This Scenic Train Ride Winds Through California's Majestic Redwoods and Ends at the Pacific Ocean

"California's iconic coastal redwoods are majestic: they are the tallest trees on Earth, often growing to more than 300 feet high and living as long as 2,000 years. Back in the mid-1800s, the logging industry in the West relied on trains to move the redwoods' tremendous tree trunks from the coastal forests and mountains to flatter, inland regions. Today, coastal redwood forests are preserved, of course,"

"There are two journeys available at Roaring Camp. Dixiana carries guests for 75 minutes up Bear Mountain and back to the village. For a longer experience, try the three-hour ride connecting Roaring Camp to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You can start your ride at either of these stops, then enjoy a trip to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, through a gorge and a 19th-century tunnel as you go."

Coastal redwoods reach over 300 feet and can live up to 2,000 years. Trains historically hauled massive redwood trunks from coastal forests to inland regions in the mid-1800s. Roaring Camp, near Santa Cruz, operates narrow-gauge steam locomotives on routes that date back to 1875. The steam engine Dixiana pulls open-air cars for scenic, slow-paced rides through towering trees. Offerings include a 75-minute Bear Mountain round trip and a three-hour connection to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, passing Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a gorge, and a 19th-century tunnel. Family activities such as gold panning and candle making are available.

Read at Travel + Leisure