Roaring Camp Railroads

Roaring camp is a beautiful place to visit. My small private school class of fourth grade students visited for the past two years. The train ride was a taste of the old world we were learning about in social studies. I was only disappointed in the gruff and unwelcoming staff that had my students and I feeling like an inconvenience than a welcome guest when we dipped candles and panned for gold. I would hope they show better interpersonal skills with their guests no matter how old or young they may be. more

The historic steam engines of Roaring Camp Railroads follow the old train tracks that were laid in the 1800's when the logging industry boomed in the Santa Cruz Mountains. My one criticism you will discover as soon as you arrive. You have to pay to park in their parking lot! But that aside, I'm willing to ignore the fee because the rest of what they have to offer is SO worth it!! I highly recommend taking the longer excursion they offer to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Plan for the entire day and catch the early train. That way you can spend about four hours enjoying the boardwalk and enjoy a beautiful train ride through the forest on your way to and from the Boardwalk. Along the way, the engineer points out features and gives passengers a little history of the local area. There can hardly be a more perfect way to travel, sitting in the wood and velvet luxury of the enclosed car, with the windows open in the summer and enjoying the cool shade of the forest. more