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Discover the magic of the Santa Cruz Mountains with Sequoias At Night, a unique lantern-lit walk beneath ancient redwoods. Experience the forest’s grandeur after sunset on a gentle, illuminated trail perfect for families and adventurers alike.
Discover the magic of the Santa Cruz Mountains with Sequoias At Night, a unique lantern-lit walk beneath ancient redwoods. Experience the forest’s grandeur after sunset on a gentle, illuminated trail perfect for families and adventurers alike.
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
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Operated by Roaring Camp Railroads · Felton, California
In the heart of California’s Santa Cruz Mountains lies Felton, home to one of the most captivating outdoor experiences you can book: Sequoias At Night, hosted by Roaring Camp. This limited-time, lantern-lit stroll offers adventurers and families alike a rare chance to witness the towering ancient redwoods in an entirely new light—literally. Far from a traditional daytime hike, Sequoias At Night transforms a forest path into an illuminated sanctuary where 26 artist-designed lanterns cast a gentle glow over the colossal trunks and foliage, creating a serene atmosphere found nowhere else in the region.
Roaring Camp is not only a gateway to this nighttime journey but also a living homage to the area’s logging heritage. The camp itself recreates an 1880s logging town, making your visit an immersive blend of natural wonder and historical intrigue. After a short walk from the parking area, guests enter this quaint town, stocked with rustic charm and basic amenities, before setting off along the 0.8-mile round-trip forest path. The trail begins with a wheelchair-accessible flat section for about half the route, then gently ascends, revealing the immense scale of the old-growth redwoods as shadows deepen.
What makes Sequoias At Night uniquely special in this locale is the way it invites quiet reflection beneath trees that have stood for centuries. These coast redwoods, some the tallest trees on earth, create a natural cathedral where light and shadow play while the forest’s hush deepens after sunset. The artwork-integrated lighting highlights not just the trees but also the rich understory flora, offering insight into a delicate ecosystem that thrives in coastal California’s moist climate.
Accompanied by the cool evening air and the scent of cedar and damp earth, this walk is a gentle adventure suitable for most ages and skill levels. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear, bring a light jacket, and don a bit of bug spray for comfort. Cameras are highly recommended as the atmospheric lighting reveals perspectives of the forest rarely seen during the busy daylight hours.
As a standout destination, Sequoias At Night champions a safer, quieter way to engage with nature after dark, enriching both appreciation and awareness of this iconic landscape. Whether you’re visiting Felton or nearby Santa Cruz, booking this experience through Roaring Camp ensures you partake in a memorable, artful journey through one of the world’s most majestic old-growth forests.
The round-trip path is about 0.8 miles and takes roughly 45 minutes to complete.
The first half of the path is wheelchair accessible, but it becomes steeper and more challenging beyond that point.
Yes, Sequoias At Night is family-friendly and suitable for visitors of all ages.
Check in at the General Store located within Roaring Camp upon arrival.
Pets are not permitted on the lighted nighttime walk to preserve the tranquil environment.
Bring a light jacket, comfortable shoes, bug spray, and a camera or phone to enjoy the experience fully.
Roaring Camp Railroads, located in Felton, California, operates scenic train excursions and a year-round calendar of themed events set in the towering Santa Cruz redwood forest. The operation offers a variety of experiences for families, school groups, and adult visitors, combining vintage train travel with live entertainment, food, and hands-on programming. Key offerings include heritage steam train rides, family-focused events like Day Out With Thomas featuring Thomas the Tank Engine™, seasonal festivals such as the Brewgrass Festival, and specialty evenings like the Moonlight Evening Dinner Train that include dinner, live music, and stopovers at Bear Mountain. Roaring Camp also hosts community-oriented events at the historic Bret Harte Opera Hall, including the Spring Barn Line Dance and Winter Warmer Fest. Educational programs are available for school groups aged 7–11 through the Living History experience, designed to bring the mountain man era and westward expansion to life. Seasonal attractions include Drive-In Movie Nights among the redwoods, a Chanukah Train with community menorah lighting and kosher refreshments, and competitive culinary events such as the Cook-Off with tastings and craft beer. Visitors traveling from Santa Cruz can join specialty trains like the Father’s Day Brew Train and VIP tasting trains for Brewgrass. The combination of scenic rail routes, themed programming, and family-friendly activities makes Roaring Camp Railroads a notable destination for both residents and tourists seeking historic rail experiences and community events in Felton, CA.
Book with Roaring Camp Railroads