Railroad history in Santa Cruz, California

The Fireside Inn Santa Cruz is a comfortable hotel located at 311 Second Street in Santa Cruz, California. This charming lodging option offers modern décor, comfortable furnishings, and top-notch amenities such as in-room temperature controls, flat-screen TVs, WiFi, microwaves, and refrigerators. Guests can enjoy free parking and a friendly front desk staff during their stay. Conveniently situated near the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Fireside Inn is the perfect base for exploring the area's attractions, including the Surfing Museum, Natural Bridges State Beach, and Roaring Camp Railroad. Guests can also visit the Mystery Spot, hike Santa Cruz trails, and learn about the rich surfing history at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

Welcome to Roaring Camp, Big Trees and Pacific Railroad Station, a unique and historic destination nestled in the heart of the majestic redwoods of Felton, California. Located at North Big Trees Park Road, our station is not just a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty, but also a journey back in time. Experience the charm and allure of a bygone era as you embark on a scenic train ride through the towering ancient redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our historic steam and diesel locomotives offer a delightful and educational journey for visitors of all ages, making us a must-visit attraction in the region.

San Lorenzo River Railroad Bridge Welcome to the San Lorenzo River Railroad Bridge, a historical landmark nestled on the Santa Cruz Riverwalk in Santa Cruz, California. Positioned at the eastern edge of the Santa Cruz Main Beach, this iconic bridge stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of nature's challenges.

Roaring Camp is a historic amusement park and tourist attraction located at 5401 Graham Hill Road in Felton, California. Visitors can experience a journey back in time as they travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. Conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest during the ride. In the 1880s, narrow-gauge steam locomotives were used to haul giant redwood logs out of the mountains, and today, Roaring Camp's steam engines from 1890 provide regularly scheduled passenger service. The scenic train ride takes passengers through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The Old Train Trestle Bridge is a historic tourist attraction located on Pipeline Road in Santa Cruz, California, United States. Visitors can travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves, and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain while conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest. The steam engines at Roaring Camp date back to the 1890s and are some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America. The train departs from the Santa Cruz Mountains, traveling through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the scenic San Lorenzo River Gorge, across a 1909 steel truss bridge, and through an 1875 tunnel before arriving at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Visitors can also take a reverse roundtrip from the beach in Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back on weekends.

Garden of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park is a stunning tourist attraction located at California 9, Felton, California, United States. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, with the Visitor Center open daily from 10am to 4pm and the Mountain Parks Foundation Nature Store open from 11am to 5pm. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance and enjoy activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping on over 4,650 acres of forested and open land. The park is most famous for its 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees, some of which are over 1,500 years old. The park also features diverse habitats including grasslands, river/riparian areas, sandhills, and redwoods. Visitors may spot wildlife such as banana slugs, black-tailed deer, coyotes, and more. The park also offers guided hikes and public programs, as well as naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Additionally, visitors can pay parking fees using the Yodel app on their smartphones. The park is a Crumb Clean environment, protecting the endangered marbled murrelet bird that nests in the area. Visitors can learn about the history and ecology of the park on the Redwoods Experience trail, a flat loop trail through the old-growth redwood grove. The park also offers camping facilities, and nearby Roaring Camp Railroad provides historic train rides through the redwoods.

Welcome to Fall Creek Unit, a serene park and tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Felton, California. Located at 1101 Felton Empire Road, this enchanting destination offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, perfect for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Explore the Trails: The Fall Creek Unit is a second-growth redwood forest featuring nearly twenty miles of interconnected trails. Wander through fern-lined river canyons and discover remnants of the area's lime-processing heritage. This area is open for day use only, providing a tranquil escape into nature.

Welcome to Fall Creek Unit | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a breathtaking natural escape nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 1561 Felton Empire Road, Felton, California. This park is renowned for its majestic 40-acre grove of old-growth redwood trees, offering an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Explore the diverse landscapes of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which spans over 4,650 acres of pristine forested and open land. Discover the towering redwoods, some reaching up to 277 feet tall and over 1,500 years old, alongside diverse habitats including grasslands, river/riparian zones, and unique sandhills. The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, from banana slugs and black-tailed deer to coyotes and steelhead trout.

Welcome to Roaring Camp Train Depot, a historic journey through time and nature located at 5355 Graham Hill Road, Felton, California. Experience the magic of travel aboard our authentic narrow-gauge steam locomotives, dating back to the 1890s, as you traverse over trestles, wind through majestic redwood groves, and ascend the scenic narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. Our knowledgeable conductors will narrate the rich history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the surrounding forest, offering a unique glimpse into the past. Departing every weekend, our trains embark from the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains, journeying through the enchanting Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Lorenzo River Gorge, cross a historic 1909 steel truss bridge, and pass through an 1875 tunnel before reaching the lively Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. For those looking to start their adventure from the beach, reverse roundtrips from Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp and back are available for purchase on board.

Welcome to Margaret’s Bridge, a serene gateway nestled in the heart of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, located at Loma Prieta Grade, Aptos, California. Just four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road, our park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling towns and beaches near Highway 1, Santa Cruz. Explore the lush second- and third-growth redwood forests that rise from sea level to the steep coastal mountains, offering over 30 miles of rugged trails perfect for hiking, jogging, or biking. Whether you're picnicking near Aptos Creek or embarking on a guided hike, Margaret’s Bridge promises a refreshing retreat for nature lovers.

Welcome to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Nestled just four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a hidden gem and a refreshing retreat from the bustling towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz, California. This captivating park sprawls across a dense redwood forest, rising from near sea level to the steep coastal mountains, offering a unique semi-wilderness experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Explore the Majestic Bear Mountain: A Journey Through Time and Nature Welcome to Bear Mountain, a stunning park located in the heart of Felton, California. Nestled within the lush landscapes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Bear Mountain offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Welcome to Bear Mountain Train Station, a charming and nostalgic tourist attraction nestled in the heart of Felton, California. Situated amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains, our station offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Step back in time as you explore our beautifully restored vintage train cars and enjoy a scenic journey through the lush redwood forests and picturesque landscapes that define this enchanting region. At Bear Mountain Train Station, we pride ourselves on providing a unique and immersive experience that captures the magic of train travel from a bygone era. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a delightful family outing, our train rides offer something for everyone. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to share fascinating stories and insights about the rich history of the area and the significance of railroads in its development.

Welcome to Porter Family Picnic Area Nestled within the serene beauty of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, the Porter Family Picnic Area offers a tranquil retreat for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Located just four miles north of Aptos on Aptos Creek Road in Aptos, California, this picturesque area is a perfect escape from the bustling towns and beaches along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz.

Welcome to Mangels House, a historic gem nestled in the picturesque Aptos hills of California. Located at 570 Aptos Creek Road, this elegant Victorian summer mansion stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural grandeur of the late 19th century. Built by Claus Mangels, brother-in-law of the renowned sugar magnate Claus Spreckels, Mangels House is the last remaining example of three nearly identical mansions constructed between 1872 and 1888. Steeped in history, Mangels House offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its era. The mansion was crafted from clear heart redwood sourced from the nearby Loma Prieta Mill, featuring a unique "Carpenter's Gothic" architectural style. With 15 rooms including 10 bedrooms, two parlors, a dining room, and a card room, the mansion was designed for luxurious summer living. The house boasts 14-foot ceilings, a full attic crowned by a "widow's walk," and can comfortably accommodate 23 guests.

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