The crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains
At the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park is just minutes from Silicon Valley. Yet it's a perfect place to unwind from the wired world. its big enough for backpackers-5,500 acres-and rich in intriguing trails, shady woods, sun-drenched chaparral and sandstone heights. The park's 2,000 acres of coast redwoods are mostly second- and third-growth trees, but occasionally you can spot one (often with a twist or other commercial imperfection) that the loggers passed by.
ACTIVITIES: Rock climbing, backpacking, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding. No trails are open to mountain biking. There are parking spaces outside the park entrance, but visitors are encouraged to support the park by paying the $8 day-use fee to park inside.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES: 0.8-mile-long Whole Access Trail, which leads to a woodland vista and wheelchair-accessible picnic table.
DOGS: Not allowed, except for service dogs.
Take a tour of this park with Google Street View Treks. (external link)
Directions
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Amenities & Fees
$8 for day-use vehicle entry. Camping and Lodging: For camping near the park, visit HipCamp.com.
What To Pack
- Safety: We want visitors to enjoy their experience safely. Simple actions can positively increase your outdoor experience. Such actions include taking water and snacks along with you, staying on designated trails, taking breaks, and letting people know where you are going and approximately what time you're coming back. For more outdoor safety tips, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips (external link).
- What To Bring: Layers of clothing. In the rainy season, pack warm hats, scarves, mittens and plenty of thick, fast-drying socks. And don't forget the raincoats and rain pants. Water, snacks a field guide, binoculars.
Additional Information
Go to the park's website (external link) or call (408) 867-2952. To purchase a map-brochure — either Castle Rock Trail Map or Guide to Rocks and Climbing — send a check for $2 payable to the Portola and CR Foundation and a self-addressed #10 envelope with two first-class stamps to the park at 15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA 95033. The Castle Rock State Park Brochure contains valuable information for trip planning.
