lots of interesting facts shared while on trip. Highly recommend an open roof train car so you can look up and see all the redwoods! Also recommend sitting in the far or left side when you get in. It was easier to see the steam jutting out from the side of the train! Fun harvest activities available for free. We brought our own lunches and found a picnic bench. Easy to spend the whole day doing different activities. There was even a live musician.

Really fun, family attraction if youre looking for a more nature-based activity near Santa Cruz. The tour guide was beyond exceptional, providing a program that was both entertaining and informative. Its a really great way to see some Red Woods, though theyre not as large compared to what youll see up North. After the tour, theres also some fun small exhibits in their miniature Old West-style town. Seats are more of a first-come, first-served setting so be sure to line up right near where you want to sit at least 10 minutes before the train arrives. Also, if you have some flexibility, wait until the day before to book your tickets, as last minute trains do open up to accommodate more riders. Only critique is that the price of the ride is a bit high compared to what you actually get out of it, so definitely would recommend this primarily to families with smaller kids

First and foremost the experience is awesome for the whole family. Kids had a blast. The best part is the staff. Charles the train guide is an exceptional human being. Knowledgeable about trains, trees, history of California and much more! He helped with the wheelchair and ensured that the family set together near the wheelchair. When we were getting late by 45 minutes due to highway jam, when we called in to the camp, the lady assured us that is we missed that one we would be put on another train. So customer friendly.

I’m not sure if we went on an off day for this experience but we were not overly impressed. We were passing through Santa Cruz and this sounded like a fun experience. I’m giving this experience 4 stars because we might have liked it more when my kids were younger. The train ride up and back from the camp was lovely. The conductor was nice enough but we really couldn’t hear what he was saying about the sights we passed. Once we got to the camp we were very underwhelmed. They give you an hour to look around the camp before you get back on the train and head back to the beach. An hour was way to long. There are maybe 5 buildings to look at and they were mostly closed. Of course the gift shop and the food hall were open. After spending about 20 minutes looking around we decided to kill time by getting ice cream. We thought maybe we would see people waking around in period outfits or be able to see a functional black smith but none of this was happening. Maybe we were there on a quiet weekday and missed the good stuff. I would recommend driving directly to the camp. Take the steam train ride and then leave.

Our experience was fun. Just something new to try. Two of us had walkers and they provide lift equipment to lift you onto train and off. Found it convenient to use it instead of carrying our walkers ourselves. Very friendly staff. Only complaint is I wished the speaker system on the train was louder. The conductor who is explaining the area is very knowledgeable I believe, but due to loudness of train, and the fact were still required to wear masks, it was a strain to hear her over low speakers on train. Overall, very pleasant experience.

Went on the 10:30 tour yesterday and we had so much fun! our tour guide was Charles and he was very knowledgeable, charismatic, joked and used puns during the whole time. after getting on the train, we rode to the Bear Mountain, had a 15 minutes stop there, enjoyed the trees, drove back to the camp. the whole tour wed listen to historical facts about the train and the woods, highle reccomend, definitely worth the money!

Its a fun place for families with kids. Its great to take the steam engine train at a red wood forest. One free pumpkin for one kid if you buy a kid ticket during October.

It is a wonderful place where you can take a nice train trip among the giant redwood trees.. There is a picnic area, a camp area with historical shops (gold prospecting, iron shaping) and paths to take a walk.. Staff are very friendly and helpful.Also the toilets are very clean. Traveling by train is very enjoyable. If you only go in a cold weather, take something for yourself for protection cold. Train tickets sell out quickly, so buy them in advance from online.. And the road you will go here is usually a road with traffic. so go early.

We had a great time going on this train ride to the redwood Forest would definitely recommend going. Order your tickets before you go. The train tour guide is very good gives you a bunch of fun facts about the mountain. Dogs are welcome with highly recommend.

