Want to enjoy California’s beautiful redwood forests without having to don hiking boots? This steam train from Roaring Camp is the perfect way to take in the scenery. Hop on this authentic train from 1890 for an open-air trip through the redwoods in the Bay Area. The best part is that Roaring Camp is currently offering several unique holiday train routes complete with jolly decorations, Christmas carols, and more.
Holiday Journeys
The Santa Cruz train route always has fun seasonal events throughout the year, including some festive journeys for the winter months.
Holiday Lights Train: December 14-23
Roaring Camp recently announced the return of their beloved holiday lights train in Santa Cruz. Take in the gorgeous vintage train decked out with sparkling holiday lights and decorations.
Holiday Tree Walk: December 14-15, 21-22
Bring the family for a wintery journey through the redwoods aboard the Redwood Forest Steam Train. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus and enjoy winter-themed activities.
Chanukah Train: January 2, 2025
Board a Chanukah-themed train through the streets of Santa Cruz, which is complete with Chanukah stories, games, and kosher treats from Chabad by the Sea.
New Year’s Train: December 26-31
Ring in 2025 aboard a beautifully decorated vintage train with light-up hula hoopers and live DJs.
Redwood Forest Steam Train
Departing daily
This 19th-century steam train will take you up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. The 75-minute roundtrip is like a gorgeous voyage into the past on locomotives that date back to 1890. These narrow-gauge trestles were once used for hauling redwood logs in the late 19th century, and there are very few such trains still in operation today. Enjoy the views as conductors explain the history of Roaring Camp, the trains, and the surrounding forest.
Santa Cruz Beach Train
Returning Spring 2025
This route takes you through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, down the San Lorenzo River Gorge, and along the waterfront of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Highlights include passing over a 1909 steel truss bridge and through an 1875 tunnel. The route opened that same year in order to transport beachgoers and lumber to Santa Cruz.
Roaring Camp Railroads is located at 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA.
by Jamie Ferrell and Dana Fynn