Castle Rock State Park

About Castle Rock State Park

On the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains is Castle Rock State Park, the most left-hand park of its kind in the United States. In the steep gorge, a series of unusual rock formations are located below the cliffs, which are popular with climbers.

The paths are part of an even larger network of paths that connect the valleys of Santa Clara and San Lorenzo. The forest is lush and muddy, crisscrossed by sequoias, redwoods and other tree species and shrubs, as well as a variety of grassland.

The weather can be changeable, so layered clothing is recommended and it is highly recommended to check the current information on the trails in advance. The only overnight accommodation is primitive campsites for backpackers; dogs are not allowed on any of the paths or campsites. Smokers are advised not to smoke in the park, especially on paths and in areas with high smoke exposure.

Castle Rock State Park features tranquil forest trails and sandstone formations that appeal to climbers, geologists and photographers. Dense evergreen forest obstructs the view of the castle rocks, but the view of the sandstones and rocks that block the view of the castle is much better.

Castle Rock State Park's main attraction is a series of sandstone formations that appeal to climbers, geologists and photographers alike.

It has been a tourist attraction since the early 20th century, and the inter-city train brings visitors from the Santa Clara Valley to the park's main entrance in Castle Rock State Park.

The intrepid traveller then wandered to Castle Rock and hired a horse and buggy to transport him or her. A pleasant tour of the park is the Saratoga Gap Trail, which visits Castle Rock Falls and leads to CastleRock Trail Camp. The return journey is on the high-altitude trail, which runs parallel to Sar at high altitude and offers magnificent views when the weather is clear.

From Highway 17 north of Los Gatos, take the Highway 9 exit and climb into the Santa Cruz Mountains until you meet Highway 35. Go south to State Park and continue south until this signpost marks Castle Rock Trail Trail and CastleRock Trail Camp.

This signposted path starts at the western end of the property and the main path runs along a stream and crosses a pedestrian bridge. The descent to the Saratoga Gap Trail begins in the shade of oak ferns and soon leads along a side road to Castle Rock.

The waterfall, which is located at the top of the gorge, looks down into the gorge and the sight may have been the main reason for the construction of this observation deck. From the large viewing platforms, one could expect a view of the 100-foot Kings Creek cascades known as Castle Rock Falls.

The path climbs up a wooded slope and leaves the trees standing for 1.5 km to the waterfall. On the way back you pass a signposted path that leads to Goat Rock and after about 1.5 km of hiking along this path you will reach CastleRock Falls.

In the Ivory Forest, hikers have an unobstructed view of Monterey Bay, overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west.

Varian Peak is named after physicist and conservationist Russell Varian, who was instrumental in creating the State Park. Russell Point Overlook offers the best views, but the nicer stop for rest and lunch is about 200 km away, Castle Rock Trail Camp. Madron oak forest fills the wooded slopes and canyons, and the wooded slope above the canyon offers views of Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Mountains and Montessori School.

The camp, which is located in the pine forest, has water and picnic tables, but the path leads a mile further to an outdoor exhibition that really shows the location and the land. Follow the steps to climb the ridge path up the slope dotted with oaks, madrons, boulders and rocks.

Turn left and go back onto the Saratoga Gap Trail. Return to the track and meander back to Castle Rock State Park, which is about one mile away.