Castle Rock State Park,
California State Parks,
Santa Cruz County
Distance: 5 mile loop
Diufficulty, Moderate
Description:
This partial loop trail runs for approximately five miles, in close proximity to the highest point in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
It is one of the best hikes in the entire Bay area, affording the hiker incredible views, gorgeous oak trees, forests and woodlands, wildlife, chapparal views and some outstanding sandstone formations during the course of the hike.
Given the height and the difficulty of the trail, it is likely not for those who are unaccustomed to physical activity or to hiking, or may take some pre hike training to accomplish the altitude of the hike without difficulty.
Overall the trails are moderate in hiking ability, however there is about a thousand feet altitude change which might present problems for some hikers. The elevation of this trail head is about 3100 feet, dropping to about 2300 feet and then gradually rising again back to the trail head. Some sections of the trail will be steep in nature, and there are several small scrambles on the trail.
One or two areas will be quite narrow and are exposed paths with very sharp drop offs.
There is a parking lot and some road side parking that is provided free of charge past the entry point on the road.
There are however some areas that are designated as no parking.
The trail has a day use, or entrance fee of 6 dollars per person, reduced to 1 dollar per senior citizen.
One pit toilet is provided. There is no drinking water or access to water at the trail head or on the trail so don’t forget to bring your own bottles.
Directions:
• From Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, take CA 92 west, then turn south onto Skyline Boulevard (CA 35). Drive about 25.5 miles, to the junction of 35 and 9 (Saratoga Gap). Continue about 2.5 miles further south on 35, to the park entrance on the right side of the road.
