Location: County: Santa Cruz. Nearest City: Saratoga. See map 1.

Campsites, facilities: 23 primitive hike-in (2.8 miles) site. Please contact the park directly for detailed camping availability information. Primitive campsites for backpackers are the only overnight facilities. Equestrians are urged to call ahead for current trail information. Dogs are not allowed on the trails or in the campground.

Reservations, fees: Call the park for information.

Contact: Phone Castle Rock State Park at 1-408-867-2952.

Operating hours, seasons: Call the park for information; open all year round.

Directions: From Saratoga, take Highway 9 south and turn east on 35 (Skyline Blvd.). The park is located on Highway 35, just 21/2 miles southeast of the junction with Highway 9.

Weather, clothing: The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.

Trip notes: Along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park embraces 3,600 acres of 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. They are part of an even more extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys with Castle Rock, Big Basin Redwoods State park, and the Pacific Coast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to go Camping

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Miwok Lodge 439