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Along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park embraces coast redwood, Douglas-fir, and madrone forest, most of which has been left in its wild, natural state. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers. The forest here is lush and mossy, crisscrossed by 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. These trails are part of an even more extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys with Castle Rock State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, and the Pacific Coast.
Primitive campsites for backpackers are the only overnight facilities. Equestrians are urged to call ahead for current trail information, and smokers are advised that, due to high fire hazard, smoking is prohibited on the trails within Castle Rock State Park.
Dogs are not allowed on the trails or in the campground.
Getting There
The park is located on Highway 35, just 2 1/2 miles southeast of the junction with Highway 9.
Latitude / Longitude: 37.2317 / -122.1158
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located on Highway 35, just 2 1/2 miles southeast of the junction with Highway 9.
Latitude / Longitude: 37.2317 / -122.1158
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Operating Hours & Contact
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 408-867-2952
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 408-867-2952
Camping
Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park directly for information.
Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park directly for information.
Accessible Features
Trails: The Whole Access Trail is about 0.08 mile long and leads to an outstanding vista and picnic area. Trailhead is located at Castle Rock parking lot. Parking and a pit toilet are usable. Picnic table at end of trail is usable.
Trails: The Whole Access Trail is about 0.08 mile long and leads to an outstanding vista and picnic area. Trailhead is located at Castle Rock parking lot. Parking and a pit toilet are usable. Picnic table at end of trail is usable.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Castle Rock State Park Loop: Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trails
Great views, challenging hiking in the hills southwest of Silicon Valley.
Great views, challenging hiking in the hills southwest of Silicon Valley.
Moderate
6.5 mi
10.5 km
10.5 km
Guides
Great views, challenging hiking in the hills southwest of Silicon Valley.
Community Trips
Castle Rock beautiful in foggy weather in the fall. Great camping/hiking area for relaxing and bouldering.
A gorgeous day for a walk in the woods, and one of the best places to enjoy it is at Castle Rock State Park off Highway 35 southwest of San Jose. Hike write-up at Two Heel Drive.
Joel and I had been planning for the Berry Creek Falls loop at Big Basin, but the forecast ("Rain: 100%") and view of the fogged-in coastal range was enough to convince me that a trip to the temperate rainforest that is the coastal redwoods would be a bit too chilly. So instead we headed up to Castle Rock, with the theory being that it was just a bit further inland and high...
A quick loop hike in Castle Rock to replace one of my geocaches and see
how the flowers are doing up here. Quite a show going and worth a
hike. Despite the huge number of cars on skyline I only saw about 15
people on this hike so that was pretty cool.
This hike surprised me. I\\\'ve avoided Castle Rock in the past because of the crowds. (And true to form, when I arrived a bus full of high-schoolers was unloading in the parking lot.) But the thing is, once you get past the falls and the viewing platform the crowds drop off dramatically. I really liked this hike. And more surprisingly, the trail was quite technical in spots and the views were outstanding....
Went backpacking with my buddies Chris and Devin. We were the only people in the campground which was cool. Pretty windy at night and a little chilly, but overall a pretty fun trip!
This was my first trip out to Castle and Goat rock in Castle Rock SP. These rocks are incredible for bouldering, free and protected climbing. The holds have better shape and feel than the walls at Planet Granite, and it is outside! Show up before 11 to have the rock to yourself, but there are plenty to go around.
Reviews