This is a cute little place hidden in santacruz mountains. Went with 5 years old and 10 year old kids they had lots of fun. Train ride through the big trees, steam engine, exploration, to gold panning.. They also have big setup for wedding and group events...

What an amazing place, I spent mothers day here and it turned out a great day. Firstly the walk from the parking to the train is so beautiful, we get greeted by the ticket person who was super friendly, then while waiting for my 1.45 train we did get reminded constantly to use the rest room as it is gonna be around 1.15 hours. I appreciated that. So no eating in train,.for some reason I read that we can but I was told we cant. They do follow all social distancing protocol which is nice, so no one will sit in front of u or close beside you. The trip itself was gorgeous. Surrounded by so many trees was amazing. After coming back u can actually spend more time there. Theres picnic table and you can lunch there, theres a lil spot too I think where you can buy food also, we took our sandwiches so did not get to see what all they sell, but I think its sandwiches, coffee and juice etc. I really enjoyed this spot, its especially great for families with kids. Do go with your families and have fun.

Really cool experience. Has a narrated tour while on the train by the conductor. Lots of pretty scenery. Its about a 3 hour ride round trip. Only down fall was alot of the exhibits they had prior years were not available. Such black Smith working and selling art as well many of the stores were closed. But all in a was a pleasant experience. Hope that it returns to its glory!

Great little old west style town and real functioning Shay steam engine makes a fun trip for kids or history/train buffs, 75 minutes round trip to mtn peak and back $33/adult kids under 2yr free. The area near roaring camp has lots of fun hiking as well. I would bring food and drinks and do a picnic (allowed), they have food there but mediocre and its a nice spot to hang out if you have time. 10a or 12n are best times it gets very crowded in the afternoon.

We loved the train ride through the forest. It was an olden days steam train. The conductor was very knowledgeable on local history. Overall great experience and kids loved it. Food in the park can be a bit pricey so bring your food from outside if you want. It is allowed.

Great ride for kids and adults. Narrow gauge steam engine. Go during the week and make sure to make a reservation online. Have not road the train to Santa Cruz yet. Keep in mind currently during the week the Boardwalk doesnt open till noon.

A very nice experience for kids and adults alike. Very informative tour as well. Its adjacent to Henry Cowell State Park, so you can squeeze in a hike while you are there.

Great place to spend a few hours. Highly informative and one of the few places you can see prestine and undisturbed redwood trees. Buy tickets online. The gold mining is a bit if a tourist trap......go for the rail road trip only.

Went here last Saturday as our woods ride was set for 1:45. We booked the tickets online. There was confusion if the barcodes on our phone were enough or we had to get colored tickets from the ticket counter. Both are accepted as we saw people flashing their phones to the guides.The train ride itself was very pleasant and all through the woods. Saw the history of the place and the narrow gauge tracks.The stores and museums around were very good as well. There was a wedding after our ride which was interesting as the bride and the groom and their guests took the train ride together.Will return for the sea facing train ride next time for sure.

We used Roaring Camp as a wedding venue on September 24th 2021. It was fabulous. The steam train to the ceremony site was unforgettable, the food was delicious, and the old western style decor was amazing. I think Heather and staff did a great job of keeping folks in the loop throughout COVID regarding guest count restrictions would be and what the food buffet would be expected to be like (plated vs buffet style). We ended up using a several of their recommended vendors and we were very happy with them (audio, florist and wedding coordinator). We really appreciate Heather being so communicative and accommodating.

Great for the small steam train enthusiasts in your life. We did the Redwood route up to Bear Mountain with a couple of switchbacks going up and down.Lots of steam, whistle blowing, and chuff-chuffing. And of course the Redwood forest original growth pines are amazing and a must see.

This is awesome!! This gem is perfect for a family tour, especially if you have little train enthusiasts.

Great for families! The staff was amazing and the whole process was perfect. One of the best weekend events we have done.

Awesome train ride through the redwoods. Relaxing. The guide was very informative.

