CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK

Leader: Gary Weiss

Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone: 415-279-5570

Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, October 10, 2020

Meeting Time: 10:15 AM

Departure Time: 10:30 AM

Meeting Place: We'll meet at the Summit Rock/Skyline Trail Parking Area on Skyline/Highway 35, around 1.4 miles south of Saratoga Gap/Big Basin Way/Highway 9.   If this smaller lot is full we can try the main lot which is 1.2 miles farther south on the right.  After you've passed the Saratoga Gap/Highway 9 intersection, start looking on the left (east) for the dirt parking area.  The sign says something like: Sanborn/Skyline/Summit Rock.  G-Maps link:  https://goo.gl/maps/PaL981TkPoGgSQBr5

Rating:  Level 3

Mileage: 7.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1300 ft

Description:  (IF IT'S TOO HOT OR IF THERE'S SMOKE OR FIRE DANGER THE ROUTE MAY CHANGE).
Castle Rock State Park is known for its "tafoni" or Swiss-cheese rock formations, and having about the highest elevation in the Santa Cruz mountains, outstanding views of the mountains and the Pacific. We'll begin at the Summit Rock/Skyline parking area, then go up Skyline Trail, perhaps detouring to see the view from Summit Rock, then head past the main park entrance parking area on Skyline/Highway 35. We'll then go up to Castle Rock itself, then follow the Saratoga Gap, Ridge, Loghry Woods Trails to make a beautiful loop through the park. There are several incredible rock formations along the way, and view points that we'll hike out to. The park has some enormous madrones, live and California black oaks and Douglas firs. We'll be in the shade for about 90% of the hike. Hopefully we'll have some clear skies to take advantage of the views.

Santa Cruz County has relaxed its group-size restrictions.  But all of the usual directives, masks, distancing..... MUST be followed.  These initial hikes will be limited to 12 people (sorry!)
Below are the regulations:

• We need to stay at least 6' apart at all times;
• You need to keep whatever type of mask you prefer around your neck at all times to be prepared to put it in place at a moment's notice when encountering others.  Some prefer to wear a mask at all times - even better!  The easiest solution some of us have found is to wear a bandana around your neck, shifting it up over your nose and mouth when passing or speaking with others;
• Ideally, unless you're members of one household, there should be one passenger in the back right seat only.  Drivers and passengers can decide what they feel comfortable with.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED A RIDE AND/OR CAN TAKE A PASSENGER, AND WHAT YOUR COMFORT LEVEL IS REGARDING PASSENGERS.

Bring/Wear:  Lots of water!!, sturdy hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, sunscreen and your MASK.

Rain Policy: Hike will take place but may be altered if either smoke or heat is extreme.

Driving Distance: 110 miles total there and back

Car Pool Fees Including Bridge Toll: $14