One of the great wonders of the natural world are just a short
drive west of the South Valley: California redwoods. Though it’s a
treat to walk among these silent giants, Roaring Camp Railroad in
Felton gives visitors a chance to see the trees the same way
hundreds of people did during the days of the wild west
– from a seat on a steam train.
One of the great wonders of the natural world are just a short drive west of the South Valley: California redwoods. Though it’s a treat to walk among these silent giants, Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton gives visitors a chance to see the trees the same way hundreds of people did during the days of the wild west – from a seat on a steam train.
If you go:
During this time of year, trains only run on weekends. Go online for schedules for spring and summer. Also check out the Beach Train, which runs from the camp to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk in the summer. Parking is $6 and Steam Train tickets cost between $13 and $19. Trips are about an hour, round-trip. Bring a jacket. For more information, including directions, call (831) 335-4484 or visit www.roaringcamp.com.
Fun Redwood Facts
n Fossil remains show that ancestors of the redwood family of trees grew worldwide at least 175 million years ago. The Ice Age, however, wiped out most of them.
– Height: Up to 367.8 feet
– Age: Up to 2,000 years
– Weight: Up to 1.6 million pounds
– Bark: Up to 12 inches thick
– Branches: Up to 5 feet in diameter
– Bases: Up to 22 feet in diameter
– Reproduce: By seed or root sprout
– Seed Size: As large as tomato seeds
– The world’s first-, second-, third- and sixth-tallest trees are redwoods.
Source: www.americanparknetwork.com