Great tour! Got to see some redwood trees, learned the history of the area, and got to observe a 100 year old train in action. Truly a relaxing and informative tour

This place is very beautiful and very well kept. Offering many attractions and a train ride through the giant redwoods. They have beautiful hiking trails and one of the most beautiful rustic venues Ive seen. The train ride was a cool experience and the gentlemen educating/talking during the train ride was entertaining. During this time and covid, it is not open seating. Staff will guide you to your seat. There is no eating or drinking on the train. There are food and restrooms available. There isnt anything very thrilling about this place if your looking for adventure. Just a cute family place and great picture backdrops.

Wonderful experience....so nice to be on a steam train in a forest full of American redwood trees, tallest trees in the world

Such a great experience! We brought our 2 and 4 year old sons on the Santa Cruz train. We started at the roaring camp and took the train into Santa Cruz. Wish we had a bit more time in that area but still overall great experience!

Love the redwood and the train that goes through the forest. Some say the ride is too long but for us who loves train and forest, it was a great ride. And the conductor on our train was the best! We could learn so much about the train and the redwood!

Very nice experience. Roaring camp is set up like a small loving camp among the REDWOODS. 1.5 Hr train ride.

Weve visited here many times, and its always exciting to bring the younguns. Blacksmith was great, and our kids loved hiking along the river!

Nice easy train ride..recommend doing the 75 minutes one if you have little ones

I went on a ride through the redwoods. It was done in a very socially distanced and safe way. The ride was actually a lot of fun and the weather cooperated. The conductor told us a lot about the area, history and trains. It was really nice to just sit in the open car and enjoy the redwoods.I took the packaged lunch but it really is not necessary to buy ahead of time. The cafe has much more and better options in person.The Henry cowell state park is a few steps away. Can easily combine both places

Beautiful train ride through the Redwoods. Conductor was excellent and very knowledgeable.

Tus place is amazing super cozy, and full of adventures. Wonderful for a Weddings

Loved the little old west town vibe. Grabbed a latte before jumping onto the train. We bought tickets ahead of time thinking it would be a great way to spend the day in Santa Cruz, and it was. The trip through the redwoods was beautiful and we were dropped off right on the boardwalk. They dropped us off around noon and picked us back up at 4pm.The attached video is from the indoor car, but we couldnt resist the open air car going through the trees.

Great train ride, beautiful redwoods, fun panning for gold!

I throughly enjoyed the Steam Train Ride into the Big TreesProfessional Staff - Wonderful weather - Superb Train

The train is for sure a popular attraction, especially for toddlers and young children, but it’s not great for large groups. We had a group of 8, including an infant, a toddler, and an older couple. We were there to celebrate a 2nd birthday. Everything was great until we reached the stop at the top of the mountain and, per the announcement, got out to explore the area and stretch our legs. When it was time to get back onboard, we assumed we had to return to our original seats - but they were already occupied by other people who refused to make room for us despite the size of our group and the small children. We went to speak with the conductor, and he was quick to say there were no assigned seats and just walked away from us. It’s easy to deliver scripted remarks on a mic, but it’s tough to show empathy and help your passengers (which is the most important part of the job, otherwise you could just play a recording). We ended up scrambling to find seats, and had to breakout into 3 smaller groups - defeating the purpose of going together in the first place.

Do it. Fun for the little ones! Or if you just like trains. Or even if you don’t like trains or have little ones go see the trees.

