Santa Cruz County is famous for its groves of towering coast redwoods, and Big Basin Redwoods State Park is just one place to see them. If you’re traveling with youngsters of the two-legged variety as well as those with fur, you’re sure to enjoy a ride on a narrow-gauge railroad once used to haul redwood logs out of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Roaring Camp Railroad’s vintage steam engines date to the 1890s, but today they haul people and their leashed pets on a scenic, hour-long route through towering redwood groves and up a winding grade to the summit of Bear Mountain. Every weekend in summer is filled with special events ranging from “great train robberies” to moonlight rides and dinner parties, craft and heritage fairs and nods to Dad on Father’s Day Weekend.
Other immersions in the redwoods can be experienced as you and your four-legged buddy explore Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which has several trails where dogs are welcome; as well as Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Byrne-Milliron Forest and other parks (including fenced dog parks) throughout the county.
