Castle Rock State Park
State Park · Los Gatos, California
Castle Rock State Park sits on the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains along Skyline Boulevard, near Los Gatos and Saratoga, and it is a hiking and climbing park rather than a drive-up scenic stop. Its signature is a group of weathered sandstone outcrops, pitted with cavities, that draw rock climbers from across the Bay Area. Goat Rock, a popular climbing spot, gives a view over the San Lorenzo Valley toward Monterey Bay - confirm access. The trails run through oak, madrone and Douglas fir forest, and the park is also the head of the long Skyline-to-the-Sea route toward Big Basin. A backpack camp serves overnight hikers - confirm. Castle Rock Falls flows in the wet season - confirm. Fog and damp cool winters give way to warm, dry summers, and ticks and poison oak line the paths. Dogs are not allowed. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a separate place nearby. Plan on three to five hours, and arrive early at weekends.
15000 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos, California, 95033, United States
The park is open from about 8 AM to sunset, and parking closes with the gate, so a car left behind after dark may be locked in - confirm the current hours and gate rules. A pay station collects the day-use fee, which is around 10 dollars a vehicle; confirm the current amount. The small main lot on Skyline Boulevard fills early on fine weekends, and rangers or neighbours may turn cars away. Winter storms can close trails with slides or fallen trees, and summer fire danger can close the park or restrict stoves. Backpack camping needs a reservation or permit - confirm. Check the State Parks page and trail notices on the day you go.
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