That’s a fun train travel for my kid.Tickets: you may purchase tickets online in their web, $33 per adult, $24 per kid (2 to 12 years old)Parking: $10 for a car, you can buy it with your train tickets togetherProcess: the staff will check your parking fee at the entrance of parking lot, you’d better wear the mask before you enter. Then pass through the bridge and walk a little, you will be waited for check in with your tickets information. Then not far from the check in window, the boarding sign will be in your sight.Train travel: the whole journey is about 1.5 hours with introductions about redwood. The left side of cabin is the better choice if you would like to take photos.After taking the train, you may look around of the park. There are outdoor shopping, sheriff’s office, and Santa! You may warm yourself with a cup of hot chocolate for free, and take a picture with Santa by keeping social distance. The kids may enjoy snow bubble at the exit of the Santa house!The blacksmith will show customers how she made a iron tool, and some knowledge about iron! She could speak Mandarin and Japanese which is amazing!All stuffs wear a mask, and sanitizer is available for you at the entrance of the park. Nice day!

Nothing thrills like an old steam train! Exceptional hiking. Add live music on the meadow by Felton Music Hall and your summer is complete! Recommended as top priority to do with many gladful repeats!

I love that place.It feels like being in a Western Movie. We took the train to the Boardwalk yesterday and it was a nice experience, kids enjoyed it as much as the adults.

Lots of fun, and very informational. Went during Covid so some activities were not open, but was also not super busy. Required to make reservations ahead of time which made it very easy

Great vibes. Artist are out and about! Easy pics!

Took my son here for an activity on our vacation. He loved it. He isnt into trains as much as he used to be but because of the vibe and the atmosphere that doesnt matter. He had so much fine on the train ride and seeing all the old time decor and checking out the gold pan handling. Will definitely be back. Its such a beautiful place I could honestly sit on one of their benches and stare into nature and the duck ponds for hours!

The train ride is fun and we learned a lot about steam engines. If you want a view of the giant redwoods then skip the train and just go to Henry Cowell State Park which is right there. Aside from the fun train ride, Roaring Camp was a big let down. NONE of the activities were available and it was practically a ghost town. The general store was grossly overpriced and there are misleading posters all around advertising fun activities that were not available due to Covid. How hard is it to update the website/take down fliers.

Enjoyed the food and quick time here between rides on the train to Santa Cruz

Fun morning trip up the mountain on an authentic 110yo steam train. The conductor was very knowledgeable and had lots of information about the train, the people who brought it there, and the old growth Coastal redwoods that the tracks run through. There are multiple activities available when you are finished with your train trip.

Its just a train ride. Its NOT a camp, not does it offer campgrounds. Theres 2 different trains: One that goes to Santa Cruz and back, and a steam engine that goes the opposite way, up the hills. The conductor does narrate interesting facts along the way, but the speakers are kinda muffled, so its a bit hard to understand. Cool 2-hour ride roundtrip. Buy tickets on the website, theyre not available in Santa Cruz. Be careful; last train leaves Santa Cruz around 4pm and DOES NOT RETURN. Dont get stranded in Felton; theres no phone service up there.

Had an amazing time, learned a lot about history of the railroad and trees..

This is a 4-star experience but gets the extra star for its uniqueness- a train ride (albeit, sometimes a really slow one) through gigantic coastal redwoods. The conductor provides interesting insights into the train, the tracks and surroundings, including its history. There is ice cream and food options onsight and they keep the property in great condition. Great for kids ~5-12. Might be too slow for the younger and older kids to enjoy.

Great time with my son the guide was full of knowlege

A nice train ride, the conductor was an excellent guide. Beautiful redwoods.

The experience was educational and the environment was amazing. I would definitely recommend this tour to someone whos interested in California history and vintage trains.

Very enjoyable hour and a half train ride! Learned a lot about the history of the Redwoods! Bought the boxed lunch and the turkey sandwich was very good!

Beautiful location. It was a great experience riding on an old locomotive through the a redwood forest. Tall trees everywhere and the narrator is full of interesting facts and humorous tales. The experience was fun. I highly recommend this especially for families with small children. This would be an experience they’re going to remember. There are picnic tables in case you pack your own meal, but there is also food sold in the grounds.

Its an interesting place, with lots to do. But there is soooooo much walking from the parking lot, just to get to the ticket office. There is no provision for shuttles or transportation for older or disabled individuals.Also with the trains being totally sold out, there doesnt seem to be provisions for distancing.The gift shop doesnt have much of a selection at all. I was hoping to find something fun.

Such a great place to bring the kids. Great staff as well!!!

It’s a nice little train ride. COVID-19 compliant. We were spaced apart. The train was unique and original. We can’t hear what the guy was saying over the microphone because of the train. But over it was a relaxing ride.

I would love to write a nice review of this place. Its really beautiful and a great place to take the kids. My issue is while taking the train along the peaceful Redwoods there is a tour guide with a microphone blasting information so loud that my son and I (and others) spent the whole trip with our hands over our ears. Massive headache afterwards.

Came on a weekday, less crowd and very relaxing. They do a great job at physical distancing, felt very safe, and the tour was very educational. Ticket price includes parking.TIPS:✅Bring your lunch. Lots open picnic tables.✅ Stand in front of the water tower before boarding and train arrival if you want close up action of fueling up.✅Choose an open top seating so you can view the tall redwoods in the forest.✅Choose seats on Left side (in facing train head direction). Left seems to get a lot of action for photos or videos and explanation going up, even though the right side will get the same coming back. Left side will get to see steam letting out at the end of the trip.✅Henry Cowell Redwood State Park is just across the railroad crossing from the restrooms. Its nice to go there for a loop hike after train ride.

Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest.Travel on trestles, through towering redwood forests and up a winding narrow-gauge incline to the top of Bear Mountain as the drivers recount the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest - sadly you have to book to get in, we went from the. California and we could not live that experience that according to the story is very pleasant.

Super beautiful train into the oldest living organisms on earth. Bring a light sweater as it might get chilly.

Must see and ride. You will not be disappointed. Steam locomotive runs on recycled motor oil. What a fun ride through the redwoods.

Nice to see an unspoiled piece of the old west. If the ride up didnt get you, then roaring camp will.

Great experience,my younger brothers had lots of fun

We had so much fun.. Great for families..

Absolutely loved the history of Roaring Camp and the information provided on the Bear Mtn ride. Beautiful scenery and very authentic.

We really enjoyed the train ride and the conductor was awesome.

Good fun for all!

We enjoyed the train ride, food & scenery; just sorry it took me 20+ years to get hereMy kids had fun and looking forward to our next trip backThank you Roaring Camp!!🚂❤

If you are looking for a very fun half day activity. I would highly suggest taking the roaring camps redwood train up bear mountain. The conductors are very well informed and fun to listen to. The other activities are also a blast. Panning for gold and making candles is cool

Took grand kids,they had a blast. It was there first train ride. They loved the open air observation car and the sounds of the rustic ride along with the scenic view.

This was such a fun ride. I loved seeing all the trees and scenery. It was beautiful.

Went here a few times when I was a kid with my family and wanted to see if it had changed... everything pretty much looks the same which is cool... but remembering it as a kid the train just seemed bigger... I guess because I was so much littler then... nice fresh air... we had a great time there...

Beautiful, so fun for everyone, lots of great knowledge given while riding in an awesome old steam engine train through the majestic redwoods. Nature at its best. I think everyone should experience this place. Amazing old town feel with really Great trains. They even have Thomas the train ride for kids. AAA+++

Was fun but very slow. You take a 7 min break at the top of the mountain for a bathroom break and then head down. Wasnt much to do.

Beautiful and rustic.

Me and my group of friends had a great time, calm nice ride. Staff is super friendly

The conductor was very knowledgeable and educational. We appreciated his time. The train ride was relaxing and beautiful!

If you go you must take the train ride. It was stunning. There is a booklet/paper that kids can get a stamp in for each activity they do. By the time we got there that was not happening even though it was posted. We got there later in the day so maybe that happens earlier in the day.

Relaxing train trip. Guide was very informative and interesting to listen to his presentation. You can buy food and gifts there. We listened to old country music singer. Someone was getting married there that day. Bathrooms available. Easy access to Henry Cowell park. Train tickets you can buy online. Train tickets are 32 dollars for each adult. There is plenty of parking and places to eat picnic or food bought there. Places for kid picture taking. Train takes you to Bear Mountain and back.

Beautiful experience! Very informative! Another nice way to experience the redwoods without walking, hiking or bicycling.Well kept grounds and super clean bathrooms.

Beautiful Redwoods!!The conductor shared interesting facts!!! I WILL BE BACK :)

Me and my family loved it here.

I loved this place! It was such a nice experience, and the train ride is definitely worth it! Everyday the train picks you up at 12:30 and takes you in an hour and 15 min ride through the beautiful forest!It is a great activity to do with family, and kids will definitely love it!

I have been here a handful of times over the past few decades. While I always enjoy the experience, I do wish they would upgrade the sound on the train. I only caught about 20% of the information given. Beautiful journey through the redwoods!

Wonderful trip with the family, highly recommend for a fun day trip.

Never knew this existed. Beautiful train ride into the Santa Cruz hills from the boardwalk. Open aired train cars let you enjoy the ride thru the majestic trees. Saw some wildlife and rode thru town waving at cars. Roaring camp was cool as well with places to hike, eat and grab a souvenir or two. It only took 3 hours for the whole trip. Well worth it

We really enjoyed the ride up the mountain and into the forest on a perfectly restored piece of railroad history. The smile on the gentleman that controlled the engine said it all. Like a kid in the candy store, he looked so happy.

Awesome attraction. Very historical.

Great place, well setup with food, gift store, restrooms, BBQ, some fun activities.The steam train was a lot of fun with varied landscape. Sit on the left hand side, though you see both sides during the trip, the left sees the The coming sideways out of the train at the end and has a good view of a bend on the way up. The conductor was great, kept is interested with information and there was a guest speaker from the state park who gave a lot of interesting information about the Redwoods. The top has a great look at some Redwoods and restrooms, the steam train drivers did an amazing job.The state park is next door and you can enter from Roaring Camp to do some walks afterwards.Great day!

Nice place and fun riding train up hill with conductor telling about some interesting events and incident you need to to hear yourself. Totally recommended and if you have kids, they will be super excited. Please grab a warm jacket- it was cold in 1st week of April. Have Fun.

Nice relaxing ride through the mountains. Gift shop, picnic tables, panning for gold gives the kids something to do, just a great day trip!

A lovely afternoon railroad ride on the Halloween special of Thomas the Tank engine and friends. Then we took a lovely walk around the redwood forest, awesome trees of incredible size and features, some gnarly, some burned but past fires and some with caves in the trunks! Well worth a visit!

Great place for our little rail fan! We did the train through the Redwoods. Staff was great at keeping people safe and distanced and cleaning the trains and facility, but they still kept their enthusiasm and character. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would love to return when we can take full advantage of this beautiful spot. :-)

Kids and adults alike enjoyed the train ride through the redwood trees. The covered train cars were nice for keeping the sun off of us. No eating allowed on the ride, so be sure to feed your kids before the 75 min ride!

This place was awesome. I went to the Santa Cruz mountain sol fest. Great time, the people, atmosphere, train ride, cannabis, food, where do I begin? Seeing the sunset along the redwoods was amazing. This is a must visit place.

Great place for a visit!Train rides up to Bear Mountain or down to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk filled with fun facts and great scenery.There a whole old-time town with gold panning, various crafts, and fun events depending on the day you visit.The barbecue and food area is perfect for picnicking or just strolling around.

Its a great place to picnic if you plan on hiking through Henry Cowells state park. Has a general store, place you can buy food from and ride 2 different kinds of trains. One goes to the Santa Cruz board walk and the other takes you up through the mountains. I recommend taking them. Help support the train system.